Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Marcus Calmes Buck (1789 – 1845)

 

Marcus Calmes Buck was born on Nov. 7, 1789; he died on May 12, 1845 at the age of 55 and was buried in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Front Royal, Virginia. His tombstone reads: "Surgeon U. S. Army during the War of 1812. A native of Frederick Co., VA, who died 12 May 1845, aged 55 years. He was brave, noble, kind and gentle."

Marcus Calmes Buck graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1812 and was commissioned a Major in the Medical Corps. On July 2, 1813, he was assigned to the 20th Infantry but was transferred to the 4th Infantry on September 4, 1815. He was appointed Military Storekeeper at Washington on April 25, 1831. (from “Blakemore Family and Allied Lines” by Maurice Neville Blakemore)

“ Marcus Calmes Buck was Major-Surgeon, U. S. Army, War of 1812. He was appointed military storekeeper at Washington in 1831, in charge of all military supplies. The name "Buckboard" as applied to vehicles originated from his design of a springy platform resting directly on the wagon axles, for transporting military supplies over the rough roads of what was then the Southwest (Tennessee, Arkansas, etc., around 1835). This design replaced high wagon bodies on springs, which were top heavy and unsuited for the purpose.” ( notes of H. N. Buck, 1965)

Dr. Marcus Calmes Buck and Elizabeth P. Drake were married on Apr. 22, 1817. She was called "Betty". Elizabeth P. Drake was born on Jul. 22, 1799. She died on Jan. 13, 1875 at the age of 75 and was buried in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Front Royal, Virginia. Her tombstone is most unusual -- a tall, stone about ten feet high with a hand pointed to the Marcus C. Buck stone. It is inscribed: M. E. P. Buck, wife of. There are no dates on the stone.

Marcus Calmes Buck and Elizabeth P. Drake had no children.

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