Josiah Maples-Revolutionary War
Sevierville, Tennessee
Tennessee Patriot, Josiah Maples Senior, was not only Bummer’s 4th Great Grandfather, but a veteran of the American Revolution and this old guy’s Sevierville Patriarch. Bummer and Data Miner, on a research trek to Tennessee, in April of 2013, discovered his resting place at the Murphy’s Cemetery, on land he once owned, across Pittman Road from the Bethel Baptist Church in Sevierville. Josiah, who was born in 1746, a Virginia native, moved to Sevier County, Tennessee around 1800. Maples and his wife, Ruthea, raised between 12 and 14 children, accounts vary as to the number, especially in Tennessee, where vital statistics were sometimes not kept, until the early 20th century. When he died in 1820, a simple, unadorned rock was all that marked his grave.
However, in March of 2012, several of Maple’s descendants, from Alabama, placed an appropriate headstone, marking and memorializing their Tennessee Patriot and Patriarch’s final resting place.
Bummer is humbled and honored to share the article and news broadcast regarding the life and times of Josiah Maples Senior, at the link below.
Local TV News Report on Bummer’s Ancestor
Bummer
This is a lovely happening–a good ending for your patriot ancestor.
Betty,
Glad to hear from you. Hope your holiday season was marvelous. A real nice surprise, when Bummer and Data Miner visited Sevierville, Tennessee last Spring. The news snippet was an exciting piece that brought back memories of our research in the Smokies. Bummer has a passle of remote hill-folk kin in the area, some consider Sevierville residents flatlanders, most of these kin are simple folks, with simple wants and needs, which is just fine with Bummer. All are patriotic and most are veterans. All veterans, from all conflicts, deserve the best recognition and care that we can provide them upon their return. Thanks for following Betty and hope that you have a healthy and prosperous New Year.
Remaining,
Bummer
01/06/13 Bummer-
A new patriot’s grave marker and remembrance for your family ancestor is most fitting as well as your family genealogy, “A Maples Leaf”.
An American Revolutionary War soldier grave marker is rare indeed. I have seen only one locally at the family cemetery at the “Blenheim” Family House in Fairfax, VA.
Thanks for sharing this ‘final’ tribute to your ancestor.
John Roark
Burke, VA
John,
Thanks for the read, the ARW ancestor’s new marker was a great New Year’s gift. Thanks to the Alabama wing of the extended family. Have a healthy and prosperous New Year John, it’s always good to know you’re out there.
Bummer
01/26/14 Bummer-
FYI…..I came across a passing reference to John Sevier, Federalist Representative from TN in 12th Congress (1st Session), May-Aug 1813. Cong. Sevier was apparently newly elected and a contemporary of young Daniel Webster, another newly elected Federalist Party Representative from N.H. The Federalists were then the ‘minority’ party. However, they attacked Pres. Madison severely for the origin and conduct of the War of 1812. I can provide you with the citation in the biography of Daniel Webster by Robert Remini. BTW, Webster’s son, Daniel Fletcher Webster, a very accomplished person in his own right, was killed at Bald Hill, Manassas, VA on Aug 30, 1862 commanding the 12th Mass Vol Inf Regt at the Second Battle at Bull Run.
John Roark