An unusual funeral ceremony that was held in Kingston 181 years ago was described by local historian Captain W.E. McElwee in the March 7, 1929 issue of the "Rockwood Times, and was carried in its entirety by the "Roane County News" September 27, 1971. Capt. McElwee wrote the story from information obtained from Governor Sevier's Journal, from tradition, and from some of the persons present who took part in the ceremonies. For the benefit of newcomers and beginners in Roane history, a few highlights may be of interest on the "mock funeral," or "memorial services" which were conducted with a coffin and burial, but with no corpse present.

PRESIDENTS WASHINGTON'S DEATH      President George Washington died December 14, 1799 and was buried on the 18th. The news of his death reached Knoxville on December 21. The news reached Col. Butler, commander at Fort South West Point, and was announced by the Chaplain on Sunday December 22. The minister suggested a memorial service. A committee chose Fegruary 22, 1800 as the date for an appropriate ceremonial program.

ORDER OF THE PROCESSION      Gov. John Sevier was received on February 21, with a 16-round gubernatorial salute, and another salute was fired the next morning with a single shot fired every half hour during the day. Sevier said that the procession formed at 12:00 o'clock noon at Alexander Carmichael's Tavern (now junction of Kentucky and Race Streets). A company of 100 cavalrymen headed the column, followed by the regimental band with muffled drums tapping slowly for the funeral march. Next came Gov. John Sevier and ex-territorial Gov. William Blount (1749-March 21, 1800), followed by the honorary pallbearers. General James White, Maj. McClung, Capt. Sparks, Maj. (afterwards Gov.) Roane, Esq. Hugh Dunlap and Thomas N. Clark were next in line. Following these were the pallbearers with the coffin and members of the Masonic fraternity. Then last, a company of infantry with arms reversed, followed by a crowd of citizens.

CEREMONIAL PROGRAM      Col. Thomas Butler (of long-hair fame) led the procession up (present Race St.) to the Indian Nation line to a prepared grave (near the present reservoir). The Rev. Samuel C. Carrick (1760-1809), Pres. of Blount College, led the invocation. Col. Butler read the announcement made by Mr. Marshall to the U.S. Senate. Maj. Campbell read the announcement made to the U.S House of Representatives. David Nelson was introduced and delivered an eloquent and fitting eulogium upon the services and charter of General Washington. The congregation joined in singing some apopropriate songs as the coffin was lowered into the grave. A parting salute was fired over the grave and tattoo beats on the drums. The Army Chaplain offered a closing prayer and the assemblage dispersed. (J.C. "Babe" Parker knows the approximate location of the burial site of the coffin without a body).

---

Page 1 of 1

Home|Back