The first recorded burial in the Matakana Cemetery -

Robert Meiklejohn was born 23 Nov 1838 in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Canada.

He was accidently killed by a falling tree - 5th July 1861, he was only 22 years old.

Family History:

James Meiklejohn (Roberts Father) met Catherine Mustard on board the ship 'Industry of Dunedin' on their way to Canada. They departed Inverness, Scotland arriving at Pictou, Nova Scotia on 17 September, 1831.

The couple married on September 28, 1831 in Pictou before settling in the Cardigan Bay area of Prince Edward Island.

They produced seven sons in Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) where James farmed and also built ships. At Three Rivers, P.E.I. He built four ships, the first 'Success' and the last 'Union' on which he took most of his family to New Zealand.

James Meiklejohn migrated from Canada to New Zealand.

James, his wife and six of their seven sons arrived in New Zealand in March 1858. They were pioneers of the Big Omaha area and he and his sons built boats there.

For other stories about the Meiklejohn family:

Matakana Cemetery Stories - Lemuel Meiklejohn

Matakana Cemetery Stories - Captain Alexander MEIKLEJOHN A.k.a. Sandy