The next stop on our whirlwind North Country tour of July 16, 2015 was the Morningside Cemetery, in Malone, NY. Curiously, as I wrote and researched this post, I found that the cemetery is formed in the shape of a “heart”! How cool is that? Click this link to see that. What my stepmom wanted to show me was the resting place of U. S. Vice President William Wheeler (1876-1880).
I’m nodding all-knowledgeable-like when she told me this, but inside I’m, like, “Vice President William Who?!”
Isn’t that terrible?
Sure, I know there are presidents and VPs that extend back beyond the age of social media history, but, um, I don’t remember them all, sorry. And I’m not a student of politics. I learned what I needed to in grade and high school and hoped it helped frame my mind for the future, but, apparently, I’m in good company, for Rutherford B. Hayes also once asked: “Who is Wheeler?”
Sorry, Mr. Vice President!
There are some other notables interred here, including Orville Gibson, who founded the Gibson Guitar Company. He was also born in Chateaugay, new York—I never knew that. Apparently there was speculation Gibson suffered some form of mental illness. I don’t think we saw his gravestone, but I do believe my stepmom may have mentioned him. Click here for more information on Mr. Gibson.
Anyway, the Vice President’s resting place is beautiful—in fact the entire cemetery is. Rolling hills, tons of trees and shadows, and some really cool-looking grave art. Just like you’d expect a northeastern cemetery to look like! It was quiet, nary another (soul?) around, and the two of us just walked among the gravestones….
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Can’t help but wonder if this Wheeler is an ancestor of Kansas City, MO’S mayor when I was growing up. Coolest thing about him (besides my dad helping him get elected) was his hat collection. Live these old cemetaries!
Is this the man? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Wheeler_%28politician%29. There is no mention of any relation to the VP…
This is exactly the kind of cemetery I love visiting! Nothing like an older, more established cemetery!
Yep, that’s him. He was quite a quirky guy!
That IS a beautiful cemetery, Frank. I would absolutely love to get a better look at a few of those photos — the tree trunk stone and that gorgeous iron-looking fence. Maybe you’d consider pinning them? Regardless, great photos!
Huh, now there’s a thought! I should pin all those photos! Maybe I will! thanks for the idea, Wendy!
I have a feeling nearly everyone would be “Vice President Who?!”, at least when the subject is Late 19th Century American History. Heck, you’re lucky if most people can cite the CURRENT Vice President. Another cool grave post, Frank. Keep up the good work!
I know, but talking with the ex-county clerk and recorder, well, it makes ya feel kinda dumb! ;-]
I’ve gotta get you to Bellefontaine & Calvary Cemeteries in STL! Both huge, both old, both right next to each other (one Protestant, one Catholic), just off I-70. Amazing statuary!
Bellefontaine & Calvary, huh? Seems I’ve heard of the first one. Well, next time I come truckin’ through the area, I’ll have to check it out! And have been so busy this month just haven’t had time to do my normal October cemetery runs, either….