Tag Archives: McDOWELL, Joseph

McDOWELL, Joseph – (d. 1801)

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DIED — Of an apoplectic stroke, on the 11th July, 1801, General Joseph McDOWELL, of Burke county, sincerely lamented by all who knew him.  By the exertion of natural talents, he early in life distinguished himself.  He was a useful and celebrated Partisan Officer during our revolutionary war.  He served for many years with reputation, and the undiminished confidence of his constituents, as a Member of the State Legislature.  He closed his political life a Member of Congress, and retired, which the provision for a numerous family had rendered necessary.

In private life he was an affectionate husband, a tender parent, a humane an indulgent master.  As a man, he was candid, just and liberal to an extreme. (His hospitality, generosity, and charity, knew no bounds.  History will record his bravery, and posterity will revere his memory, as a Patriot of seventy-six.

On the 12th, his remains were deposited at the family place of burial, by the Masonic Brethren, attended by a numerous collection of citizens.  Higher and more sincere evidences of grief were never exhibited on a similar occasion.   On the 27th, his funeral was celebrated by a procession of the Military and the Masonic Brethren.  The procession commenced at the public square in Morganton, and moved from thence to the family place of interment in the following order:

  • Captain ERWIN’s troop of horse
  • Captain BAIRD’s troop of horse
  • Caption WALTON’s independent company of riflemen.
  • Band of musick
  • The Clergymen
  • The General’s horse, completely equipped, led by his Aid, Major HILAND.
  • The BIer, supported by Colonels ERWIN and CARSON, Majors TATE and McGIMSEY
  • The Chief Mourners
  • The Masonic Brethren
  • Citizens

On their arrival near the burial place, the cavalry halted, displayed in columns to the right and left.  The infantry marched towards the place, and foremen in lines.  The Clergyman, Masonic Brethren, and Citizens, descended to the place of interment, where the Masonic Funeral Services were performed.  Three general discharges of the cavalry and infantry and their last tribute of respect to their entombed Commander and Friend.  The ceremonials being ended, the whole was again put in motion, the music playing Washington’s march, and the procession returned to the public square.  The whole was conducted with the the utmost degree of order and decorum.

Source: Raleigh Register, and North-Carolina Weekly Advertiser, August 18, 1801. 

Editorial Note: View his record on FamilySearch.org