Barbara,
Went to the church today, was a really nice little village. Judging by the number of gravestones and the number of Burfoots in there it looks like they were one of half a dozen prominent families in Cowden in the 1800's.
I'm afraid there is a lot of weather damage to most of the stones, but I managed to get some details off and took pictures of them all which I will upload when I get home.
You are right that most of the stones are together in a group to the left of the path as soon as you get into the graveyard. I counted 7 Burfoot stones in that group, along with another one close which I think might be but it's been completely wiped by weather damage. Also and interestingly, there is another single stone and that is right next to the door of the church with 3 other stones (all unrelated) - this was for a Christopher Burfoot, but everything but some of his name has gone.
So here's my rough notes on the stones;
1) Next to church door, to right with 3 other stones
Christopher Burfoot, small stone only part of name visible, heavy weather damage
2) First stone on left of path as entering graveyard, slighty damaged
In loving memory of Stephen Burfoot of Cold (illegible word) Farm in this Parish. Died June 11th 1862 aged 70 years. Also Elizabeth Burfoot, wife of the above, died April 5th 1855, aged 62 years. Also Elizabeth Burfoot, daughter of the above, died Feb 1848, aged 31 years.
3) Next in the same row, badly weather damaged
In memory of Sarah Burfoot, daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth Burfoot, departed this life Dec 19th 1842, aged 21 years.
4) Next row away from wall, behind Sarah's
Sacred to the memory of Sarah Burfoot, wife of...(remainder illegible)
5) Next to above, behind Stephen & Elizabeth's
Sacred to the memory of John Burfoot, died Nov 22nd 180...(last digit illegible), aged 82 years.
6) Next row away from wall
Possible Burfoot stone, completely weather damaged
7) Next over in same row, towards path
To the memory of Edward(?) [I don't think it's Edward...it finishes 'ward' but the actual length of name looks longer] Burfoot who died Feb 15th 1877 (looks like 1877), aged 79 years. Also Elizabeth his wife who died Jan 21st 1874 aged 75 years.
Over near path
Sacred to the memory of Fanny Burfoot, daughter of William and Ann Burfoot, who departed this life 13 May 1849, aged 45 years.
9) Nearer church
In memory of William Burfoot, who died March 5th 1818 aged 80 years.
Like I say, there may be more - but at least 50% of the stones are damaged beyond reading - but I think most if not all of the Burfoots are in that grouping - with the exception of Christopher.
Will upload the photos later, although they might not be that clear given the damage - I had to stand at really wierd angles to be able to read some of the writing, hope no-one was looking!
Hope this helps.
Matt
