Crown Hill Cemetery, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a historic burial ground that holds the graves of numerous notable individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields. Established in 1863, the cemetery is known for its picturesque landscape and its role as the final resting place of prominent figures from Indiana’s history. In this article, we will explore ten famous graves in Crown Hill Cemetery, shedding light on the lives and legacies of these influential individuals.
President Benjamin Harrison (1833-1901):
President Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd President of the United States, rests in Crown Hill Cemetery. Harrison, a native of Indiana, served as President from 1889 to 1893 and is known for his commitment to civil rights and tariff reform. His grave serves as a tribute to his leadership and his dedication to public service.
James Whitcomb Riley (1849-1916):
James Whitcomb Riley, a renowned poet and writer known as the “Hoosier Poet,” has his final resting place in Crown Hill Cemetery. Riley’s poems, such as “Little Orphant Annie” and “The Raggedy Man,” captured the essence of everyday life in Indiana and gained national acclaim. His grave commemorates his literary contributions and his impact on American poetry.
Booth Tarkington (1869-1946):
Booth Tarkington, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and playwright, is buried in Crown Hill Cemetery. Tarkington’s novels, including “The Magnificent Ambersons” and “Alice Adams,” explored themes of social change and the fading aristocracy in America. His grave serves as a reminder of his literary achievements and his lasting influence on American literature.
Colonel Eli Lilly (1838-1898):
Colonel Eli Lilly, the founder of the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company, rests in Crown Hill Cemetery. Lilly’s pioneering work in the pharmaceutical industry and his commitment to medical innovation laid the foundation for the company’s success. His grave serves as a tribute to his entrepreneurial spirit and his contributions to healthcare.
Richard Jordan Gatling (1818-1903):
Richard Jordan Gatling, the inventor of the Gatling gun, is buried in Crown Hill Cemetery. Gatling’s invention revolutionized warfare and set the stage for the development of modern machine guns. His grave commemorates his ingenuity and his impact on military technology.
Sarah T. Bolton (1814-1893):
Sarah T. Bolton, a poet and women’s rights advocate, has her final resting place in Crown Hill Cemetery. Bolton’s poems, such as “Paddle Your Own Canoe” and “Our Country’s Call,” inspired readers with their messages of self-reliance and patriotism. Her grave serves as a tribute to her literary contributions and her dedication to women’s rights.
Meredith Nicholson (1866-1947):
Meredith Nicholson, a popular American author and diplomat, rests in Crown Hill Cemetery. Nicholson’s novels, including “The House of a Thousand Candles” and “The Port of Missing Men,” captivated readers with their thrilling plots and romantic settings. His grave serves as a reminder of his literary accomplishments and his role in promoting American culture abroad.
John Dillinger (1903-1934):
John Dillinger, a notorious bank robber and one of America’s most infamous criminals, is buried in Crown Hill Cemetery. Dillinger’s life of crime and his daring escapes from law enforcement made him a folk hero during the Great Depression. His grave serves as a reminder of his criminal exploits and his enduring notoriety.
Colonel Richard Owen (1810-1890):
Colonel Richard Owen, a prominent geologist, professor, and founder of Purdue University, has his final resting place in Crown Hill Cemetery. Owen’s contributions to the field of geology and his dedication to education played a crucial role in the development of scientific knowledge and the advancement of higher education in Indiana. His grave commemorates his scholarly achievements and his commitment to academic excellence.
Sarah Bolton (1841-1916):
Sarah Bolton, an accomplished author and poet, rests in Crown Hill Cemetery. Bolton’s works, such as “Songs of a Semite” and “The Papyrus,” explored themes of spirituality, social justice, and women’s rights. Her grave serves as a tribute to her literary talent and her contributions to American literature.
Summary
Crown Hill Cemetery stands as a tribute to the lives and legacies of these remarkable individuals. The cemetery’s serene beauty and historical significance provide visitors with an opportunity to pay their respects and reflect on the lasting contributions made by these influential figures to their respective fields and to the state of Indiana as a whole.
