SOME of this is even true...
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“Joseph, s. of William and
Mary (Ball) Monroe, was b. in Cambridge, now Lexington,
Aug. 16, 1687. He m. Elizabeth _____ and they were the parents
of a large family. He was known as ‘Corporal Joe’,
and he was one of the ‘Minute Men’ at the battle
of Concord bridge, April 19, 1775. As the patriots formed to
cross the bridge a raking fire from the British killed some
of them, and the regular musician hesitating to play the
martial strain designed to inspire the wavering volunteers to
advance, the commander called upon the bystanders for
assistance in this dilemma, when every moment of time lost
meant so much. ‘Corporal Joe’ Monroe quickly
stepped forward, saying: ‘I am so old it will not matter
if I am killed,’ and instantly struck up a tune and
advanced rapidly toward the bridge. Aroused by this martial
spirit the men hesitated no longer but advanced at a double
quick. The drummer depicted in the famous picture of the
battle at the bridge was the white-haired patriot, Corporal
Joe, whose valiant deed enabled the captain of the Minute Men
to march upon the enemy. He d. in 1787, at the age of one
hundred years.”
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