Katie Bennett

In loving Memory
Of Our Dearly Beloved Daughter
Kattie Bennett
Who Departed This Life 22nd July 1907
Aged 24 Years
The Midnight Starts are Shining Upon Her Lonely Grave
Where Sleeping Without Dreaming Lies One We Could Not Save
We Do Not Forget You Nor Do We Ever Intend
For We Think of You Daily, and Will to the End
Erected By Her Loving Family
(Hebrew inscription on bottom half)

Headstone : (marble stele semicircular with cusps and flower/fern relief, concrete edging, iron rail)

This is the only Jewish burial in McLeod Street Pioneer Cemetery; the ground was consecrated according to the Jewish rites by Dr.Lenzer, the Rabbi of Melbourne, who was on a visit to Cairns when Katie’s death occurred and he officiated at her burial. It is also the only grave to face east.

Katie was born to Harry Bennett and Fanny, nee Emmanuel c1885. Records state that Katie was born in Manchester UK.

As well as Katie, Harry and Fanny Bennett had 2 other children, Joseph and Rachel. Katie never married.

Harry and Fanny went to Brisbane to live after Katie’s death and the obituary for Harry Bennet stated that “he was the oldest member of the Jewish faith in Queensland”. He died at his home in New Farm (Brisbane) and was known in many parts of Queensland. He followed a variety of callings, including cabinet maker, builder, miner and racehorse owner and his activities extended from Brisbane to the Far North.

According the newspaper obituary for Katie’s father, Harry Bennett, there were 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Information Compiled By: Cairns District Family History Society Inc.