Each year, thousands make pilgrimages to cemeteries paying their respects to stars and other famous personalities. The most popular graves are those of celebs who were iconic such as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Bruce Lee and Jim Morrison.   Although we currently do have have any megastars buried in our City there are several notable persons who have chosen Burlington as their final resting place.

Sir Allen Napier MacNab - Holy Sepulcher Cemetery
Born : February 19, 1798 Died: August 8, 1862

Sir Allen Napier MacNab was born in Niagara-on-the-Lake in 1798 to Allan and Anne MacNab. Both of McNab’s parents had roots in the loyalist army that fought during the American Revolution.  Sir Allen MacNab continued this military heritage when he fought in the war of 1812 at the age of 14. In 1826, after his service was over, McNab relocated from what was formerly known as York (currently Toronto) to Hamilton. He began to amass a large fortune due to his established law practice and investments in real estate.  Around 1830, he started his political career that ultimately resulted in MacNab becoming the Premier of the Province of Canada from 1854-1856. He was succeeded by John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first Prime Minister.  Sir Allen McNab died at his estate Dundurn Castle, in Hamilton in 1862 and was laid to rest at the Holy Sepulcher Catholic Cemetery on Plains Road in Burlington. His residence Dundurn Castle, is open to the public for tours and additional information.

Adam Fergusson –St Luke’s Cemetery
Born: March 4, 1783 Died: September 25, 1862

Adam Fergusson was a politician and agriculturalist responsible for the creation of the Town of Fergus Ontario, the CNE and the Veterinary College at the University of Guelph.  Fergusson was born in Perthshire, Scotland in 1783 to Neil Fergusson and Agnes Colquhoun. Before moving to Canada in 1833, Fergusson had established an impressive resume in his home country. He became a magistrate and deputy lieutenant of Perthshire.  In addition, he had become the director of the Highland Society of Scotland, a major agricultural association in Scotland. One year after relocating to Waterdown, Ontario, Fergusson and another man by the name of James Webster bought 7,367 acres of land that became the Town of Fergus. He was also a founding member and the first president of the Agricultural Association of Upper Canada. This association would hold annual shows that started in their first year (1846) in various cities around Canada. These shows would eventually be moved to Toronto and renamed the Canadian National Exhibition.  Fergusson is also credited with bringing the founder of the veterinary college at the University of Guelph, Dr Andrew Smith, to Canada.  Adam Fergusson died in Waterdown and was buried at St. Luke’s Cemetery the site of the oldest church in Burlington.

Elizabeth Brant (Kerr) –St Luke’s Cemetery
Born:  1796  Died:  April 25, 1845

Elizabeth Brant was the daughter of Joseph Brant and his third wife Catherine. Elizabeth married a politician named William Johnson Kerr and they had five children together. In 1802 the British gave Joseph Brant approximately 3500 acres of land for his outstanding military service in the city of Burlington, Ontario. A portion of this land was inherited by Elizabeth Kerr upon her father’s death in 1807. Elizabeth then donated a portion of her land to build Burlington’s oldest church, St Luke’s. Elizabeth Kerr and her husband William Kerr were buried on the same day at St Luke’s on April 27, 1845.

William Johnson Kerr –St Luke’s Cemetery
Born: January 1, 1787  Died: April 23, 1845

William Johnson Kerr was a political figure in Upper Canada. He was born in 1787, the son of Robert Kerr and grandson of Sir William Johnson. He was a captain in the Indian Department and with John Brant and John Norton, he led a group of Six Nations warriors at the Battle of Queenston Heights. He was also involved in the Battle of Beaver Dams and other battles during the War of 1812. He married Elizabeth Brant and they had four children.  He passed away two days before his wife. They were both said to have died of cholera. They were buried side by side on April 27th 1845 at St. Luke’s Cemetery.

The Ireland Family- St John’s Cemetery

The Irelands are known to be one of the first families to settle in Burlington. Joseph Ireland purchased 200 acres of land for the purpose of building a residence for him and his family. Joseph Ireland married his wife Ruth with whom he had three children. The Ireland House was built between 1835 and 1837.  The Irelands Occupied the house until 1985 and in 1987 it was purchased by the City of Burlington and made into a local museum. The Irelands are buried nearby their homestead at St. John’s Anglican church where Joseph Ireland was one of the founding members.

Pioneer Cemeteries

These cemeteries are an interesting part of the history of Burlington. In north Burlington there are several cemeteries that once belonged to pioneer families that inhabited the area. These families would all be buried together on their land. They were often associated with churches that were established by the surrounding families. The list of these cemeteries includes:

• Deforest Cemetery
• Colling Pioneer Cemetery
• Salem Cemetary
• Kilbride Presbyterian Cemetery
• Kilbride United Cemetery
• Campbell  - Davidson Cemetery
• Bradt Cemetery

Boo-lington?

The Burlington area is also known for paranormal activity with many locations claiming resident ghosts.  Several locations such as Emma's Back Porch, Ireland House and Burlington Bay have been featured on shows such as Creepy Canada, and Ghost Trackers.  Other locations claim to have ghostly presence including Joseph Brant Museum and Paletta Mansion.  Visit us if you dare!

Related Pages

• Cemeteries in Burlington
• History & Museums
• Historical Walking Tours
• Places of Worship

Related Links

• Burlington Ghost Walks
• Find a Grave