Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-08-24

y
prominence in the affairs Of the world.
Nearly every cemetery can boast OF
some grave of distinction. Perhaps the
best known graves are those Of John
Howard Payne. Edwin Stanton, Ell
bridge Gerry, Salmon p. Chase and
Samuel Smith. although there are others
Of unusual interest.
Oak Hill. which has been proclaimed
the most picturesque burying ground
in the United States, contains many
famous graves. 1t is the last resting
place Of John Howard Payne remem-
bered as the author of Home, Sweet
Home" Edwin Stanton and Salmon p.
Chase, two prominent members Of Lin
coins cabinet, are buried there, and
also Gen. Lingan, a soldier Of revolu-
tionary fame. But the grave Of Payne
Is the best known of these. and seldom
does a visitor go to Oak Hill without
inquiring for his monument although
many pass through without knowing
of the others whose achievements in
life were equally as great.
Payne's life was busy one spent in
the pursuit of many honors. but the
honor that belongs to the great be-
came his through the simple melody
that is known the world over. He
was a native of Boston, and as
youth went to New York to earn
livelihood. He chose the stage as
profession and his work was received
with much favor here and later in
England, where he became q manager
as well as an actor. After several
years of playing he devoted his time
to writing and adapting plays. In
h frh ho f.sl
in writing an opera, The Maid of
Milan" that he .wove in the song
that made him famous. The music
was written by Henry r. Bishop after
an old melody that Payne had heard
in Italy. The opera was produced at
Covent Garden in May. 1923. and was
we'll received. 1t was the song. how
ever. which won the heart Of Lon
don, and within a year it brought the
publishers 100000.
After this Payne returned to Amer
lea and some time later was ap-
pointed consul at Tunis, Africa. While
Killing this position for the second
time he died and was buried there
looking the hills Of Carthage. Thirty
years after, in 1882, his body was
brought to this country and laid in
Oak Hill. The site of this cemetery
Woods, and it's hills. covered with
lofty oaks. were favorite spot for
Sunday school celebrations years ago.
In 1S49 the ground was given for the
cemetery by William Corcoran. a resi-
dent Of Georgetown. He and his fam
Of Doric style. is the finest
in all the burying ground.
Payne's monument has prominent
position near the main entrance and
chapel. one of the most attractive
features. The stone is white and plain
IN design. with an appropriate inscrip-
ton regarding his birth, death and
fame On the top is carved a head
graves close by. and the well kept
avn and tubs of tropical palms that
1T add to the beauty and dis
inction of the monument.
Edwin Stanton, whose association with
public affairs during Lincoln's admins
ration brought him before the public eye' !
s also buried in Oak Hill. 1t will be re- 6
nembered that he was the Secretary s
whose removal was directly responsible !
or President Johnson's Impeachment py ,
Congress. After this trouble Stanton re-
igned as Secretary Of War. and during 4
supreme Court. He never served IN tnis i
'ftice. as his death occurred four Gays
'fter his appointment. - {
Salmon p. Chase, the able Secretary OF !
he Treasury with Stanton. is likewise !,
buried here. He was successful lawyer :
md the first republican governor OF Ohio. !.
before he entered Lincolns caDlne1. !
After he left his cabinet place ne was !
chief Justice OF the Supreme Court until !
lis death. The admirable skill that ne
howed while Secretary of the Treasury
Turing the trying days of the civil war .
las placed him in the front ranks OF II =
american financiers. Philip Key. an IN q
lie of Francis Scott Key is also Durieo ,
n Oak Hill. He was member OF NUn
ress and Attorney General, besides hold 9,
ng various other Offices. HIS nome.
Voodley, was known as one OF the inosl
eautiful in old Georgetown. An 1sa
Interesting grave is that or Gen. LnsIa
veteran of the revolution. VINO met ms h
cath at the hands Of the Baltimore hioo /,
4 1872