Old Swedes in Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Dr. Joseph Capelle
— Old Swedes Churchyard Walking Tour —
Dr. Joseph Capelle was a surgeon in the French army serving under General Rochambeau's command. After serving throughout the Revolutionary War, he decided to make his home here in America. He became a respected practitioner, a founding member of the Medical Society of Delaware, and beloved, devoted family man. He died in 1796 after a short illness.
A large company gathered for his burial with singers, full church liturgy and Masonic honors. As his coffin was lowered, it suddenly grew dark, high winds blew, and large crowds from the old sycamores descended among the people. When the crows began flapping their wings over the grave, several superstitious persons were terrified by the events of and fled the scene by jumping over the wall.
Erected by The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America of the State of Delaware. (Marker Number 19.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion • Science & Medicine • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the The Colonial Dames of America, National Society of series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1796.
Location. 39° 44.334′ N, 75° 32.402′ W.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bishop Alfred Lee (here, next to this marker); North Porticos (a few steps from this marker); The Vandever's (within shouting distance of this marker); Elizabeth Montgomery (within shouting distance of this marker); East Wall Letters (within shouting distance of this marker); Holy Trinity Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Maj. Gen. James H. Wilson (within shouting distance of this marker); Revolutionary War Patriots in the Old Swedes Churchyard (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 233 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 7, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
