When you paddle the St. John River, you expect scenic views and wildlife. You do not expect to stumble upon century old grave markers. But that is exactly what Fredericton kayaker Melissa Lavigne found during a recent trip along the city’s south side.

According to a report by CBC News, Lavigne discovered a partially submerged headstone and a separate grave marker belonging to two different men. The men died 67 years apart and are buried in completely different cemeteries.

A Connection to the Mayflower

Lavigne spotted the first headstone resting against the rocky shore about 100 metres upriver from the Westmorland Street Bridge. The worn stone reads WARD BYRON BORN 7th APRIL DIED 24th NOVEMBER 04.

Provincial Archives of New Brunswick records connect these dates to Edward Byron Winslow. Winslow was a prominent Fredericton lawyer who died in 1904. His obituary notes he was a direct descendant of Edward Winslow, a passenger on the Mayflower in 1620.

The strange part is that Winslow is buried more than three kilometres away at the Forest Hill Cemetery. His actual grave features a complete headstone with his full name. Josh Green, a manager at the provincial archives, told CBC News he concluded the river stone was a discarded draft. A local stonecutter operating around 1900 threw the stone into the river after making a spelling error.

A Veteran’s Marker Returned

Lavigne made her second discovery later on the same trip. She pulled a small metal placard from the water reading Walter F. Blair 1892 to 1971.

Blair was born at the Victoria Public Hospital, which once stood near the exact riverbank where Lavigne found the marker. Archival records show Blair served as a major in the 104th Regiment during both world wars. He is buried in the Fredericton Rural Cemetery extension.

Lavigne and her husband successfully tracked down surviving family members. They returned the marker to Stuart Blair, who plans to pass it along to a relative who preserves their family history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who found the headstones in the St. John River?

Fredericton kayaker Melissa Lavigne discovered the headstone and grave marker while paddling along the south side of the river.

Who do the grave markers belong to?

The stone headstone belongs to Edward Byron Winslow, a prominent lawyer who died in 1904. The metal marker belongs to Walter F. Blair, a military veteran who died in 1971.

Why was Edward Byron Winslow’s headstone in the river?

Archivists conclude a local stonecutter discarded the headstone into the river over a century ago due to an engraving error. Winslow is actually buried at the Forest Hill Cemetery with a corrected headstone.

What happened to Walter F. Blair’s grave marker?

Lavigne returned the metal marker to surviving family members to keep with their family history records.