John Motherby - Leipzig, Germany
Posted by: Torgut
N 51° 20.233 E 012° 23.459
33U E 318270 N 5690557
An Englishman tomb in an old German cemetery in the center of Leipzig
Waymark Code: WMH5F3
Location: Sachsen, Germany
Date Posted: 05/26/2013
Views: 28
This tomb can be seen in Johannisfriedhof, not far from the historical center of Leipzig. This is an old cemetery which hosts the tombs of many distinct Germans from Leipzig. But then, there is this peculiar tomb. It says "John Motherby". And more: "Hauptmann in Konigl.Ostpreuss. Konigberger Landwehrbataillon".
Ivestigating this curious grave, I found the following on the Internet
(
visit link)
"Birth: Sep. 16, 1784
Death: Oct. 19, 1813
Military. He was born in Königsberg (Kaliningrad). His father Robert had immigrated there from Scotland and had founded the trading Company "Green, Motherby & Co." and was a close friend of Immanuel Kant. His mother was from a french Huguenot family. As a young man John travelled to Paris and Genoa. When he returned home he worked as an advocate. In May 1813 he volunteered for military service, which surprised his family. He successfully fought under Friccus against french troops at the Battles of Großbeeren (August 23) and Dennewitz (September 6). He was killed around 11 a.m. during the attack of the "Grimmaischen Tor", one of Leipzigs city gates. Friccus described his death later like followed: He drew his saber and called "Comrades, follow me!". When he climbed out of the trench he was hit by a bullet in the head and died in the arms of his friend.
His grave was located at Section II. When the Grassi Museum was built, the stone was moved to stand beside the Friccus monument, during the reconstruction of the museum the stone was moved into the cemetery. His grave would be located under the west side of the Museum complex."