Doctor Joseph Warren was one of the most brilliant, passionate and involved Patriots of revolutionary Boston; however, many Americans know very little about the man. In his time, he was a very well-known and loved physician, community leader and member of the Sons of Liberty. Today, we’ll explore his life, contributions to the revolutionary movement and his gravesite.
History
Joseph Warren was born on June 11, 1741 in Roxbury, Massachusetts to Joseph Warren and Mary Stevens. Young Joseph attended the Roxbury Latin School, which prepared him for his entrance into Harvard University at the age of 14. Warren’s promising young life took an unexpected turn in October 1755 when his father died after falling from a tree while collecting apples. Distraught but not discouraged, Warren continued his education and graduated from Harvard University in 1759 and then taught at the Roxbury Latin School for a brief time.
As his interest in medicine grew, he soon shadowed the renowned Doctor James Lloyd in Boston. By 1764, Warren had opened his own reputable medical practice in the city and served many of the elite members of society (both Loyalist and Patriot). In September 1764, the successful physician married Elizabeth Hooten- they would have four children together.
As Warren’s professional and personal reputation grew, he naturally got involved in politics. Through relationships with John Hancock, Samuel Adams and other notable Boston Patriots, he rapidly rose to the head of the Sons of Liberty. A tragic event on March 5, 1770, known historically as the Boston Massacre, outraged Warren. He was a fantastic orator and gave fiery speeches against the Crown’s infringement on colonial rights, including diatribes on every anniversary of the Boston Massacre.
As the political climate of Boston became riotous, Warren’s seemingly cursed life was again touched by the angel of death. On February 28, 1773, his wife Elizabeth died (leaving him to raise their four children alone). Warren relied on family to assist in raising his children as he fully devoted himself to politics and made vital contributions to the brewing revolution. He was appointed to the Boston Committee of Correspondence, served as President of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress and drafted the Suffolk Resolves. Warren was also involved in the famous events of Lexington & Concord- it was he who sent Paul Revere, William Dawes and other midnight riders to alert the countryside.
By June 1775, Joseph Warren’s tragic life was now in its final chapter. On June 14, Doctor Warren was commissioned as a Major General by the Provincial Congress. He eagerly volunteered to join the fight now known as the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775 and was killed near the end of the action. Since he was a well-known Patriot, his body was sadly disgraced and dismembered by British soldiers and buried in an unmarked grave.
It wasn’t until March 21, 1776 (9 months later) when Paul Revere, Warren’s brothers, and others were able to dig up the bodies buried. Although his face was unrecognizable, Revere was able to identify Joseph Warren from a metal wire, which he had used to fasten a false tooth in Warren’s mouth. Doctor and Major General Joseph Warren was killed at the age of 34- well in his prime. One can only imagine the contributions he would have made to our great nation had he lived.
Gravesite of Doctor Joseph Warren
If you want to visit the gravesite of Doctor Joseph Warren, you won’t have to go far from his hometown of Roxbury, MA. Although initially buried in the Granary Burying Ground in Boston and then at St. Paul’s Church in 1825, Joseph Warren was moved to the family plot in Forest Hills Cemetery (95 Forest Hills Ave., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130) in 1855. We’ve visited to honor the late patriot on two occasions- the first time on a crisp autumn day and then later in early summer. Upon arriving at Forest Hills Cemetery, we quickly realized how large the cemetery is. I would highly recommend stopping by the front office and picking up a free map of the grounds (this will also outline where particular people are buried, including Joseph Warren) or going to foresthillscemetery.com and downloading their free cemetery map.
After driving around a bit and admiring the peaceful grounds, we finally found the Warren family plot. A commanding bronze statue of Warren (dedicated in October 2016) marks the location, making it a bit easier to find.
The gravesite is not just the final resting place for the beloved Joseph Warren. In fact, there are many other members of the Warren family buried there including:
- Deborah Warren (Grandmother) Died 1749
- Joseph Warren (Father) Feb 2, 1699 – Oct 22, 1755
- Mary (Stevens) Warren (Mother) Died Jan 17, 1803 (she lived to be 90!)
- Joseph Warren (Son) Died Apr 2, 1790
- John Warren (Brother) 1753 – Apr 4, 1815
- Dr. John Collins Warren (Cousin) Aug 1, 1778 – May 4, 1856
Nearby (a short drive) is the May family plot, which is believed to be the final resting place of revolutionary William Dawes (one of the midnight riders sent out by Joseph Warren on April 18, 1775).
Today, many Americans may not know who Joseph Warren was or what his vital contributions to our country were, but I bet they’ve heard his name. Countless roads, towns, schools and parks are named for our forefathers, including Joseph Warren. In fact, my high school and township were named for the Patriot (which makes me feel a special connection to the man).
My hope is that this blog, along with the many new writings and books on men such as Joseph Warren, will bring to light those unsung heroes and moments of our past.
Book recommendation: Founding Martyr: The Life and Death of Dr. Joseph Warren, the American Revolution’s Lost Hero by Christian Di Spigna
Very interesting and well written historical information. Warrens are in my family tree. I love genealogy and tying facts into my timeline.