John Culbert & Mary Ward in St. James Cemetery, Clandeboye

John Culbert & Mary Ward were buried in St. James Cemetery, Clandeboye, Ontario. This cemetery is not far from the Culbert homestead near Lucan, Ontario. 

From their arrival in Canada in 1840 until their death in the 1880s, John and Mary lived and raised a large family in a log house in Biddulph Township on the Coursey Line.

Photo by Cheryl Clarridge

Photo by Cheryl Clarridge
Inscription says "In memory of MARY, wife of JOHN CULBERT"

Photo by Cheryl Clarridge
Inscription: If we believe that Jesus died and rose again even so them also who sleep in Jesus will God bring with him 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17.

The dates of death differ on their headstones from the dates of death on their death certificates.

The headstone for Mary (Ward) Culbert states the year of her death as 1889, age 79 but her death certificate and her obituary states the date of death as 12 October 1888.

The headstone for John Culbert states the year of his death as 1888 but his death certificate states the date of death as 15 Oct 1887, age 82.

We know that Mary was a widow when John died, therefore John died in 1887, as it says on his death certificate, below... 

Death certificate image courtesy of Don Jarrell

The cause of John's death was inflammation of the lungs. The informant of his death was John's youngest son, Richard Culbert who took over the operation of the family farm.

John Culbert's place of birth is listed on his death certificate as Kings County, Ireland. King's County was the former name of County Offaly. However, we don't have a birth certificate for John to prove that he was born there.

Death notice for Mary (Ward) Culbert from the Exeter Times, 17 Oct 1888

Obituary for Mary (Ward) Culbert from the Exeter Times, 25 Oct 1888

The obituary shows that Mary (Ward) Culbert died at her residence on the 2nd Concession (the Coursey Line) in Biddulph Township. She is referred to as relict (widow) of the late John Culbert.

She, with her husband, settled at the 2nd Concession over 50 years ago, and lived there continuously ever since. When they first settled in the township it was a howling wilderness, but industry and thrift has transformed it into what may be termed the garden of the province. 

Mrs. Culbert was highly esteemed by her neighbors. She leaves but two or three on the whole concession that may be fairly called "early settlers." She leaves a large and highly respected family, all of whom are grown up and have families of their own. Her end was peace.


John Culbert & Mary Ward's final resting place, St. James Cemetery is located at 34092 Richmond Street North, between Lucan and Clandeboye.