"Our Fallen Chieftain" by Randolph A. Shotwell

"Our Fallen Chieftain" by Randolph A. Shotwell

Music--North Carolina--New Bern

Songs--North Carolina--New Bern

Ballads--North Carolina--New Bern

Mrs. Jennie Shotwell published a song written by her brother-in-law in 1866 to be sung for the benefit of the "Stonewall Cemetery." An article in the May 12, 1903, News & Observer states that the poem "had never been published until Mrs. Jennie Shotwell...gave it to W.H. Oliver, who had it put to music which was sung at the service today [May 11]."

A version of the poem, titled "We Shall Meet, but We Shall Miss Him -- a paraphrase of 'The Vacant Chair,'" by Shotwell was published in the August 26, 1866, issue of the Newbern Daily Times. It was published again in the October 20, 1873, issue of The Southern Home under the title "A Dirge for Jackson; Adapted from a familiar song and tune--'The Vacant Chair.'" By May 1895, it was published in several North Carolina newspapers, including The [New Bern] Daily Journal of May 31, 1895, under the title "The Fallen Chieftain" or "Our Fallen Chieftain."

It is believed this copy may have been published for the 1903 Confederate Memorial Day ceremonies.

Shotwell, Randolph Abbott, 1844-1885

Shotwell, Jennie

Rutherford Democrat

1866

1903

Charles Duffy, Jr., Collection

This item is presented courtesy of the New Bern-Craven County Public Library for research and educational purposes. Prior permission from the New Bern-Craven County Public Library is required for any commercial use.

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English

Songs

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New Bern, Craven County, North Carolina

Songs