LAKE VIEW CEMETERY
907 Lakeview Avenue
Jamestown, NY 14701
Established: 1858
Acres: Unknown
Bella Morte Rating: 3 Tombstones
Upon entering Lake View in Jamestown, New York, visitors will be struck by the proliferation of mature trees, the well-manicured lawns and general evidence of a cemetery impeccably cared for. The circuitous roads are smooth, making driving a pleasure. Of course, it is always best to get out on foot to explore any cemetery thoroughly and that is precisely what we at Bella Morte did. Although the day we visited was unseasonably chilly, we easily forgot that in light of some of the more remarkable memorials contained in this necropolis.
The most famous male resident is James Prendergast, Founder of Jamestown. His monument, an imposing granite monolith crowned with the figure of a lovely young woman clutching a cross to her breast and gazing piously towards the heavens, sits on a sizeable plot graced by huge granite planters and the modest stones of various relatives. Above the enormous letters of the family surname is the following inscription:
JAMES PRENDERGAST
March 9, 1764 – Nov., 15, 1846
Here rest the remains
of the Founder of Jamestown,
which was named in his honor.
In 1810
he erected the first building on its site.
He promoted all its enterprises.
His energetic and liberal policy laid well
the foundations
of its growth and prosperity.
--
ALEX T. PRENDERGAST
Only Child
of James and Agnes N. Prendergast.
Feb. 3, 1809 – Aug. 1, 1885
--
JAMES PRENDERGAST
Only Son
of Alex T. and Mary A. Prendergast.
June 18, 1848 – Dec. 21, 1879.
He seconded the work of his grandfather
by many public benefactions.
He was the founder
of the James-Prendergast Library
which was munificently endowed by him.
The award for most famous female resident goes, without doubt, to Lucille Ball (August 6, 1911 - April 26, 1989). Though her memorial lacks the pomp and bold elegance of Prendergast’s, it is still quite special in its own right. One side of the black granite "tablet" features the familiar heart-shape seen during the opening theme in her world-famous TV comedy, “I Love Lucy.” Within the heart, in cursive lettering, is the word, “Ball.” On the opposite side of the stone, the names of the Ball family interred beneath are recorded:
Henry Durrell Ball
September 25, 1887 – February 28, 1915
Desiree Eveline Hunt Ball
September 21, 1892 – July 20, 1977
Lucille Desiree Ball Morton
August 6, 1911 – April 1989
“You’ve Come Home”
The reference to Lucy having come home goes beyond the fact she was born in Jamestown. She died on the 26th of April, 1989 as a result of a ruptured aorta which occurred one week after she underwent open heart surgery. According to her wishes, her body was cremated and the “ashes” interred in a wholly unremarkable, marble-front niche in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Hollywood. However, her children (Desi Arnaz Jr. and Lucie Arnaz) were unhappy with the arrangement and, against their deceased mother’s wishes and those of the rest of the family, they had her cremains brought to Jamestown and interred in Lake View Cemetery in 2002.
Evidence of the fact that countless people still love Lucy can be seen in the well-worn path leading to her grave. Indeed, so many feet have passed that no grass grows and, when we visited, the ground was so hard-packed it may as well have been cement. Someone (family member or fan) has lined the trail with artificial lilacs (reportedly Lucy’s favourite flower). There is something quite special and magical about the spot and visitors to Lake View should make a point of stopping whether fans of the show or not.
Other notables interred at the cemetery include Lyman Crane (founder of the Methodist Church in Jamestown) and one Norman K. Ransom whose stern bronze visage (topped with fireman’s cap and resting on the crossed shapes of a fireman’s ax, hook and something that looks like a horn), gazes at a wiry shrub unwisely planted before his stone. Mr. Ransom was the first foreman of Jamestown Fire’s Hook & Ladder Company. Elsewhere, a plot wherein rest the remains of a number of men killed in the Spanish-American War is marked with a large, natural stone into which has been embedded an actual shell from the Battleship Maine which was sunk on the 15th of February, 1898 in Havana Harbor.
