Cemeteries Worth the Visit: Lexington Cemetery, Lexington, Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky

Lexington Cemetery, located in Lexington, Kentucky, is the second largest cemetery in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  It is a private, non-profit cemetery, comprised of 170 acres with over 64,000 buried there.  Cemetery officials estimated that this amount of land should enable the cemetery to continue burying for at least two centuries.

It is believed that the cholera epidemic was a driving force in getting the city fathers to consider creating a cemetery away from where the main population lived.   The cemetery was incorporated in 1848.  Architect Julius Adams designed the cemetery in the Gothic Romanesque style as a ‘rural cemetery,’ with natural wooded areas and lakes in a park-like setting.

The first plot was sold in August 1849 for the interment of Lexington businessman, Robert S. Boyd who had died of cholera.  Boyd had been buried in the Episcopal Cemetery, but was moved to Lexington Cemetery on October 2, 1849 and laid to rest there, along with his infant son.  By the end of 1850, almost ninety burials had taken place, including the reinterrment of several who had been buried in other community graveyards.

Original Gateway

In 1849, bids were gathered for the construction of a central cemetery entrance gateway and buildings.  In all, almost $3,000 was spent for the three arched stone and iron gateways, which were flanked by a reception room and office.  Above the east gate, the inscription read, “Lexington Cemetery, Founded A.D. 1849.”  Over the west gate was carved, “City of the Dead.”

There are many notables buried in Lexington Cemetery. Among the numerous politicians, authors, businessmen, and sports figures, lie some of history’s famous.

  

Clay's Monument

Henry Clay

Henry Clay, known as “The Great Compromiser,” is buried here.  Clay served as a lawyer, U.S. Congressman, Senator, and U.S. Secretary of State.  He ran for President three times but was unsuccessful in his bids. Clay died June 29, 1852 in Washington, D.C.  His body was born 1,200 miles back to Lexington by train, barge and carriage.  His friends and fellow politicians worked diligently for the next five years in order to purchase, what they felt was, a suitable monument, at the cost of $43,920, to be erected for Clay.   The cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1857 and the monument was completed in 1861.  Clay’s body was not moved to the new monument due to the start of the Civil War.  But three years later, both his and his wife’s bodies were interred there in 1864.  The Clay monument is the only marker in the cemetery’s Section M.

John H. Morgan

Morgan's Grave

John Hunt Morgan, well-known Confederate General of the Civil War, is also buried here.  Morgan is best remembered for Morgan’s Raid, where he led his men, on horseback, over 1,000 miles, from Tennessee, through Kentucky, into Indiana, and over into southern Ohio.  This was the farthest point north any uniformed Confederate troops ever reached during the war.  Captured and held in a federal prison in Ohio, Morgan managed to escape by tunneling out. He was shot and killed September 4, 1864 during a raid in Tennessee.

The Sweep of Cholera 

William 'King" Solomon

Although not rich with wealth, William “King” Solomon showed his mettle during the cholera outbreak. Over 500 Lexington residents died in eight weeks during the 1833 epidemic.  While the majority of the city fled, Solomon, an indentured servant, stayed of his own accord.  He dug graves for the victims for over two months, working during the day and sleeping in the cemetery at night. It is said that the following autumn, Solomon was sitting in the back of a courtroom, awaiting the proceedings, when the presiding judge stepped down from his bench and approached him.  The judge reached out and shook his hand as a manner of thanking him for his service to the city during the epidemic.  No sooner had the judge turned, than the entire room lined up to express their appreciation as well.  Solomon had been recognized for his valor in the face of death.

Confederate Soldier Monument

Lexington Cemetery is the site of two military monuments and a National Cemetery.  The Confederate Soldier Monument was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997 as part of the Civil War Monuments of Kentucky.  It depicts a Confederate soldier looking off, as if in thought. The names of the Confederate dead on inscribed on the base.

Ladies Confederate Memorial

Behind this the Ladies Confederate Memorial is located.  It was erected in 1874 and also placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.  This monument touches you and seems to sum up the heartache and sorrow felt for all who died for the Confederacy during the war.  Designed by George W. Ranck, of Lexington, the monument shows a draped marble cross, surrounded by a broken sword, a broken flagstaff and lilies. It is believed that the monument was inspired by Confederate Chaplin, Father Abram Joseph Ryan who wrote this poem:

Father Abram J. Ryan

The Conquered Banner

Furl that banner, softly, slowly!

Treat it gently – it is holy –

For it droops above the dead.

Touch it not – unfold it never.

