Old Catholic Cemetery Stone #9 Michael Gallivan Dimensions: about 7’x2’x2’ Orientation: N/A Carver: Not identified Inscription: SACRED/ To the memory/ of/ MICHAEL GALLIVAN/ Native of Ireland/ County of Kilkenny/ parish of Moncoin/ who departed this/ life January the 23^rd/ Aged 61 years/ May his soul rest in/ peace Amen/ [A.D. 1842] Condition: The stone in its current position is significantly eroded when compared to similar stones (like John McKinnon’s), and both staining and lichen/moss cover contribute to the overall deterioration and illegibility of the text. The largest and central of three rosettes featured on the headstone is still quite discernible, although the other two are less distinct. The rosette was an interesting choice for this headstone as the subject was not of Scottish extraction. The incised line outlining the edges of the stone are still visible, but in many places there are large chips in the stone. The bottom has also been broken, partially obscuring the last line of text that dates the stone. Michael Gallivan appears in the 1827 census for the Town of Dorchester with a household of 7, including himself, his wife, 3 sons, and 2 daughters. Gallivan’s property was modest; he owned 12 acres of cleared land, no uncleared land, 8 head of cattle, 1 horse, 14 sheep, and 5 pigs. It is possible that he was only a part-time farmer as well. Connie Feltmate (edited by Christopher Greencorn) [ Back ]