The Fenton mausoleum, with its heavy bronze doors, intricate gate, sharply-pitched roof and clean lines is an aesthetic delight. Standing under the lush canopy of sheltering trees, its understated elegance is quite bewitching. The sole occupant is Reuben Eaton Fenton (1819 – 1885). Mr. Fenton was Governor of the State of New York from 1865 to 1869. From 1853 to 1865 he was a U.S. Representative and he served as a U.S. Senator from 1869 to 1875.
But the monument which most deeply affected the proprietors of Bella Morte bears the name of a young man who will (sadly) remain unknown to most people. This is the grave of Charles S. Cooper Jr., Private First Class (US Army). Born in 1986, Mr. Cooper was killed in the line of duty on 29 April, 2005 while serving in Iraq. The plaque on his grave commemorates the Bronze Star and Purple Heart he earned. Only 19 at the time of his death, Mr. Cooper has obviously made a profound and deep impression on visitors as his monument is surrounded by a proliferation of American flags, live plants, flowers and numerous trinkets. The upright stone is eloquent, but it is the bronze sculpture before it which is most noteworthy. A pair a neatly laced and tied boots face forward, pressed tightly together with military precision. Behind them, an M-16 stands upright, barrel pressed to the ground. Atop the buttstock, a helmet rests in perfect balance. This is a heartbreaking monument to a life taken far too soon. Mr. Cooper’s memorial should be included on any visit to Lake View. Make a point to stop by...leave a flag, flower, coin or just a silent “thank you” for his incredible sacrifice.
Lake View Cemetery enjoy s a wonderfully peaceful aura. It is a superb spot for strolling. Carpets of spongy moss make walking a real delight, and the softly sloping terrain, nice neighbourhood and aforementioned masses of trees render the experience of visiting even more pleasant. Another nice feature is the fact that a Methodist church stands across the street from the main entrance. Its bells toll on the hour and there are few things more enchanting than walking in a cemetery accompanied by the sound of bells ringing in a church tower. While Lake View cannot boast numerous angels and mourning figures, it has much to offer by way of impressive stones, exceptional topography, landscaping and plenty of peace. We found our visit quite gratifying and trust you will as well. Keep in mind that Lake View’s famous neighbours include Lily Dale Assembly (Spiritualist Society) and Chautauqua Institution.
{F}
907 Lakeview Avenue
Jamestown, NY 14701
Established: 1858
Acres: Unknown
Bella Morte Rating: 3 Tombstones
Upon entering Lake View in Jamestown, New York, visitors will be struck by the proliferation of mature trees, the well-manicured lawns and general evidence of a cemetery impeccably cared for. The circuitous roads are smooth, making driving a pleasure. Of course, it is always best to get out on foot to explore any cemetery thoroughly and that is precisely what we at Bella Morte did. Although the day we visited was unseasonably chilly, we easily forgot that in light of some of the more remarkable memorials contained in this necropolis.
The most famous male resident is James Prendergast, Founder of Jamestown. His monument, an imposing granite monolith crowned with the figure of a lovely young woman clutching a cross to her breast and gazing piously towards the heavens, sits on a sizeable plot graced by huge granite planters and the modest stones of various relatives. Above the enormous letters of the family surname is the following inscription:
JAMES PRENDERGAST
March 9, 1764 – Nov., 15, 1846
Here rest the remains
of the Founder of Jamestown,
which was named in his honor.
In 1810
he erected the first building on its site.
He promoted all its enterprises.
His energetic and liberal policy laid well
the foundations
of its growth and prosperity.
--
ALEX T. PRENDERGAST
Only Child
of James and Agnes N. Prendergast.
Feb. 3, 1809 – Aug. 1, 1885
--
JAMES PRENDERGAST
Only Son
of Alex T. and Mary A. Prendergast.
June 18, 1848 – Dec. 21, 1879.
He seconded the work of his grandfather
by many public benefactions.
He was the founder
of the James-Prendergast Library
which was munificently endowed by him.
