Ottawa, Canada, Beechwood Cemetery Registers, 1873-1990

The five burial ledgers digitized in this database document interments at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, Ontario, from 1873 to 1990. The ledgers also contain names for some people who died before 1873 (as early as 1821) whose remains were later moved to Beechwood.

Beechwood Cemetery was established in 1873 on a rural site in Ottawa, the nation's capital. Though it began as a Protestant cemetery, it grew to reflect the multicultural character of Canada itself and now includes Chinese and other ethno-cultural sections. Few Canadian cemeteries are as decorated, and it is one of only four cemeteries in Canada to be recognized as a National Historic Site.

In 2001, the Beechwood Cemetery became the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces, and in 2009, it was designated the National Cemetery of Canada. Beechwood is the last resting place of statesmen, veterans and war dead, historical and sports figures, as well as “everyday” Canadians, including plumbers, farmers, housewives, and waiters.

The interment records are indexed by name, death date, birth date, birthplace, and parents' names. Depending on the year, ledger pages may also include the following information:

• last residence
• occupation
• gender
• disease or cause of death
• date of interment
• place of interment
• funeral director or undertaker
• informant (relative or friend)
• informant’s relationship to the deceased

Please note that interment records are spread over two pages in the ledger books. When viewing the images, be sure to browse to the next image to find additional information about the deceased individual.