Gethsemani Abbey Cemetery
Gethsemani Abbey is one of the most peaceful places on earth. Just driving onto the property makes life seem just a little slower and calmer. Gethsemani Abbey was begun in 1848 by the Trappist-Cistercian monks, who were founded in France in 1098. The abbey and its inhabitants are noted for prayer, labor and silence. It is located in the southern part of Nelson County, Kentucky, between the small towns of New Haven and New Hope. This area of the county, Pottinger’s Creek, was settled by Catholics that migrated from Saint Mary’s County, Maryland, in 1785. It is still a very Catholic community.
In front of the Abbey of Gethsemani is the public cemetery, where those who lived close to the abbey have been buried since the early 1800’s. I have photographed all the stones and will have a CD available shortly.
Mary Donohue, 1900-1937
Rosalia Head – September 1, 1817 – May 20, 1893
Robert C. Reid – 1845-1905
John Shannon – Native of County Limerick, Ireland, died February 24, 1869, aged 39 years
Categories: Cemeteries, Family Stories, Genealogy Ramblings


















Joseph Robert Hagan 1901-1985 and Margaret Fenwick had a daughter Rose Ellen Hagan birth date unknown who married a Mr. Shannon. Do you know if John Shannon is related to her?
FYI, for those who do not know, Rosalie Spalding 1817-1893 was the wife of William Jerome Head 1811-1880.
Thanks