Memorial Headstone in Mt Hope Cemetery

This interesting gravestone is located in Mt Hope Cemetery, Rochester NY. The burial records come from a register housed in the Rare Books and Manuscripts Department of Rush Rhees Library at the University of Rochester (U. of R., volume #13). This register, along with many others, was donated to the university by Hillside Children's Center, the organization's current name.

The Rochester Orphan Asylum began in 1837 with just nine orphans in residence. By the 1850 census, approximately 75 children were living at the orphanage. Despite the care provided, the diseases of the 19th century took their toll. These records document the children who died at the Asylum. The register continued to be updated after 1873 and was used until 1905. There are five rows of graves in the Rochester Orphan Asylum lot, which is located in Section O of Mt. Hope Cemetery.

A devastating fire broke out at the Asylum on January 8, 1901. Tragically, twenty-eight children and three employees lost their lives, and several other children were injured.

Photo by Guy Vito.