Bodie in Mono County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Bodey’s Grave
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, May 25, 2008
1. Bodey's Grave Marker
“Let him repose in peace among these everlasting hills”
Erected by Snowshoe Thompson Chapter ECV October 5, 1957
Erected 1957 by E Clampus Vitus.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1824.
Location. 38° 12.656′ N, 119° 1.015′ W. Marker is in Bodie, California, in Mono County. Marker can be reached from Cemetary Road near Bypass Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bridgeport CA 93517, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Welcome to Bodie (approx. 0.2 miles away); Life in Bodie (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Red Cloud Mine (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bodie (approx. ¼ mile away); Return to Bodie (approx. ¼ mile away); James Stuart Cain (approx. ¼ mile away); Bodie and Benton R. R. (approx. 7.9 miles away); Aurora (approx. 8.4 miles away in Nevada). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bodie.
More about this marker.
this page online
Regarding Bodey’s Grave. Credited with discovering gold in the Bodie Hills, W. S. Bodey died in 1859 prior to the birth of the boom town named after him. Note that the ECV marker memorializes "William", while the gravestone has a "Waterman" buried beneath. At least one researcher has concluded that "Wakeman" may have been Bodey's true first name.
Also see . . . Bodie history and myths. Provides an interesting discussion of a number of the myths surrounding Bodie, and provides biographical information concerning W.S. Bodey. (Submitted on June 25, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.)
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, May 25, 2008
2. Bodey's Gravestone
The headstone reads:
Buried here are the mortal remains of Waterman S. Bodey 1814-1859
Near here July 20, 1859 Bodey with his partner and burro struck gold, four months later returning with supplies he lost his life in a blinding snowstorm. This small sturdy indomitable man left Bodie to posterity never knowing its importance.
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, May 25, 2008
3. View of Bodie from the cemetery
Credits. This page was last revised on November 6, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 2,415 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 25, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
