Unmarked Graves Reveal New Rockford's Pioneer History

Part II of a six-part series exploring Block 7 of St. John's Cemetery

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:00am

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph in warm, muted tones, representing the untold stories and faded memories of the unmarked graves in St. John's Cemetery.The unmarked graves of New Rockford's pioneers hold the faded memories of the town's early history.New Rockford Today

This article continues the exploration of Block 7 in St. John's Cemetery in New Rockford, North Dakota, uncovering the stories behind three more unmarked graves - those of Fred Collins, Ann (Dwyer) Collins, and John Delaney. It also provides details on the burials of Joseph Vesley and Philbena (Mitzel) Lesmeister, whose graves are marked.

Why it matters

These unmarked graves represent the lives of early settlers and pioneers who helped build the community of New Rockford. Uncovering their stories sheds light on the town's history and the struggles faced by those who came before. The article also highlights the importance of preserving local cemeteries as repositories of community memory.

The details

The article delves into the lives of Fred Collins, a longtime resident of New Rockford who later moved to Canada; Ann (Dwyer) Collins, a pioneering woman who came to the area in the 1880s; and John Delaney, an Irish immigrant who worked as a laborer and farmhand. It also provides details on the burials of Joseph Vesley, a lifelong resident of the area, and Philbena (Mitzel) Lesmeister, who homesteaded in Pierce County before moving to the New Rockford area.

  • Fred Collins was born on November 13, 1876 in Pennsylvania.
  • Ann (Dwyer) Collins died on June 18, 1919 in New Rockford, North Dakota.
  • John Delaney died on November 22, 1946 in New Rockford, North Dakota.
  • Joseph Vesley was born on April 4, 1911 in Munster Township, Eddy County, North Dakota.
  • Philbena (Mitzel) Lesmeister died on November 21, 1946 in New Rockford, North Dakota.

The players

Fred Collins

A longtime resident of New Rockford, North Dakota who later moved to Calgary, Canada.

Ann (Dwyer) Collins

A pioneering woman who came to the New Rockford area in the 1880s with her husband John.

John Delaney

An Irish immigrant who worked as a laborer and farmhand in the New Rockford area.

Joseph Vesley

A lifelong resident of the New Rockford area who worked as a laborer and mechanic.

Philbena (Mitzel) Lesmeister

A homesteader in Pierce County who later moved to the New Rockford area with her husband John.

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What they’re saying

“Early day resident is laid to rest here in services on Monday (Sept. 12, 1949).”

— Obituary for Fred Collins

“Pioneer passes away – Mrs. John Collins, Pioneer resident of county, died last Friday evening – resident of this county since early 80s – Funeral services held Monday morning and remains laid to rest in cemetery.”

— Obituary for Ann (Dwyer) Collins

The takeaway

This article sheds light on the lives of early settlers and pioneers who helped build the community of New Rockford, North Dakota. By uncovering the stories behind the unmarked graves in St. John's Cemetery, it preserves an important part of the town's history and highlights the significance of local cemeteries as repositories of community memory.