The Chisholm Monument

The most valuable monument in the churchyard: imported Italian marble on a sandstone base with a two-foot concrete footing, built in 1873 for Robert Bruce Chisholm at a cost of around $5,000 — more than the price of two large homes at the time. Seven members of the family died in seven years. One rumour holds that the Curse of Ireland was placed on them, that all immediate family would die within seven years and not in their beds. The legends mention tragic accidents, a train derailing, possible disease, and even murder. The monument carries thistles for the family’s Scottish heritage, ivy and roses for faithfulness and the brevity of life, and at its centre a statue known as the Lady of Hope.