Francis Julius LeMoyne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francis Julius LeMoyne
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F. Julius LeMoyne, M.D.
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| Born | September 4, 1798 Washington, Pennsylvania, United States
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| Died | October 14, 1879 (aged 81) Washington, Pennsylvania, United States
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| Resting place | LeMoyne Crematory |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Washington College M.D. Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Occupation | Medical Doctor, Philanthropist |
| Title | Dr. |
| Spouse(s) | Madeleine Romaine Bureau |
| Parent(s) | John Julius LeMoyne (father) |
Francis Julius LeMoyne (born September 4, 1798 – died October 14, 1879) was an important doctor and helper of others from Washington, Pennsylvania. He is famous for building the first crematory in the United States. Dr. LeMoyne also worked hard to end slavery. He helped start the first public library in Washington and a school for girls. He also gave a lot of money to LeMoyne-Owen College, which helped many students.
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Early Life of Francis LeMoyne
Francis LeMoyne was born in 1798. His parents were Nancy McCuly and John Julius LeMoyne. He finished college at Washington College in 1815. This school is now called Washington & Jefferson College.
Dr. LeMoyne strongly believed in fairness. He joined the American Anti-Slavery Society. He gave public talks near his home. He even traveled to U.S. states where slavery was legal to speak out. From 1841 to 1847, he ran for Governor of Pennsylvania with the Abolition party.
Dr. LeMoyne's Crematory
Dr. LeMoyne noticed that bodies buried in local cemeteries might be making the water dirty. He thought this could make people sick. So, he decided to build the first crematory in the United States.
The crematory was finished in 1876. It was built on his own land. This spot was known as Gallow's Hill. The very first cremation happened on December 6, 1876. After 41 more cremations, the crematory closed in 1901. Dr. LeMoyne was the third person to be cremated there. Today, the building is still in the same place. You can find it off South Main Street.
The LeMoyne House
The LeMoyne house was built by Francis's father in 1812. This house was a secret stop on the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was a network of safe places. It helped enslaved people escape to freedom.
The LeMoyne house was the first of six places in Pennsylvania to be recognized as a National Historic Landmark of the Underground Railroad. It still stands today at 49 East Maiden Street. It is near the campus of Washington & Jefferson College. The house is now a museum. It also serves as the main office for the Washington County Historical Society.
Later Life and Legacy
Francis Julius LeMoyne passed away on October 14, 1879. He was 81 years old. He died from a heart attack in Washington, Pennsylvania. His body was cremated at the LeMoyne Crematory.
His family includes many interesting people. For example, actress Julie Bowen is a direct descendant of Francis Julius LeMoyne. Her family history was shown on the TV show Who Do You Think You Are?.
