Notable People
Kingston and the surrounding area is rich in history and many of those "history makers" are interred at Cataraqui Cemetery. Since the early 1800's Kingston has been influential to the growth of the province and ultimately to the growth of Canada as a nation. Many of Kingston's early citizens and families became Interment Rights Holders at Cataraqui Cemetery. The most recognized person interred at Cataraqui Cemetery is Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first Prime Minister and Father of Confederation. Sir Alexander Campbell, another Father of Confederation, can also be found with in our historic gates. As Sir John A.'s confidant and longtime friend, Sir Alexander Campbell was instrumental in the formation of the Cemetery and became the first President of The Cataraqui Cemetery Board of Trustees. The Cataraqui is the only cemetery in Ontario to have the distinction of being the final resting place of 2 Fathers of Confederation, but the Cemetery's historical importance does not end here.
Cataraqui is the final resting place for many great humanitarians, entrepreneurs, giants of industry, authors, celebrities, and history makers. We honour the memories of these individuals as well as all citizens and past family members. We take great pride in sharing the stories of their accomplishments and lives so that young and old may learn the timeless lesson of "where did we come from and where we are going".
A young student once noticed and commented that it is interesting that Cataraqui Cemetery holds the memories of some of Canada's most prominent individuals as well as some of its less fortunate and forgotten. All of their stories should inspire us to create a better world. Cataraqui Cemetery encourages history and learning. We are happy to share the Cemetery as a classroom for students of all ages. We offer guided cemetery walking or trolley tours. These tours are led by volunteers and are available by reservation. Donations are gratefully appreciated. If you are more interested in going at your own pace, self guided walking tour books are available for purchase at our office. Contact us for more information about our tours, special events and walking tour books.
We recognize that every person has a story. We would like to learn more about any of the 46,000+ individuals interred at Cataraqui Cemetery as well as their contributions to the history and makeup of our community. We invite you to share with us any stories and information.
Some of the many notable individuals at Cataraqui Cemetery:
Sir John A. Macdonald, politician, lawyer, Canada's first Prime Minister and a Father of Confederation.
Sir Alexander Campbell, politician, lawyer, a Father of Confederation and first President of The Cataraqui Cemetery.
Charles Sangster, author, poet, fellow of the Royal Society, editor, civil servant and journalist.
Micajah Purdy, early settler, mill owner and United Empire Loyalist.
Edward John Barker Pense, mayor, second publisher of the British Whig (Whig Standard).
Sir John Hamilton, politician and a founder of Queen's University.
James Morton Sr., industrialist, capitalist, ship owner, part owner of the Kingston Locomotive Works.
Capt. James Sutherland, WWI veteran, pioneer of amateur organized hockey and founder of the Memorial Cup.
Gunner James D. March, killed at Fort Henry, veteran of the Crimean War and Northwest Rebellion.
Harriet Dobbs Cartwright, artist, writer and humanitarian.
Sir Richard Cartwright, businessman and prominent politician.
David Nicol, Cataraqui Cemetery Superintendent in the late 1800's, responsible for the transformation to a garden cemetery.
Thomas MacLeod, three time Antarctic polar explorer with famed explorers Scott and Shackelton.
Lt. Gen. Sir Archibald Cameron Macdonnell, WWI General, RMC Graduate and RMC Commandant.
Major W. Bruce Carruthers, Boer War veteran and founder of the Canadian Signaling Corps.
Dr. James Sampson, War of 1812 military surgeon, doctor and a founder of Kingston General Hospital.
Dr. Margaret Angus, author, historian and supporter of Kingston's architectural heritage.
Sir George Airey Kirkpatrick, politician rising to become Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario.
Air Commodore Leonard Birchall, "Saviour of Ceylon", RMC Commandant and philanthropist.
James Richardson, businessman and patriarch of the Richardson family and companies.
Agnes Etherington, art matriarch of Kingston and philanthropist.
Sir Henry Smith Jr., politician, Speaker of the House and Solicitor General.
Henry Gildersleeve, early lake Ontario master shipbuilder.
William Coverdale, prominent local architect and master builder of Kingston Penitentiary.
John Creighton, Warden of Kingston Penitentiary, Mayor of Kingston, police magistrate and book seller.
Agnes Maule Machar, naturalist, humanitarian, author, social reformer and a founder of the Kingston Humane Society.
Henry Cassady, lawyer, Mayor of Kingston and early mentor to Sir John A. Macdonald.
Thomas Burrowes, painter, artist, surveyor and overseer of the Rideau Canal construction.
John Counter, 8 time Mayor of Kingston and businessman, co-donated with Sir John A. Macdonald Kingston's City Hall Clock Tower.
Harry Traill, first Kingston prison guard killed in the line of duty, son of author Catherine Parr-Traill, nephew of authors Susanna Moodie and Agnes Strickland.