In the summer of 1893, former President Grover Cleveland found himself grappling with a serious health concern when he noticed a rough spot in his mouth. After consultation with his physicians, it was determined that surgery was necessary to address the cancerous growth in his jaw. Rather than seeking treatment in a public hospital, Cleveland chose a unique and clandestine approach to safeguard his condition from the media and the public eye. The surgery was performed aboard the yacht 'Oneida', hosted by his friend, the billionaire industrialist and financier, Edward M. Shepard, in the waters off of Long Island, New York. A skilled surgical team, including Dr. William W. Keen, conducted the operation with remarkable secrecy. The success of the surgery allowed Cleveland to recover sufficiently to resume his public life without revealing the extent of his health issues to the nation.

Despite the successful surgery, Cleveland’s choice to keep the operation private had significant implications. At a time when candidness about health issues was not common, he feared that public knowledge of his illness could complicate his reputation and the political landscape. The secrecy surrounding the surgery created a notable historical moment, allowing him to maintain a façade of good health while continuing to shape his post-presidency legacy. The operation ultimately remained under wraps until it was disclosed in 1917, inciting media and public fascination with the former president's hidden battles and resilience in the face of illness.