St. Louis Number One - Personalities #1
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People from all walks of life are buried in St. Louis Cemetery Number One. Some were victims of the yellow fever epidemics of the 1820s, others just average Creole citizens who lived life to the fullest, the way we still do so in New Orleans. Still, there are several tombs whose occupants have interesting stories:
Paul H. Morphy
The Morphy tomb houses the remains of chess champion Paul H. Morphy. You'll occasionally still see a chess board left inside the gate of the tomb by an admiring fan. In addition to being known for his prowess at chess, Morphy is also known because he owned the house in the 400 block of Royal St. that is now Brennan's restaurant. Occasionally you'll find a chess set and board inside the iron grille work, a gift from a fan.
Eliza W. Lewis
Eliza W. Lewis was the first wife of Governor W.C.C. Claiborne. Claiborne was the Territorial Governor of Louisiana for the United States, and he was the first Governor of the State of Louisiana. He was buried here with his wife in 1817. In 1880, however, his family (specifically, his granddaughter) purchased a plot in Metairie Cemetery and had his remains removed with great fanfare to that tomb. It was very curious, however, that the family only moved the Governor's remains, not his wife's.
Safety Warning!
If all this has you ready to head out and visit St. Louis Number One, please read our page on tours and visitor information. The cemetery is in a potentially dangerous neighborhood, and you need to be aware of this before going there. (Yes, we're not kidding on this one!)
