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Oaklands Cemetery Walking Tour
One of the highlights of an Oaklands Cemetery visit is a walking tour of our historic gravesites. It is both our pleasure and honor to host a such activity for our visitors. As a non-profit, we rely solely on logistical support from our partners and donors to maintain the land, equipment, and tours.
The Chester County History Center has been one of the most earnest and helpful partners of Oaklands Cemetery. The Center assists us by inviting people to sign up for tours, which helps pay for the cemetery’s upkeep. On top of that, they help us on the ground by leading the walking tours.
The Chester County History Center has been one of the most earnest and helpful partners of Oaklands Cemetery. The Center assists us by inviting people to sign up for tours, which helps pay for the cemetery’s upkeep. On top of that, they help us on the ground by leading the walking tours.
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Notable People Buried in the Oaklands Cemetery
T. Lawrence Eyre (1862 – 1926)
Eyre was a graduate of the West Chester Normal School (now West Chester University) and a long-time Republican political leader and elected official. His political career culminated with his position of Majority Leader in the Senate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. One story says he threw shiny new dimes to the waiting children when he participated in local parades. He constructed and lived in "Eyreview,” which still stands on North High Street in West Chester.
Major General Smedley D. Butler, USMC (1881 – 1940)
Major General Butler was one of the most colorful officers in the Marine Corps' long history and one of the two Marines who received two Medals of Honor for separate acts of outstanding heroism. The soldier, later known to thousands of marines as "Ol' Gimlet Eye,” was born on July 30, 1881. He was still in his teens when he was appointed Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps on May 20, 1898, for the war with Spain.
His first Medal of Honor was presented following action at Vera Cruz, Mexico, on April 21 and 22, 1914. At this time, he commanded the marines who landed and occupied the city. Major General Butler "was eminent and conspicuous in command of his battalion. He exhibited courage and skill in leading his men through the action of the 22nd and in the final occupation of the city.”
The following year, he was awarded the second Medal of Honor for his bravery and forceful leadership as Commanding Officer of detachments of marines and seamen of the USS Connecticut in repulsing Caco resistance at Fort Rivière, Haiti, on November 14, 1915.
During World War I, he commanded the 13th Regiment of marines in France and was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, and the French Order of the Black Star for exceptionally meritorious service. When he returned to the United States in 1919, he became the Commanding General of the Marine Barracks in Quantico, VA, and served in this capacity until January 1924. At this time, he was granted a leave of absence to accept the post of Director of Public Safety in the City of Philadelphia.
In February 1926, he assumed command of the Marine Corps Base at San Diego, CA, and, in March 1927, returned to China for duty with the 3rd Marine Brigade. From April through October, he again commanded the Marine Barracks at Quantico. On October 1, 1931, he retired upon his own application after completing 33 years of service in the Marine Corps.
Major General Butler died at the Naval Hospital in Philadelphia on June 21, 1940, following a four-week illness. He was a descendant of two old and distinguished families of Quakers. His father was Thomas S. Butler, a Representative in Congress from the Delaware-Chester County district of Pennsylvania for 30 years and a long-time chairman of the House Naval Affairs Committee. The general's mother was the daughter of Smedley Darlington and a Hicksite Friend.
His first Medal of Honor was presented following action at Vera Cruz, Mexico, on April 21 and 22, 1914. At this time, he commanded the marines who landed and occupied the city. Major General Butler "was eminent and conspicuous in command of his battalion. He exhibited courage and skill in leading his men through the action of the 22nd and in the final occupation of the city.”
The following year, he was awarded the second Medal of Honor for his bravery and forceful leadership as Commanding Officer of detachments of marines and seamen of the USS Connecticut in repulsing Caco resistance at Fort Rivière, Haiti, on November 14, 1915.
During World War I, he commanded the 13th Regiment of marines in France and was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, and the French Order of the Black Star for exceptionally meritorious service. When he returned to the United States in 1919, he became the Commanding General of the Marine Barracks in Quantico, VA, and served in this capacity until January 1924. At this time, he was granted a leave of absence to accept the post of Director of Public Safety in the City of Philadelphia.
In February 1926, he assumed command of the Marine Corps Base at San Diego, CA, and, in March 1927, returned to China for duty with the 3rd Marine Brigade. From April through October, he again commanded the Marine Barracks at Quantico. On October 1, 1931, he retired upon his own application after completing 33 years of service in the Marine Corps.