Let it droop there, furled forever,

For its people’s hope are dead!

                                    ~ Abram Joseph Ryan

A paper found in the front of one of the cemetery interment books states that between October 4, 1861 and July 26, 1865, there were 828 U.S. white volunteers, 40 U.S. colored Volunteers and 97 disloyals buried here.  Another 965 Union dead were also interred in the Union section of the cemetery. After the war, the U.S. government purchased an adjoining 16,111 feet in the Union cemetery and had the area designated as a national cemetery.  The Southern section was released to the Confederate Veterans Association in 1891.  The CVA purchased another 510 square feet of land in 1892.  Two more lots were purchased bringing the total of the Southern section to 853 square feet.  All sections in the national cemetery are now filled and no new burials are allowed here.

A Family Tree

The Lexington Cemetery offers assistance with genealogical research.  The web page has a section for researchers at http://www.lexcem.org/index.cfm/genealogy.html.   It tells how to request help and how to schedule an appointment.  Anyone with information they would like to have added to the cemetery’s genealogical files should contact them.

The Lexington Cemetery also has the designation as an arboretum with over 200 species of trees.  Self-guided tree walks can be conducted with the assistance of maps available at the cemetery office.  This is a cemetery that changes dramatically with each passing season and can be enjoyed anew every few months.

There are numerous markers and stones throughout the cemetery that will captivate you, and all have a story to tell.  Be sure to grab a map when you enter and take your time when wandering among the stones.  There are hidden jewels everywhere!  Take the opportunity to search for them.

The Lexington Cemetery is open everyday from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M.  It is located at 833 West Main Street in Lexington, Kentucky 40508.  The phone number is (859) 255-5522.  For more information, visit their web site at http://www.lexcem.org/ or visit their FaceBook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lexington-Cemetery/23514189569. For information contact them at info@lexcem.org

 

Adventure abounds in the Lexington Cemetery.  It is a perfect example of a ‘rural cemetery,’ one where nature blends seamlessly within the city.  If you plan on visiting, take the day to enjoy it.  There is so much to see and do, you’ll be glad you did!

~ Joy

Devoted Pets and the Cemeteries They Inhabit - Part 2

This week is National Pet Week.  In keeping with Tuesday’s blog about pets in the cemetery – here are two more tales of true devotion.

Johnny Morehouse & his dog – Woodland Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio

Woodland Cemetery Entrance

One of the most famous and often visited sites at Woodland Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio is the grave of Johnny Morehouse.  In  1860, Johnny lived with his parents, John Morehouse, a cobbler, and Barbara, his mother, along the Dayton Canal, which ran through the center of the city.  While playing near the canal one day, five-year-old Johnny fell in.  His dog, whose name has been lost to the ages, jumped in to save him.  When the dog pulled Johnny from the water, he had already drowned.  Johnny’s constant companion was inconsolable.  Legend has it that after Johnny was buried; his dog took up guard at his grave.  Visitors would bring the dog food and water because he would not leave his master's grave.

Johnny Morehouse Marker

Noted Dayton sculptor Daniel LaDow carved the marble tombstone of Johnny and his faithful dog.  It portrays Johnny under the protective guard of his faithful dog, who watches over him in death as he did in life.  The statue bears no dates, just the words “Slumber Sweet” on the side and “Johnny Morehouse” on the front.  LaDow also carved what was found in Johnny’s pockets when he died; a ball, a top, a cap and a mouth harp (harmonica,) all resting near him.
Victorians also used these types of symbols to indicate the premature end to a child's life.

Cemetery visitors still bring presents and toys for Johnny, and occasionally a new collar or memento for his devoted dog.  Sightings have been reported through the years of Johnny and his dog playing together in the cemetery.  At times, just before nightfall, Johnny’s laughter can be heard ringing through the grounds, along with the happy barking of his very best friend.

Location:   Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum, Plot section: 82, Lot 546, Dayton, Ohio.

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And just in time for the start of horse racing’s Triple Crown tomorrow, here’s the story of an exceptional horse and his longtime companion.

Will Harbut & Man o’ War, Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, Kentucky

Man o' War as a colt
University of Kentucky Archives

The Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky is a twelve hundred acre working horse farm, with a world-class equestrian competition facility where over 15-thousand horses take part in various competitions each year.  This is also the resting place of the most famous Thoroughbred of the Twentieth Century - Man o’ War.

August Belmont Jr.

