Joseph Whidbey Gravesite
by Bill Haroldson
I had been identified as a suspect in a Great Britain crime. It involved the gravesite of Joseph Whidbey, master on Captain Vancouver’s 1792 voyage, for whom Whidbey Island is named.
I had visited Whidbey’s grave in St. James Churchyard, Taunton, England two years previously. I took several pictures of the site, and subsequently told my friend, Harry Moore of Coupeville, about the visit.
Mr. Moore is an amateur historian who studies the life of Joseph Whidbey. He is also a friend of John M. Naish, author of The Interwoven Lives of George Vancouver, Archibald Menzies, Joseph Whidbey and Peter Puget, Exploring the Pacific Northwest Coast. Naish is a retired medical doctor living in Bristol, England. Currently he is 90-years-old. The book defines what went on during the Vancouver’s voyage. Unfortunately, it costs $139.00, and is not readily available.
Two weeks ago Mr. Moore phoned me to report Dr. Naish had called him. Evidently a person or persons unknown had affixed a plaque on Whidbey’s grave – a defacement with legal consequences in England. Dr. Naish suspected it was Mr. Moore. Moore proclaimed his innocence, but then thought I might be the guilty party. He’d called to find out.
While denying responsibility, I now fear I will be apprehended on my upcoming trip to England, and that you’ll never hear from me again.
(Scotland Yard must have better things to do as Bill returned safely without incident)