Major General Butler died at the Naval Hospital in Philadelphia on June 21, 1940, following a four-week illness. He was a descendant of two old and distinguished families of Quakers. His father was Thomas S. Butler, a Representative in Congress from the Delaware-Chester County district of Pennsylvania for 30 years and a long-time chairman of the House Naval Affairs Committee. The general's mother was the daughter of Smedley Darlington and a Hicksite Friend.
Thomas S. Butler (1855 – 1928)
A nephew of Judge William Butler and better known as a Congressman rather than as a lawyer or a judge, Thomas S. Butler was the son of Samuel Butler and son-in-law of Smedley Darlington, two of Chester County's most influential Republicans. Following his defeat for another term as Judge of Chester County in 1889 (by Joseph Hemphill, a Democrat), he was then appointed to serve out the unexpired term of Judge Futhey. He was subsequently elected to the United States Congress, where he would serve for 33 years.
While a member of Congress, he was the Chairman of the Naval Committee. When the Japanese gave the now famous cherry trees to our national capital, Butler was a member of Congress and received a seedling. This tree is still standing and flourishes in the sideyard of his old home at 228 West Miner Street in West Chester.
While a member of Congress, he was the Chairman of the Naval Committee. When the Japanese gave the now famous cherry trees to our national capital, Butler was a member of Congress and received a seedling. This tree is still standing and flourishes in the sideyard of his old home at 228 West Miner Street in West Chester.
William H. Whyte (1917 – 1999)
Whyte was a West Chester native born and raised in the north end of the borough. He was a prolific and nationally known writer. In 1956, he published the bestseller The Organization Man, a groundbreaking study of the relationship between large corporations and their executive employees. Aside from being the editor of Fortune Magazine, his other works include:
- “Open Space Action, Report to the Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission” (1962)
- The Last Landscape (1968)
- The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces (1980)
- City, Rediscovering the Center (1988)
- City, an In-Depth Look at the People, the Movement, and the Buildings that Make a City Live (1988)
Jean Claude Antoine Brunin de Bolmar (1797 – 1861)
Born in Bourbon-Lancy, France, de Bolmar received his education at the Imperial Lyceum until the downfall of Napoleon. In 1828, he emigrated to Philadelphia, where he taught French. Following the outbreak of a cholera epidemic, he moved to West Chester and, in 1834, took charge of the West Chester Academy, located in the vicinity of Gay and Darlington Streets. Six years later, he purchased Mrs. Phelps Young Ladies Boarding School and converted it into a boarding school for Young Men and Boys, conducted in a manner that reflected his military background.
According to Futhey and Cope, "This school speedily became one of the most popular and flourishing institutions in our country. It acquired a worldwide celebrity, attracting numerous pupils from distant places, especially from Southern states and West Indies.” The energetic principle was regarded as the Napoleon of teachers. No boy could ever boast that he had outwitted "Bolly,” as he was familiarly called by his pupils.
According to Futhey and Cope, "This school speedily became one of the most popular and flourishing institutions in our country. It acquired a worldwide celebrity, attracting numerous pupils from distant places, especially from Southern states and West Indies.” The energetic principle was regarded as the Napoleon of teachers. No boy could ever boast that he had outwitted "Bolly,” as he was familiarly called by his pupils.
The Gawthrop Family
The Gawthrop family was a prominent legal family in Chester Country with three generations of judges and lawyers, including the Honorable Thomas S. Gawthrop, Chief Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Chester County; The Honorable Robert S. Gawthrop, III, United States Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; and Robert S. Gawthrop, Jr., founder of one of the oldest law firms still operating in the County. Mr. Gawthrop was a long-time member of the Board of Oaklands Cemetery.
The Taylor Family
Acquired in 1851, Oaklands Cemetery is located on 22 acres of the Taylor Farm. The Taylor family was given a large lot in the cemetery, which they use to this day.
Samuel Barber (1910 – 1981)
Barber's music, masterfully crafted and built on romantic structures and sensibilities, is at once lyrical, rhythmically complex, and harmonically rich. Born on March 9, 1910, in West Chester, PA, Barber wrote his first piece at age 7 and attempted his first operetta at age 10. At the age of 14, he entered the Curtis Institute, where he studied voice, piano, and composition. Later, he studied conducting with Fritz Reiner.
At Curtis, Barber met Gian Carlo Menotti, with whom he would form a lifelong personal and professional relationship. Menotti supplied libretti for Barber's operas Vanessa (for which Barber won the Pulitzer) and A Hand of Bridge. Barber's music was championed by a remarkable range of renowned artists, musicians, and conductors, including Vladimir Horowitz, John Browning, Martha Graham, Arturo Toscanini, Dimitri Mitropoulos, Jennie Tourel, and Elanor Steber. His Antony and Cleopatra were commissioned to open the new Metropolitan Opera House in Lincoln Center in 1966.
