View complete article and references at Commemorative Landscapes of North Carolina at: https://docsouth.unc.edu/commland/monument/137

Description: A 6'9" rectangular marble monument surrounded by a concrete frame sits flush with the ground. An inscription is carved into the monument alongside a bronze Daughters of the American Revolution plaque which was added in March of 1948.

Inscription:
Here are deposited remains / of Major JOHN DAVES / one / of the well tried patriots of our Revolutionary / War; / Who departed this life October 12th, 1804, / Aged 56 Years / Epitaph by a Friend Beneath this monumental stone repos'd / In shrouded gloom, the relics of the dead / Await the' archangel's renovating trump, / And the dread sentence of the Judge Supreme. / But GOD'S the Judge! in truth and justice robed; / Impartial to reward the friend sincere, / The virtues of the patriot, parent, spouse; / And these, O Major! these were surely thine. / Yes, there were thine - and more still conjoin'd / T' endear thee to thy family and friends, / To leave a lasting memory behind, / And seal thy transport to the realms of bliss.

Dedication date: July 3, 1893

Materials & Techniques: Marble and concrete.

Subject notes: John Daves was born in Mecklenburg County in 1748 and moved to New Bern around 1770. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War serving in both the Second North Carolina Regiment and was later captured in Charleston in May of 1780. When released he was promoted to captain. After his time in the army, he returned to New Bern, where he served as collector of the port till his death on October 12, 1804. This monument is one of the few that is dedicated to an individual who was not directly involved with the battle that ensued at the location.

Controversies: Sometime between 1922 and 1932 the monument was hit by a vehicle and the marble slab was broken into 2 pieces. After this incident the pedestals were taken off and the broken slabs were placed flush with the ground.

Former Locations: Major John Daves died in Newbern on October 12th, 1804 and was buried in the Cedar Gove Cemetery in town. In June of 1893, his grandsons Edward Graham and Graham Daves had the body and monument moved to Guilford Battleground. His tomb was re-erected over his body by the Company and a marble memorial was put up as well.

City: Greensboro

County: Guilford

Subjects: Revolutionary War