Bayonet Stabbings, Bullet Wounds and History Books - Joseph Graham's Revolution
Joseph Graham first came to my attention while studying the Battle of Ramsour’s Mill (look for an article about that brother-against-brother battle soon). It was here I noticed that most of the information on this fight came from publications written by Graham 45 years later.
Intrigued, my research demonstrated that Joseph Graham participated in several battles of the Revolutionary War, was severely wounded, became important in North Carolina politics, served as a Brigadier General in the War of 1812 and played a major part in compiling the early history of the area around Charlotte.
And yet, somehow, this man does not even have a Wikipedia page!
Joseph Graham
Living in the vicinity of modern-day Charlotte, North Carolina, Joseph Graham was just a boy when the glories of revolution were displayed with the Mecklenburg Resolves. By the time he turned 19, Joseph had joined the local militia.
Over three years of war, Graham severed in most of the notable battles in western North and South Carolina. He rose quickly from Private to the rank of Major, acting at times a Quartermaster.
Perhaps his most shocking achievement was surviving the Capture of Charlotte. Charged with covering the Patriot retreat, Joseph was shot three times, stabbed with a bayonet six times, and left for dead.
Politics, Iron and the War of 1812
Somehow, despite massive blood loss, Graham was able to stumble from the field and arrive at a neighbor’s house. Fortunately, he was nursed back to health.
After the war, Graham became a successful politician, serving several times in the State Assembly.
Eventually, he left politics to form an iron foundry with a brother-in-law which earned them both great wealth. During the War of 1812, this forge would provide the Patriots with a great deal of ammunition.
Additionally, during the ‘Second American Revolution’ (as the War of 1812 is sometimes called), Graham was appointed as a Brigadier General in the State Militia.
History
Joseph Graham was long upset that the little history being told regarding the American Revolution in western North Carolina was incorrect.
By 1825, and now in his 60’s, Graham began publishing his memories of the war. Now considered to be astoundingly accurate, these recollections shed light on several important battles.
Thanks to Josephs years of writing, we know have a great deal of information on conflicts such as the Battle of Ramsour’s Mill, the Battle of McIntire’s Farm and the Battle of King’s Mountain.
Joseph Graham left his mark on history, recorded history, and even influenced posterity as one of his sons, William, would go on to be a Governor of North Carolina, Secretary of the Navy, and Senator in both the United States and Confederate States governments.
Interested in other Founders who participate in the War of 1812?
Check out these articles:
William Wadsworth Makes Cobblestone Trendy
James Lingan Defends to His Death Your Right to Say It
Jonathan Russell Gets ‘Eviscerated’ by John Quincy Adams
A biography of Graham was written 100 years ago and can be read for FREE here.
The area in and around Charlotte is an often overlooked piece of Revolutionary history.
‘Charlotte and the American Revolution’ goes into detail regarding the battles with Redcoats, Loyalists and Native Americans during this time.
If you’d like a copy of your own you can through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).
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