Barber was the recipient of numerous awards and prizes, including the American Prix de Rome, two Pulitzer Prizes, and an election to the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His intensely lyrical Adagio for Strings has become one of the most recognizable and beloved compositions, both in concerts and films (Platoon, The Elephant Man, El Norte, Lorenzo's Oil).
At Curtis, Barber met Gian Carlo Menotti, with whom he would form a lifelong personal and professional relationship. Menotti supplied libretti for Barber's operas Vanessa (for which Barber won the Pulitzer) and A Hand of Bridge. Barber's music was championed by a remarkable range of renowned artists, musicians, and conductors, including Vladimir Horowitz, John Browning, Martha Graham, Arturo Toscanini, Dimitri Mitropoulos, Jennie Tourel, and Elanor Steber. His Antony and Cleopatra were commissioned to open the new Metropolitan Opera House in Lincoln Center in 1966.
Barber was the recipient of numerous awards and prizes, including the American Prix de Rome, two Pulitzer Prizes, and an election to the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His intensely lyrical Adagio for Strings has become one of the most recognizable and beloved compositions, both in concerts and films (Platoon, The Elephant Man, El Norte, Lorenzo's Oil).
Harry Dunn (1929 – 1998)
Born in West Chester, PA, Dunn was a Chester County artist who studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Philadelphia College of Art. He also studied at the Art Students League. While in the Army, Mr. Dunn worked as an artist-draftsman and, after his discharge, became a designer for Elektra Film Productions in New York. In his position, he designed many television commercials for major networks and worked on commercial, industrial, and entertainment films, some of which he wrote himself.
Dunn created the NBC Peacock, and his work has been represented in major collections in the US and abroad. His murals can be seen at the Penn Federal Banks in Pennsylvania and the Presidential Apartments in Philadelphia. Throughout his career, his work has been included in the New York Museum of Modern Art, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Cincinnati Art Museum, Paris, and other American museums. Dunn’s works have made their way to the Target headquarters in Minneapolis, MN, and his sketches and paintings brighten many Chester County homes and offices.
Dunn created the NBC Peacock, and his work has been represented in major collections in the US and abroad. His murals can be seen at the Penn Federal Banks in Pennsylvania and the Presidential Apartments in Philadelphia. Throughout his career, his work has been included in the New York Museum of Modern Art, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Cincinnati Art Museum, Paris, and other American museums. Dunn’s works have made their way to the Target headquarters in Minneapolis, MN, and his sketches and paintings brighten many Chester County homes and offices.
Dr. Joseph Trimble Rothrock (1839 – 1922)
Rothrock became known as "The Father of Pennsylvania Forestry” and was, at various times—sometimes simultaneously—an explorer, surgeon, botanist, and professor. He was also once the Michaux Forestry Association president, vice president, and spokesman; editor of Forest Leaves; member of the Pennsylvania Forest Commission; and the Pennsylvania Forest Commissioner and Administrator of Tuberculosis Sanitariums. Rothrock was energetic, persuasive, involved, and a lover of forests since childhood. However, he never professed to be a forester. His credentials were those of an informed scientist, botanist, and medical doctor.
Rothrock was born on April 9, 1839, in McVeytown, PA. He died on June 2, 1922, at the age of 83, in West Chester. Numerous memories recall his contributions to improving the state's environment. His name is carved on the gray stone of the former Education Building in Harrisburg with other eminent Pennsylvanians, while a plaque on a boulder at McVeytown commemorates his place of birth. An inspection honors his achievements in a corridor of the state capitol, and a state forest is also named for him.
In 1862, Rothrock earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany from Harvard, where he was deeply influenced by the renowned Harvard botanist Asa Gray. He enlisted in the Union Army from Harvard on July 1, 1863, and fought at Antietam and Fredericksburg, where he was seriously wounded. By the end of the Civil War, he was Captain in the 20th Pennsylvania Cavalry. His service ended on June 6, 1864.
Rothrock was described as "small in stature, energetic, enthused.” He had been ill as a child, spending much time outdoors and walking to recover. He worked one summer as an axman for the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad, cutting wood for the rail lines, reveling in being outside, and working hard. Rothrock described himself as "an Episcopalian and politely a Republican when my conscience will endure it.” He almost drowned as a child, almost died from sounds at Fredericksburg, and often said that because of these events, he felt his life had been given back to him twice, and he consequently owned a debt to live. He repaid that debt many times over.
