Aberdeen’s cemetery is a true resting place. Well kept and shaded by Cypress trees, the area is a veritable walk through the history of the town. Looking at the many gravestones and memorials, one can see the periods of illness and those wars that struck the town. Adjacent to the Christian cemetery is the Jewish cemetery, rich with a story of its own of the former Jewish residents of Aberdeen.

Jan Vorster of Brakfontein
Near to the main entrance of the cemetery lies a crypt-like grave, neat and simple. This is the resting place of Jan Vorster, the owner of the farm Brakfontein, which he sold to the Dutch Reformed Church (N.G. Kerk) in 1855. It was this farm that was eventually divided up into erven and sold to the first residents of what would develop into the town of Aberdeen.

Anglo-Boer War : British Graves
In memory of the 25 officers, NCO’s and men who fell in the district in the Anglo-Boer War of 1899 – 1902.

Anglo-Boer War : Boer Graves
In memory of 4 members of the Boer forces who fell in the district in the Anglo-Boer War of 1899 – 1902, including the first Boer to be executed for wearing British uniform in combat against the British.

The Jewish Cemetery
Contains the graves of 20 Jewish citizens who died in the town between 1903 and 1941.

Commandant Carel van Heerden:
Van Heerden was killed in a hail of bullets on 12 May 1902 during a shoot-out outside the Dutch Reformed Church whilst trying to steal horses belonging to the British. His men managed to get away with 54 horses.

John Baxter:
Baxter was shot for wearing British khaki, as many of the Commandos were forced to wear clothing captured from the British. Baxter had asked directions to his camp from a local shepherd. Thinking he was British because of his apparel the shepherd directed him to the British encampment where he was captured by the 17th Lancers.