When Sweetums and I visited Lakeview Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio, last year, we were awed by the incredible buildings, gardens and statuary. It is a beautiful place.
One monument that stood out was an incredibly intricate knight-looking statue that turned out to be the Archangel Gabriel. Gabriel marks the grave of John Hay (1839-1905), who was secretary to President Abraham Lincoln and served as U.S. Secretary of State under McKinley.
The inscription on the tablet says:
The fruit of righteousness is Sown in peace Of them that Make peace
The stunning statue was sculpted by James Earle Fraser, who is known for creating numerous works in Washington, D.C., such as one at the Supreme Court and another at the Treasury. He also designed the Victory Medal, the Navy Cross and the Buffalo-head nickel.
The statue marking Hays’ grave was completed in 1914.
Lakeview Cemetery in Cleveland, it is the Archangel Gabriel on the grave of John Hay (1839-1905), former secretary to Abraham Lincoln and Secretary of State under McKinley. (Photo by Wil Elrick/Permission Required)Lakeview Cemetery in Cleveland, it is the Archangel Gabriel on the grave of John Hay (1839-1905), former secretary to Abraham Lincoln and Secretary of State under McKinley. (Photo by Wil Elrick/Permission RequiredLakeview Cemetery in Cleveland, it is the Archangel Gabriel on the grave of John Hay (1839-1905), former secretary to Abraham Lincoln and Secretary of State under McKinley. (Photo by Wil Elrick/Permission RequiredDetail of Archangel Gabriel.Lakeview Cemetery in Cleveland, it is the Archangel Gabriel on the grave of John Hay (1839-1905), former secretary to Abraham Lincoln and Secretary of State under McKinley. (Photo by Wil Elrick/Permission Required)James Fraser also sculpted the Arts of Peace in Washington. (Source: Dan Vera | Wikimedia Commons)
2 thoughts on “This striking cemetery sculpture is an angel, not a knight”
Hello. I have seen several people comment that the angel in the Saint-Gaudens statue on John Hay’s monument represents the Archangel Gabriel. That is inaccurate. It represents the Archangel Michael, who is described as leading God’s armies in the book of Revelation. Gabriel was used by God to speak to individuals. He was the one who announced the birth of Christ. Thank you!
KellyKazek.com 
Hello. I have seen several people comment that the angel in the Saint-Gaudens statue on John Hay’s monument represents the Archangel Gabriel. That is inaccurate. It represents the Archangel Michael, who is described as leading God’s armies in the book of Revelation. Gabriel was used by God to speak to individuals. He was the one who announced the birth of Christ. Thank you!
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Thank you so much for writing, Joel. I only saw Gabriel mentioned in my research but I will do a more in-depth look. I appreciate it
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