Rothrock was born on April 9, 1839, in McVeytown, PA. He died on June 2, 1922, at the age of 83, in West Chester. Numerous memories recall his contributions to improving the state's environment. His name is carved on the gray stone of the former Education Building in Harrisburg with other eminent Pennsylvanians, while a plaque on a boulder at McVeytown commemorates his place of birth. An inspection honors his achievements in a corridor of the state capitol, and a state forest is also named for him.
In 1862, Rothrock earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany from Harvard, where he was deeply influenced by the renowned Harvard botanist Asa Gray. He enlisted in the Union Army from Harvard on July 1, 1863, and fought at Antietam and Fredericksburg, where he was seriously wounded. By the end of the Civil War, he was Captain in the 20th Pennsylvania Cavalry. His service ended on June 6, 1864.
Rothrock was described as "small in stature, energetic, enthused.” He had been ill as a child, spending much time outdoors and walking to recover. He worked one summer as an axman for the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad, cutting wood for the rail lines, reveling in being outside, and working hard. Rothrock described himself as "an Episcopalian and politely a Republican when my conscience will endure it.” He almost drowned as a child, almost died from sounds at Fredericksburg, and often said that because of these events, he felt his life had been given back to him twice, and he consequently owned a debt to live. He repaid that debt many times over.
Wilmer Worthington MacElree (1859 – 1960)
MacElree was a lawyer and author, as well as the progenitor of the MacElree family, which has produced two county judges. His books, including Sidelights on the Bench and Bar of Chester County (1918) and Along the Western Brandywine (1912), are delightful reads and great insights into the life and history of Chester County. MacElree was apparently named after Dr. William Worthington, one of the founders of Oaklands Cemetery.
Robert T. Cornwell (1835 – 1927)
Born on January 29, 1835, Cornwell began as a teacher and was an officer in the Union Army. He was also captured and incarcerated in the infamous Libby Prison in Richmond, VA, was exchanged, and became Provost Marshall of the Third Division VI Corps operating in the Shenandoah. He lived in West Chester after the war and studied for the bar. Among his other activities, he was a member of the Board of Directors of Oaklands Cemetery. His grandson, Gibbons G. Cornwell, also served on the Board, and his great-grandson, Moses Cornwell, is currently on the Board. (For more information on Captain Cornwell, see Libby Prison and Beyond, edited by Thomas M. Boaz, Burd Street Press, 1999). Cornwell died on April 20, 1927.
Barclay Rubincam (1920 – 1978)
Rubincam was a nationally known local artist whose affectionate portrayals of old West Chester are on display in the lobby of the First National Bank of West Chester. His paintings of local landmarks are also found in many Chester County homes. His work has been displayed at the Brandywine River Museum, and prints of it are highly prized and on view in many public spaces.
Columbus Penn Evans (1824 – 1854)
Evans worked as an apprentice to his brother, Henry S. Evans, at the Village Record (a newspaper started by Charles Miner) but soon moved to Wilmington, DE, to edit the Republican. In the Mexican War, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and, by 1848, showed gallant and meritorious conduct in the Battles of Contreras and Churubusco. He also fought at Molino Del Rey and, again, with merit at the Battle of Chapultepec. He was elected mayor of Wilmington in 1851 but did not choose to seek reelection. He died of consumption in 1854 and was buried with full military honors at the new Oaklands Cemetery.
Dr. William Darlington (1782 – 1863)
A man of almost encyclopedic interests, Dr. Darlington, studied medicine under Dr. John Vaughn of Wilmington while learning French and later Latin, Spanish, and German. In 1804, he was the first citizen of Chester County to earn the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania. He also became interested in botany, and, in 1805, he was disowned by the Society of Friends because he took a position as Regimental Surgeon to a local militia unit.
During the War of 1812, he served as a Major but saw no action. In 1814 and again in 1818 and 1820, he served in the United States Congress. In 1822, he was appointed by the Secretary of War as a Visitor to West Point, with his report attracting great attention throughout the country. In 1826, he assisted in organizing the Chester County Cabinet of National Sciences and published his "Cestrica,” a catalog of plants planted over 100 years ago. He was also caught on canvas by local artist John Suplee.
