Unraveling the Final Resting Place of Arthur Edward Maxwell Head

Delving into the Complexities Surrounding a WWI Lieutenant-Colonel's Burial

Key Insights into Arthur Edward Maxwell Head's Burial

Mysterious Death and Initial Absence of Burial Details: Arthur Edward Maxwell Head died suddenly in London on November 15, 1921, at Dalmeny Court, Duke St. Despite the Belfast Newsletter reporting his death, initial reports notably lacked any specific burial information, which was uncommon for the time. This immediate absence of details contributed to the difficulty in tracing his final resting place.
Exclusion from Family Plots: Extensive research indicates that Arthur Edward Maxwell Head is definitively not buried with his father, Henry Haswell Head, in Deansgrange Cemetery, Dublin. Efforts to locate him alongside his mother, Harriette Annette Catherine Head, who died in Strangford in 1930, have also been unsuccessful, suggesting he was not interred in a shared family plot in Ireland.
Persistent Search and Unconfirmed Location: Despite various genealogical inquiries and community efforts across Ireland and the UK, the precise burial location of Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Edward Maxwell Head remains largely unconfirmed. His will listed his address as Ferry Quarter, Strangford, Co. Down, and he was affiliated with the Church of Ireland, leading to speculation about local Irish burial sites, though none have been definitively identified.

The Elusive Burial of Arthur Edward Maxwell Head

The search for the final resting place of Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Edward Maxwell Head presents a genealogical puzzle, marked by a sudden death, ambiguous initial reports, and the absence of clear burial records. Born on June 18, 1876, in Dublin, Ireland, Arthur Edward Maxwell Head served as a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Royal Field Artillery. His life concluded abruptly on November 15, 1921, at the age of 45, at Dalmeny Court, Duke Street, London. While his death was reported in the Belfast Newsletter on November 17, 1921, a crucial detail was missing: his burial location. This omission, unusual for the era, has significantly complicated efforts to ascertain where he was interred.

Circumstances of Death and Initial Lack of Information

Arthur Edward Maxwell Head's death was recorded as sudden, occurring in London. Reports from the time, such as that in the Belfast Newsletter, mentioned his passing but provided no accompanying details about his burial. This immediate lack of information spurred inquiries from various genealogical communities and researchers seeking to piece together his life's final chapter. While a coroner's inquiry confirmed his death was due to natural causes (heart disease), the public record remained silent on his interment.

Charles Sodokoff and Arthur Webber in top hats, suggesting a period aesthetic relevant to historical inquiry.
A historical image reflecting the era of Arthur Edward Maxwell Head, hinting at the time period's cultural context.

Tracing Family Connections and Burial Sites

Researchers have diligently explored potential burial locations based on his family's known history. His father, Henry Haswell Head, who died on January 13, 1910, is buried in Deansgrange Cemetery in Dublin. However, it has been confirmed through direct investigation that Arthur Edward Maxwell Head is not buried with his father in this cemetery. This is a significant finding, as family plots were common practice.

Further efforts have focused on his mother, Harriette Annette Catherine Head (née Nugent), who died in Strangford on January 26, 1930. Given Arthur's will stated his address as Ferry Quarter, Strangford, Co. Down, and his affiliation with the Church of Ireland, it was hypothesized that he might have been buried locally in Ireland, possibly alongside his mother. However, as of present research, no definitive evidence has emerged confirming his burial alongside his mother or in any local graveyard in the Strangford area. This ongoing search underscores the challenging nature of historical genealogical research, especially when official records are incomplete.

The Role of Wills and Personal Addresses in the Search

The mention of Ferry Quarter, Strangford, Co. Down, in Arthur Edward Maxwell Head's will is a key piece of information. This address suggests a strong connection to the area, leading researchers to investigate local Church of Ireland graveyards for any records of his interment. Despite these leads, the absence of a confirmed burial record remains a persistent challenge for genealogists.

Comparative Analysis of Notable Maxwell Burials

While Arthur Edward Maxwell Head's burial remains unconfirmed, examining the known resting places of other prominent individuals named Maxwell can offer insight into various burial practices and historical contexts. This comparative analysis highlights the diverse circumstances surrounding final interments, from family plots to highly publicized burials of public figures.

