RACHEL BLYTHE

WIFE OF

A.G. BUAER

Jan. 9, 1897 – Aged 26 YEARS

“True worth is being, not seeming.”

The inscription underneath her Rachel Baur’s picture:

In thy dark eyes splendor

Where the warm light loves to dwell

Weary looks yet tender

Speak their last farewell

There is an unusual cradle grave marker in the Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh, North Carolina.  Cradle grave markers are so named because they resemble a cradle.  They consist of a footstone and headstone connected by two low stone walls forming a rectangle, the interior of which is used for plantings. The grave marker of Rachel Blythe Bauer is unusual in that the headstone is made of brick and forms a foundation that is topped by a small replica of a building that was designed to resemble the Temple of Diana in Ephesus.  Between two columns is a portrait of Mrs. Rachel Bauer.

Rachel Blythe and Adolphus Gustavus Bauer’s love story was uncertain from the start.  They were in love but because Rachel was from a prominent Cherokee family it was illegal in North Carolina at that time for Native Americans to marry outside their race.  However, the couple had been advised if they were married outside of their state, the marriage would be accepted and legal upon their return.  They were married in secret on November 15, 1894. They were married again in Washington D.C. on June 18, 1895.  However, the North Carolina Supreme Court ruled in June of that year, that the marriage was invalid, and the couple would be liable for prosecution if they returned to the state.  The McCook Tribune of Nebraska, June 28, 1895 edition reported that “in the event they attempt to live in North Carolina it is reasonably certain they will have trouble.”  However, the couple did return and no charges were brought forth. Rachel gave birth to their daughter, Owenah, in October of 1895. 

Adolphus flourished as an architect until tragedy struck on May 2, 1896, when the buggy he was riding in was struck by a train.  He suffered major injuries including dizzy spells, delusions, and depression.  He continued to work, however.  In December of 1896, Rachel gave birth. Shortly, after their son, Fred, was born tragedy struck again.  Rachel died on January 9, 1897, most likely from complications of dysentery.

Adolphus designed Rachel grave marker for his beloved wife.  The North Carolina legislature passed a bill validating the marriage of the couple.  It was announced in The North Carolinian on Thursday, March 11, 1897.  On May 11, 1898, Adolphus committed suicide.  He was found holding a photograph of Rachel.  The note he left behind requested that he be buried “buried by the side of my wife, in Raleigh, N.C., where I have so long sojourned and among the Southern people I have liked so well.”