In 1828, he helped found the Medical Society of Chester County and was immediately elected as its head. That organization still exists and has taken the responsibility of maintaining his gravesite. Aside from his medical and botanical efforts, he was very active in the commercial world. He headed the company which built the West Chester Railroad. In 1830, he was elected President of the Bank of Chester County, which he helped organize in 1814. In all of these activities, he continued to publish botanical works and practice medicine until the end of his life.
Dr. Darlington received the degree of Doctor of Law from Yale College and a Doctor of Physical Science from Dickson College. He was also an elected member of more than 40 literary and scientific associations, including the American Philadelphia and the Botanical Society of the Netherlands.
During the War of 1812, he served as a Major but saw no action. In 1814 and again in 1818 and 1820, he served in the United States Congress. In 1822, he was appointed by the Secretary of War as a Visitor to West Point, with his report attracting great attention throughout the country. In 1826, he assisted in organizing the Chester County Cabinet of National Sciences and published his "Cestrica,” a catalog of plants planted over 100 years ago. He was also caught on canvas by local artist John Suplee.
In 1828, he helped found the Medical Society of Chester County and was immediately elected as its head. That organization still exists and has taken the responsibility of maintaining his gravesite. Aside from his medical and botanical efforts, he was very active in the commercial world. He headed the company which built the West Chester Railroad. In 1830, he was elected President of the Bank of Chester County, which he helped organize in 1814. In all of these activities, he continued to publish botanical works and practice medicine until the end of his life.
Dr. Darlington received the degree of Doctor of Law from Yale College and a Doctor of Physical Science from Dickson College. He was also an elected member of more than 40 literary and scientific associations, including the American Philadelphia and the Botanical Society of the Netherlands.
Isaac Barnard (1791 – 1834)
Barnard reached the rank of Major in the 14th US Infantry, fought in several battles in the northern theatre during the War of 1812, and was distinguished for his actions in leading his regiment during the Battle of Lyons Creek. He returned to the practice of law and held several appointed offices before being elected to the Senate of Pennsylvania. He married Harriet, the eldest daughter of Judge Isaac Darlington.
He organized the Republican Artillerists, a body of militiamen similar to the current National Guard Secretary of the Commonwealth, and was subsequently elected (by legislation as it was done in those days) to the United States Senate. His unbroken political ascendancy was terminated when he failed to receive the nomination for Governor of the Commonwealth because of opposition from within Chester County itself. Soon after, his health deteriorated, and he died at the young age of 43 on February 18, 1834. When the graveyards were outlawed within the borough limits, his remains were transferred to Oaklands Cemetery on October 19, 1854.
He organized the Republican Artillerists, a body of militiamen similar to the current National Guard Secretary of the Commonwealth, and was subsequently elected (by legislation as it was done in those days) to the United States Senate. His unbroken political ascendancy was terminated when he failed to receive the nomination for Governor of the Commonwealth because of opposition from within Chester County itself. Soon after, his health deteriorated, and he died at the young age of 43 on February 18, 1834. When the graveyards were outlawed within the borough limits, his remains were transferred to Oaklands Cemetery on October 19, 1854.
Joseph Emely Borden (1854 – 1929)
Borden was a Major League player in the early years of professional baseball. He was born into a prominent family in Jacobstown, NJ, and pitched under the pseudonym of "nedrob," which is Borden spelled backward. On July 28, 1875, he pitched the first recorded Major League no-hitter while pitching for the Philadelphia "Fillies" in the National Association. In 1876, while playing for Boston in the newly formed National League, Mr. Borden won the first game played in the league. His baseball career included only those two years, after which he moved to West Chester, married Henry S. Evans' daughter, and became a local businessman. He died on October 14, 1929, which, coincidentally, was the day the Philadelphia Athletics won the World Series from the Chicago Cubs in nearby Philadelphia.
Dewitt Clinton Lewis (1822 – 1988)
Captain, Co F, 97th Pennsylvania Infantry (Civil War), Lewis was our second Medal of Honor recipient for his action at Secessionville on June 16, 1862. The citation reads, "While returning with his men before a heavy fire canister shot at short range, returned in the face of the enemy's fire and rescued an exhausted Private of his company who, but for this timely action, would have lost his life by drowning in the morass through which the troops were retiring.”
Joseph Hergesheimer (1880 – 1954)
Born in Philadelphia on February 15, 1880, Hergesheimer gave up the study of painting, turned to write, and then became the author of many novels, short stories, biographies, histories, and criticisms. He is best known for his stories about the sophisticated, corrupt lives of the very wealthy. It is said that many old West Chester families were discernible in his novels.
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