Kayaker Discovers Unexpected Historical Markers in St. John River

During a recent kayaking excursion along the St. John River in Fredericton, Melissa Lavigne encountered two distinct historical artifacts partially submerged near the shoreline. The first discovery was a headstone bearing the name Ward Byron, born April 7 and deceased November 24, 1904. This stone, located near the Westmorland Street Bridge, is believed to belong to Edward Byron Winslow, a lawyer and descendant of a Mayflower passenger, who died in 1904. Records indicate Winslow is officially interred at Forest Hill Cemetery, and archival research suggests the river stone might have been a discarded or flawed initial engraving from a local stone works.

The second find was a smaller grave marker inscribed with 'Walter F. Blair 1892-1971.' Provincial archives confirm Walter Blair was a military major who served in both World Wars and was a civilian accountant. His marker was discovered near the former Victoria Public Hospital, by the riverbank. Blair is buried in the Fredericton Rural Cemetery. Arrangements have been made to return the marker to Blair's surviving family members. The origins of both markers in the river remain uncertain, with speculation pointing to potential manufacturing errors for the headstone and unknown circumstances for the grave marker.