Did ragtime’s most famous composer die a pauper? Here at St Michael’s Cemetery, the final resting place of Scott Joplin, that question hangs heavy in the air. St Michael’s Cemetery, established in 1852, is a sprawling 88-acre testament to New York City’s rich and diverse history. Owned and operated by St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Manhattan, this cemetery welcomes people of all faiths. It began as a mere seven acres, purchased by Reverend Thomas McClure Peters. He envisioned a dignified resting place for everyone, especially the poor. Sections of St Michael’s Cemetery were even designated for other churches and institutions, reflecting Peters’ commitment to serving the community.
St Michael’s Cemetery isn’t just a place of mourning. It’s a place where history comes alive. It’s a place where the echoes of ragtime mingle with the stories of everyday New Yorkers. Scott Joplin, the “King of Ragtime,” rests here. His tombstone simply reads, “Scott Joplin – American Composer – November 24, 1868 – April 1, 1917.” It’s a stark reminder of his untimely death at the young age of 49. Joplin, despite his musical genius and the popularity of hits like “The Maple Leaf Rag,” died penniless. Imagine his final request, to have his most famous song played at his funeral. Sadly, at his wife’s request, the music was silenced. St Michael’s Cemetery now honors Joplin’s legacy with an annual ragtime concert, held just yards from his grave. The lively melodies fill the air, a vibrant tribute to the man who brought ragtime to the world.
St Michael’s Cemetery also holds other notable figures. Organized crime figures Frank Costello and Joseph N. Gallo are buried here. So is boxer Emile Griffith, Medal of Honor recipients Luovi Halling and George Low, sculptor John Ruhl, musician Yomo Toro, and inventor Granville Woods. Even the Reverend Peters himself is interred here, alongside his wife, Alice Clarissa Richmond. Walking through the older sections, you’ll encounter headstones dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. These weathered stones whisper tales of lives lived, of dreams pursued, and of legacies left behind. One such story is that of Corporal Robert L. Kellner, killed in action in France during World War I. His gravesite is marked by a bronze statue, a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made during wartime.
St Michael’s Cemetery has adapted to the changing times. In the late 1980s, community mausoleums were built to efficiently use the remaining space. And in 2005, the All Souls Crematorium opened on the grounds. St Michael’s Cemetery stands as a microcosm of New York City itself, a place where history, culture, and community intertwine. It’s a place where the stories of the past continue to resonate, offering a glimpse into the lives that shaped this vibrant city. As you leave St Michael’s, remember the music, the lives, and the stories that reside within these hallowed grounds.