He was born March 29, 1917 at the Kentucky Nursery Stud farm, owned by August Belmont, Jr.  One of almost 17-hundred Thoroughbreds foaled that year, he was named “My Man o’ War” by Mrs. Belmont in honor of her husband who would be going off to fight in France during World War One.  One year later, the high tempered yearling was sold at the Saratoga Sales in New York. 

Purchased by Pennsylvania horseman, Samuel Riddle for $5,000, trainers hoped that ‘Big Red” as he was called off the track, could be trained as a racehorse.  His instincts and intelligence made him a fast learner.  On June 6, 1919, Man o’ War won his first race, with Johnny Loftus as the jockey.  According to legend, at the completion of that first race a spectator asked a groom who Man o’ War was sired by.  The groom replied, “He’s by hisself and there ain’t nobody gonna’ get near him.”

Man o' War in front - University of Kentucky Archives

Man o' War and Jockey Clarence Kummer

 The groom’s words were prophetic.  Except for Man o’ War’s sixth race, which he lost to a horse named Upset, he won them all and went on to be named Horse of the Year for 1919 and 1920.  As a three-year-old, he was ridden by jockey Clarence Kummer.  He stood 16.2 hands high and had a stride of 28 feet! All told, Man o’ War won 20 out of 21 races in his career and nearly 250-thousand dollars in purses – the leading money winner of his time.  Kummer was the top money-winning jockey in the U.S. for 1920.

"Big Red"
University of Kentucky Archives

Although he was extremely favored as a possible winner, Man o’ War was not entered in the Kentucky Derby because Sam Riddle didn’t like racing in Kentucky and believed it was too early in the year for the horse to run a mile and a quarter. Man o’ War did win the Preakness Stakes in Maryland, breaking a track record.  He also won the Belmont Stakes in New York, setting another record time.  All told, he broke 5 American racing records that year.  At the end of the racing season in 1920, Man o’ War was retired from racing.

Will Harbut & Man o' War
University of Kentucky Archives

“Big Red” was taken to Faraway Farm near Lexington to become a stud horse. Groom/Trainer  Will Harbut was put in charge of him and a life-long friendship began between man and horse.  “Big Red” became one of the top-breeding stallions in the nation, siring over 60 champions, including Horses of the Year - Crusader and War Admiral. War Admiral won the Triple Crown in 1937.  Man o’ War was also the grandfather of American horse legend, Seabiscuit.  Harbut and “Big Red” became inseparable friends.  They led tours and entertained over one million visitors to Faraway Farm.  Harbut told engaging stories about Man o’ War and his life, on and off the track.  “Big Red” and Harbut graced the covers of several magazines during the 30’s and early 40’s.  Both enjoyed performing before the crowds, each seeming to instinctively understand what the other needed or wanted.

Headline:  Big Red Joins Groom
Under Blue grass

Then on October 4, 1947, Will Harbut died of a heart attack.  In Harbut’s obituary he was listed as being survived by “his wife, six sons, three daughters and Man o’ War.

Man o' War in his coffin

It was rumored that Man o’ War grieved himself to death.  After Harbut’s death, the spark went out of the horse.  He died just 4 weeks later on November 1, 1947 at the age of 30 of an apparent heart attack.  He was the first horse to be embalmed, and his casket was lined in his riding colors.  Man o’ War’s funeral was broadcast internationally over the radio and over 2,000 people came to pay their final respects.  Thousands more sent their condolences.  The most famous Thoroughbred in the world had touched people deeply.   Owner Sam Riddle had commissioned artist Herbert Haseltine to sculpt a life-size bronze statue of Man o’ War in 1934. It was now placed on the horse’s grave at Faraway Farm.

In 1977, Man o’ War, along with several of his offspring, were moved to the newly established Kentucky Horse Park and reburied at the Man o’ War Memorial.   Will Harbut’s family refused the request to place Harbut’s remains alongside the horse he loved, but a plaque next to the statue describes the bonds of affection that man and horse shared.

Will Harbut and Man o' War

And there the story ends.  But tomorrow when the bugle sounds the Call to Post for the start of the Derby, I’d like to think that Will Harbut and “Big Red” are standing together,

watching the race, on the lookout for this century’s horse that “ain’t nobody gonna’ get near…”  - Another great racer with a gentle heart.

Locations:

Will Harbut, Maddoxtown Baptist Church Cemetery, Maddoxtown, Kentucky

Man o’ War, Main Gate, Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, Kentucky

If anyone knows of a heroic/legendary pet story, please let me know.  I could not find anything in my searches about cats, and only one bird turned up, but the cemetery would not comment.

~  Joy