The award for most famous female resident goes, without doubt, to Lucille Ball (August 6, 1911 - April 26, 1989). Though her memorial lacks the pomp and bold elegance of Prendergast’s, it is still quite special in its own right. One side of the black granite "tablet" features the familiar heart-shape seen during the opening theme in her world-famous TV comedy, “I Love Lucy.” Within the heart, in cursive lettering, is the word, “Ball.” On the opposite side of the stone, the names of the Ball family interred beneath are recorded:
Henry Durrell Ball
September 25, 1887 – February 28, 1915
Desiree Eveline Hunt Ball
September 21, 1892 – July 20, 1977
Lucille Desiree Ball Morton
August 6, 1911 – April 1989
“You’ve Come Home”
The reference to Lucy having come home goes beyond the fact she was born in Jamestown. She died on the 26th of April, 1989 as a result of a ruptured aorta which occurred one week after she underwent open heart surgery. According to her wishes, her body was cremated and the “ashes” interred in a wholly unremarkable, marble-front niche in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Hollywood. However, her children (Desi Arnaz Jr. and Lucie Arnaz) were unhappy with the arrangement and, against their deceased mother’s wishes and those of the rest of the family, they had her cremains brought to Jamestown and interred in Lake View Cemetery in 2002.
Evidence of the fact that countless people still love Lucy can be seen in the well-worn path leading to her grave. Indeed, so many feet have passed that no grass grows and, when we visited, the ground was so hard-packed it may as well have been cement. Someone (family member or fan) has lined the trail with artificial lilacs (reportedly Lucy’s favourite flower). There is something quite special and magical about the spot and visitors to Lake View should make a point of stopping whether fans of the show or not.
Other notables interred at the cemetery include Lyman Crane (founder of the Methodist Church in Jamestown) and one Norman K. Ransom whose stern bronze visage (topped with fireman’s cap and resting on the crossed shapes of a fireman’s ax, hook and something that looks like a horn), gazes at a wiry shrub unwisely planted before his stone. Mr. Ransom was the first foreman of Jamestown Fire’s Hook & Ladder Company. Elsewhere, a plot wherein rest the remains of a number of men killed in the Spanish-American War is marked with a large, natural stone into which has been embedded an actual shell from the Battleship Maine which was sunk on the 15th of February, 1898 in Havana Harbor.
The Fenton mausoleum, with its heavy bronze doors, intricate gate, sharply-pitched roof and clean lines is an aesthetic delight. Standing under the lush canopy of sheltering trees, its understated elegance is quite bewitching. The sole occupant is Reuben Eaton Fenton (1819 – 1885). Mr. Fenton was Governor of the State of New York from 1865 to 1869. From 1853 to 1865 he was a U.S. Representative and he served as a U.S. Senator from 1869 to 1875.
But the monument which most deeply affected the proprietors of Bella Morte bears the name of a young man who will (sadly) remain unknown to most people. This is the grave of Charles S. Cooper Jr., Private First Class (US Army). Born in 1986, Mr. Cooper was killed in the line of duty on 29 April, 2005 while serving in Iraq. The plaque on his grave commemorates the Bronze Star and Purple Heart he earned. Only 19 at the time of his death, Mr. Cooper has obviously made a profound and deep impression on visitors as his monument is surrounded by a proliferation of American flags, live plants, flowers and numerous trinkets. The upright stone is eloquent, but it is the bronze sculpture before it which is most noteworthy. A pair a neatly laced and tied boots face forward, pressed tightly together with military precision. Behind them, an M-16 stands upright, barrel pressed to the ground. Atop the buttstock, a helmet rests in perfect balance. This is a heartbreaking monument to a life taken far too soon. Mr. Cooper’s memorial should be included on any visit to Lake View. Make a point to stop by...leave a flag, flower, coin or just a silent “thank you” for his incredible sacrifice.
Lake View Cemetery enjoy s a wonderfully peaceful aura. It is a superb spot for strolling. Carpets of spongy moss make walking a real delight, and the softly sloping terrain, nice neighbourhood and aforementioned masses of trees render the experience of visiting even more pleasant. Another nice feature is the fact that a Methodist church stands across the street from the main entrance. Its bells toll on the hour and there are few things more enchanting than walking in a cemetery accompanied by the sound of bells ringing in a church tower. While Lake View cannot boast numerous angels and mourning figures, it has much to offer by way of impressive stones, exceptional topography, landscaping and plenty of peace. We found our visit quite gratifying and trust you will as well. Keep in mind that Lake View’s famous neighbours include Lily Dale Assembly (Spiritualist Society) and Chautauqua Institution.
{F}