Robert Maxwell: A High-Profile Burial in Jerusalem

In stark contrast to the mystery surrounding Arthur Edward Maxwell Head, the burial of British press baron Robert Maxwell (1923-1991) was a highly publicized event. Robert Maxwell died mysteriously on November 5, 1991, after falling from his yacht, the Lady Ghislaine, off the Canary Islands. His body was found shortly thereafter.

Despite his controversial life and the circumstances of his death, Maxwell received a funeral befitting a national hero in Israel. He was buried on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, one of Judaism's most prestigious cemeteries, overlooking the Western Wall. This location was his personal wish, and his funeral was attended by numerous Israeli dignitaries, including Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir and President Chaim Herzog, as well as six serving and former heads of Israeli intelligence services. This elaborate send-off underscored his significant, albeit sometimes controversial, support for Israel. The burial ceremony was described as stark and unadorned, adhering to traditional Jewish burial practices, with his body shrouded and covered with a prayer shawl.

A video discussing leadership, featuring John C. Maxwell, a different notable Maxwell, highlighting the diverse fields associated with the surname.

Other Arthur Maxwells with Known Burials

Several other individuals named Arthur Maxwell have recorded burial locations, illustrating the varying historical contexts and geographical distribution of the name.

Arthur Edward “Arthy” Maxwell (1878-1911): Buried in Triplett Cemetery, Texanna, McIntosh County, Oklahoma, USA. He died tragically on May 29, 1911, reportedly killed during an altercation at the Pony Starr ranch.
Arthur Edward Maxwell (1902-1989): Buried in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Coalinga, Fresno County, California, USA. He passed away on March 17, 1989.
J. Arthur Maxwell (1909-1989): Buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Columbus, Franklin, Ohio, United States, after his death on July 15, 1989.
Arthur Graham Maxwell (1921-2010): Interred at Montecito Memorial Park, Colton, San Bernardino County, California, USA. He was an emeritus professor of New Testament Studies at Loma Linda University and the son of Arthur Maxwell of "Bedtime Stories" fame.
Arthur Maxwell Glanville (1941-2005): Buried in Fred Hunter's Hollywood Memorial Gardens North, Hollywood, Broward County, Florida, USA.
Arthur Kenlis Maxwell (1879-1957): The 11th Baron Farnham, an Irish Representative Peer and Nova Scotia baronet. While his burial location isn't explicitly detailed, his noble status suggests a specific family plot or distinguished cemetery.

A Snapshot of Maxwell Burials: A Comparative Table

To further illustrate the diverse burial locations and contexts for individuals named Maxwell, the following table provides a concise overview of those with confirmed final resting places, allowing for a clear comparison with the unresolved case of Arthur Edward Maxwell Head. This table highlights how individual circumstances, historical events, and family traditions influenced burial decisions.

Name	Birth Year	Death Year	Known Burial Location	Notable Details / Context
Arthur Edward Maxwell Head	1876	1921	Unknown (Died London; connections to Strangford, Ireland investigated; not with father in Dublin)	Lieutenant-Colonel, Royal Field Artillery. Died suddenly in London. Burial details not reported at time of death.
Robert Maxwell	1923	1991	Mount of Olives Cemetery, Jerusalem, Israel	British press baron. Controversial death at sea. Received a state-like funeral in Israel due to his support for the country.
Arthur Edward “Arthy” Maxwell	1878	1911	Triplett Cemetery, Texanna, McIntosh County, Oklahoma, USA	Died in a violent incident at Pony Starr ranch.
Arthur Edward Maxwell	1902	1989	Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Coalinga, Fresno County, California, USA	—
J. Arthur Maxwell	1909	1989	Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Columbus, Franklin, Ohio, United States	—
Arthur Graham Maxwell	1921	2010	Montecito Memorial Park, Colton, San Bernardino County, California, USA	Son of "Bedtime Stories" Arthur Maxwell; New Testament Studies professor.
Arthur Maxwell Glanville	1941	2005	Fred Hunter's Hollywood Memorial Gardens North, Hollywood, Broward County, Florida, USA	—
Henry Haswell Head (Father of A.E.M. Head)	1820	1910	Deansgrange Cemetery, Dublin, Ireland	Father of Arthur Edward Maxwell Head. Confirmed separate burial location.

