Joseph Brown Memorial Stone

Found in Acton’s Woodlawn Cemetery, this memorial stone rests atop the grave of Captain Joseph Brown. It was erected by Captain Brown's grandson, John M. Brown of Belmont, and dedicated on Patriots’ Day 1903 to commemorate the soldier for his role during the Revolutionary War.

IN MEMORY OF
CAPT. JOSEPH BROWN
1752 – 1813
A SOLDIER OF THE REVOLUTION
WAS WOUNDED AT THE BATTLE OF
BUNKER HILL

Despite being shot during the Battle of Bunker Hill, Captain Brown would later fight at the Battle of Saratoga and continue his service through November 1780. He reportedly fired the musket ball that had wounded him at Bunker Hill back at British troops during the action he saw there—at least according to local legend.

Beneath the text on the memorial that recognizes Captain Brown’s service, his second wife, Elizabeth Putnam, is acknowledged:

ELIZABETH PUTNAM
HIS WIFE
1763–1833