Our “Residents’” Stories
At the 2026 Parramatta Open presented by Museums of History NSW the Friends trialled a self-guided tour of the Cemetery using QR links that revealed the stories of our colourful Parramatta “residents” buried in the Cemetery.
This was an overwhelmingly popular initiative, with many attendees requesting that the QRs become a permanent feature as it made “ the Cemetery come alive” !
We’re pleased to offer our members access to these stories researched by Committee Members, and appreciate your support as we work towards making this a reality.
Enjoy!
Arrived free from Germany in 1849
Pioneer grape-grower and tanner/shoe-maker.
Irish convict arrived in 1796
Reportedly died at 100
Arrived free from Italy in 1836
Australia’s first Bandmaster
Arrived free from Ireland via the Napoleonic Wars
Regiment fighter, then Constable
Born in Parramatta in 1818Family of pioneer settlers in Seven Hills and descendant of two First Fleeters.
English convict arrived in 1807Property dealer, publican, builder of the current Brislington Medical and Nursing Museum.
Born in the colony c.1810 At his death reported as Parramatta’s foremost businessman and one time Inspector of Nuisances.
Irishman who arrived free from England in 1801
Well respected citizen who met an untimely death.
Irish political convict arrived in 1800Typical convict turned landholder
Born in Parramatta in c.1869Owner and manager of local stone quarry in Northmead
Irish convict arrived in 1802Oldest extant headstone (1824) and early Constable of Parramatta
Irish convict arrived in 1802Successful with property, not so with his wives!
Irish convict arrived in 1797
Early Seven Hills settler and notable “cattle doctor”.
Born in Toongabbee in 1808
Successful landowner and one time “bad boy”!
Italian/English convict arrived in 1818
A complex name and life!
Irish convict arrived in 1831
Brief story from a woman’s perspective.
Oldest extant headstone of a woman (1826)- despatched to the Female Factory and then wife of the local Chief Deputy Constable
English convict arrived in 1815
Power family plot now bereft of inscriptions.