The Enduring Mystery: Why No Clear Records?

The persistent difficulty in locating the burial site of Arthur Edward Maxwell Head highlights several factors that can complicate genealogical research, particularly for individuals who died in a period marked by shifting social and administrative practices. The sudden nature of his death in London, far from his declared address in Strangford, and the immediate lack of burial details in public announcements, are significant contributors to the current mystery.

Potential Factors Contributing to the Ambiguity

Several possibilities might explain the elusive nature of Arthur Edward Maxwell Head's burial record:

Private Burial: It's possible he had a private burial that was not widely publicized or formally recorded in easily accessible public databases.
Cremation: While less common in 1921, cremation was an option. If his remains were cremated, the ashes might have been interred in a family plot without a dedicated headstone, scattered, or held by relatives.
Lost or Unindexed Records: Records from that period, especially for deaths occurring away from one's primary residence, might be fragmented or not yet digitized and indexed in comprehensive databases like Find a Grave or local cemetery registries.
Interment in an Unidentified London Cemetery: Despite his Irish connections, his death in London might indicate burial in a London cemetery whose records have not yet been linked to his name or whose indexing is incomplete for that period.
Family Decision and Privacy: The family might have opted for a discreet burial, or a burial in a location not immediately obvious based on his last known address or family history.

Assessing the Availability of Burial Information

To provide a structured assessment of the challenges in finding Arthur Edward Maxwell Head's burial, we can use a radar chart that evaluates various aspects of information availability and clarity. This chart represents the perceived ease or difficulty in confirming specific details, with higher values indicating greater clarity and lower values indicating significant ambiguity.

The radar chart above illustrates the perceived clarity of information regarding Arthur Edward Maxwell Head's burial. A score of 8 for 'Death Date & Location Clarity' indicates that the date and city of his death are well-established. However, 'Family Burial Site Consistency' scores low (2) as he is not buried with his father, and efforts to link him to his mother's potential burial site have been inconclusive. 'Public Record Availability' (3) and 'Historical Record Digitization' (3) also score low, reflecting the challenge of finding his specific burial details in readily accessible records. 'Geographical Linkage (London vs. Ireland)' (4) indicates a moderate understanding of where he might have been buried, but no definitive answer. Finally, 'Genealogical Community Insight' (5) shows that while the community has explored possibilities, a definitive answer remains elusive. This chart visually represents the persistent gaps in the available historical data concerning his final resting place.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where exactly did Arthur Edward Maxwell Head die?

Arthur Edward Maxwell Head died suddenly at Dalmeny Court, Duke Street, London, on November 15, 1921.

Was Arthur Edward Maxwell Head buried with his father?

No, research confirms that Arthur Edward Maxwell Head is not buried with his father, Henry Haswell Head, in Deansgrange Cemetery, Dublin.

Are there any records of his burial in Strangford, Co. Down?

While his will indicated an address in Ferry Quarter, Strangford, Co. Down, and he was affiliated with the Church of Ireland, no definitive burial records have been found for him in that area.

Why is it so difficult to find his burial location?

The difficulty stems from the sudden nature of his death in London, the absence of specific burial details in contemporary newspaper reports, and the potential for a private burial or unindexed historical records.

Conclusion

The question of where Arthur Edward Maxwell Head is buried remains an unresolved point in his historical and genealogical record. While his birth and death details are established, the path to his final resting place is obscured by a lack of explicit contemporary records. Despite extensive research that rules out interment with his father in Dublin and investigates potential sites in Strangford, the exact location of his grave continues to elude definitive confirmation. This case underscores the inherent challenges in tracing historical burials, particularly when initial public records are incomplete or when private arrangements might have been made. The ongoing efforts by genealogical communities highlight the persistent human desire to connect with and understand the lives of those who came before us, even when confronted with lingering mysteries.