Name/Title
McKinley commemorative glass plate-It is God's WayEntry/Object ID
2010.1.2259aDescription
This is an oval shaped glass commemorative plate with the full standing likeness of President William McKinley facing right, wearing a double breasted coat and holding a scroll in his right hand. The glass is both textured and plain. Laurel leaves in a wreath shape surround the outside of the plate. On the left side of the plate are words in two lines of text that read "BORN 1843," and on the right side are words in two lines of text that read "DIED 1901." These words are reportedly the last words McKinley ever spoke.
Note:
Commemorative glass and ceramic platters, mugs and pitchers were popular during the late 1800s and early 1900s – particularly those bearing the likeness of one of our presidents. But, this glass platter, which was donated to the National Heritage Museum in 2008, the gift of Robert and Edith Zucker, seemed somewhat eerie to me given its inscription, “It is God’s way / His will be done.” *
A quick search of the life dates on the platter, “Born 1843 / Died 1901,” confirmed that the man depicted is William McKinley, 25th president of the United States. McKinley was assassinated while attending the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. So, I initially attributed the rather severe verse to vestiges of somber Puritanism or to Victorian mourning ideals. *
However, additional research turned up a far more pertinent explanation for the words on this commemorative platter. According to the New York Times on September 14, 1901, McKinley’s last words as he died that day were “Good bye. All good bye. It is God’s way. His will be done, not ours.” *
Born in 1843 in Niles, Ohio, McKinley became a teacher until the Civil War broke out. He enlisted in the Union Army, eventually achieving the rank of brevet major. After the war, he became a lawyer in Canton, Ohio. He also served in the U.S. House of Representatives and held two terms as governor of Ohio. In 1896, McKinley was elected president of the United States, and was elected to a second term in 1900. Unfortunately, his life was cut short on September 6, 1901. On that day, despite the presence of Secret Service agents, anarchist Leon F. Czolgosz shot McKinley while he was shaking hands at a public reception at the Pan-American Exposition. Despite quick medical attention, gangrene set in around McKinley’s wounds and he died on September 14, 1901. *
In addition to his distinguished political career, William McKinley was a Freemason. He received the first three degrees from Hiram Lodge No. 21 in Winchester, Virginia, during his Civil War service. After the war, McKinley affiliated with Canton Lodge No. 90, Canton, Ohio, later becoming a charter member of Eagle Lodge No. 431 in Canton, Ohio. He was also active in Royal Arch Masonry and the Knights Templar. *
President William McKinley Commemorative Platter, ca. 1901, collection of the National Heritage Museum, gift of Robert and Edith Zucker, 2008.021.5. Photograph by David Bohl. *
Posted at 09:00 AM in American Civil War, American Freemasonry, American History - 20th Century, Civil War, Decorative Arts, Famous Freemasons, Freemasonry, Freemasonry and U.S. Presidents, Knights Templar, Masonic and fraternal history, New Acquisitions, Posts by Aimee Newell, Presidential history, William McKinley, York Rite Freemasonry | Permalink *
* Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library
The official blog about the collections, exhibitions, and programs of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library
April 08, 2010
New to the Collection: Mourning McKinley
http://nationalheritagemuseum.typepad.com/library_and_archives/2010/04/new-to-the-collection-mourning-mckinley.html
Note:
Clear pressed glass oval platter with scalloped edge. Leafy laurel wreath along the edge. Lettering on the side reads, "It Is God's Way / His Will Be Done." The bottom of the platter shows a full-length portrait of a man wearing an overcoat and holding a scroll (William McKinley (1843-1901)). Lettering at the sides of the portrait reads, "Born 1843 / Died 1901." * *
Republican - and Freemason - William McKinley (1843-1901) ran for president in 1896 and in 1900, winning both times. McKinley conducted his campaign from his Ohio home in 1896, where he presented speeches to the party delegates who traveled there to hear him. Sadly, McKinley's second term as president was cut short when he was shot by anarchist Leon F. Czolgosz (1873-1901) in September 1901 while shaking hands at a reception at the Pan-American Exposition. * *
* * Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library
http://mdsmobius.supremecouncil.org/detail.php?term=mckinley&module=objects&type=keyword&x=0&y=0&kv=73594&record=14&module=objectsCollection
BechtelAcquisition
Accession
2010.1Source or Donor
Mr. BechtelAcquisition Method
Gift/PurchaseCredit Line
BECHTEL