Irvin McDowell

[Eric Wittenberg]

I was in San Francisco this past weekend for my nephew's wedding. While there I had a chance to prowl around the National Cemetery at The Presidio. I knew that Irvin McDowell was buried there, among others, which is why I went there. I was surprised to see how modest his grave marker is. Who can spot the error?

 

[István.AT]

I banged my head for several minutes trying to remember if McDowell achieved the rank of MG in the regular army (for those as illiterate as I am: yes, he did).
Then finally understood that error isn't factual, it's spelling
At least I have an excuse - I ain't a native speaker.

 

[Sid J.]

Sherman said: 'I think I know what military fame is; to be killed on the field of battle and have your name misspelled in the newspapers.' It turned out a little bit different for McDowell.

 

[rpkennedy]

That's kind of sad that they couldn't even get his name right.

Ryan

 

[mofederal]

Irvin McDowell does have a rather simple stone, even with his name misspelled. He does deserve much better. They can at least correct this error.

 

[amweiner]

I was in San Francisco this past weekend for my nephew's wedding. While there I had a chance to prowl around the National Cemetery at The Presidio. I knew that Irvin McDowell was buried there, among others, which is why I went there. I was surprised to see how modest his grave marker is. Who can spot the error?View attachment 161773

The last 2 times I've been there, the section where McDowell is buried was under construction and I couldn't get there. Thanks for sharing this! I want to take some pictures of his headstone next time I go, and get some shots of Pauline Cushman's resting place.

 

[Eric Wittenberg]

View attachment 161788

The last 2 times I've been there, the section where McDowell is buried was under construction and I couldn't get there. Thanks for sharing this! I want to take some pictures of his headstone next time I go, and get some shots of Pauline Cushman's resting place.

Adam, I also got shots of Hunter Liggett's stone, Charles Varnum's (Custer's chief of scouts, Little Bighorn survivor and Medal of Honor recipient) grave, and the grave of Frederick Funston, who was nearly appointed commander of the AEF during World War I. I did miss Cushman. I also got this Civil War MOH recipient.

 

[Eric Wittenberg]

Coey was a major. His MOH stems from the February 6, 1865 Battle of Hatcher's Run. This is the MOH citation:

Seized the regimental colors at a critical moment and by a prompt advance on the enemy caused the entire brigade to follow him; and, after being himself severely wounded, he caused himself to be lifted into the saddle and a second time rallied the line in an attempt to check the enemy.

 

[amweiner]

View attachment 161788

Adam, I also got shots of Hunter Liggett's stone, Charles Varnum's (Custer's chief of scouts, Little Bighorn survivor and Medal of Honor recipient) grave, and the grave of Frederick Funston, who was nearly appointed commander of the AEF during World War I. I did miss Cushman. I also got this Civil War MOH recipient.

View attachment 161789

Thanks Eric....I will make sure I get shots of Cushman's gravesite on my next visit. I'd also like to get up to Oakland and Lafayette as a number of Civil War veterans are buried there. My daughter thought there are some Civil War graves in Gonzales (where many of my wife's relatives are laid to rest), but I need to get out there to confirm it.

 

[Eric Wittenberg]

Thanks Eric....I will make sure I get shots of Cushman's gravesite on my next visit.

Please do. Since I missed her, I would like to see it.

There are lots of interesting folks buried in that cemetery at the Presidio--there are quite a few MOH recipients. All of the ones that I shot photos of were located in Section OS. I enjoy prowling around cemeteries, so I enjoyed that visit a great deal.

 

[amweiner]

Although not quite Civil War-related, I would like to get to Golden Gate National Cemetery to pay my respects to Admiral Nimitz and Admiral Spruance, as well as Hills of Eternity Cemetery to visit Wyatt Earp's gravesite.

I agree, Eric - some might say cemeteries are only a symbol of a person's death, but they inspire me to know more about a person's life. Remembering these women and men seems like the most fitting way to honor them.

 

[JOHN42768]

Thanks for contributing photos and info

 

[Deleted User CS]

Eric. Your information as always is very educational and inspires me to learn more. David.

 

[dlofting]

I know you visited the LBH recently, Eric. It's a bit sad that McDowell has the same generic marker that so many unknown troopers have on that battlefield.

 

[rpkennedy]

View attachment 161788

Adam, I also got shots of Hunter Liggett's stone, Charles Varnum's (Custer's chief of scouts, Little Bighorn survivor and Medal of Honor recipient) grave, and the grave of Frederick Funston, who was nearly appointed commander of the AEF during World War I. I did miss Cushman. I also got this Civil War MOH recipient.

View attachment 161789

At Gettysburg, Captain James Coey commanded Company E. He was never officially mustered in as the regiment's lieutenant colonel but acted as such after Lieutenant Colonel George Harney was believed to have been killed. Instead, Harvey had been captured and having returned, Coey was made major and was mustered out as a major.

Ryan

 

[Schwallanscher]

I agree, Eric - some might say cemeteries are only a symbol of a person's death, but they inspire me to know more about a person's life. Remembering these women and men seems like the most fitting way to honor them.

call me weird, but i've always seen cemetries as a symbol of life and hope. the fact that i'm standing there after centuries means there will people be standing at my grave in centuries and as i think of those names and the lives these people lived those future visitors' minds will probably make up stuff about my live the same way my mind does now. to me that is comforting.

 

[jackt62]

You mean that in all these years, nobody, particular family members, thought to correct the spelling of his name on the gravestone? Shouldn't have been too difficult to re-cut the the W to a V.

 

[Eric Wittenberg]

You mean that in all these years, nobody, particular family members, thought to correct the spelling of his name on the gravestone? Shouldn't have been too difficult to re-cut the the W to a V.

Considering that I took that photo less than a week ago, unless it's been changed in the six intervening days, it's safe to say that it hasn't been corrected in the years since the stone was erected.

 

[jackt62]

Considering that I took that photo less than a week ago, unless it's been changed in the six intervening days, it's safe to say that it hasn't been corrected in the years since the stone was erected.

Who knows, maybe now!

 

[Schwallanscher]

You mean that in all these years, nobody, particular family members, thought to correct the spelling of his name on the gravestone? Shouldn't have been too difficult to re-cut the the W to a V.

you are right it's not too difficult - it's simply impossible. what do you want to do? cut of the W and glue on a V? you need a new stone