Who was Sir Moses J. Ezekiel? – Essay by Calvin E. Johnson, Jr.
"The death of Moses Ezekiel, the distinguished and greatly loved
American sculptor, who lived in Rome for more than forty years, caused universal
regret here..."
----1921, The New York Times Dispatch from Rome.
We have heard the many speeches, at a soldier's memorial, by those who
conclude, by saying, "We shall never forget our Veterans!" But have we,
not, forgotten our ancestors? Memorial observances, which once were
attended by the thousands, are now attended by fewer folks.
September through October is Hispanic History Month.
Do your children know who Sir Moses J. Ezekiel was? This was a
man whom was proud of his Jewish-Spanish Heritage and whose
birthday is remembered in October. He was proud to be an American
and a Virginian.
Do schools still teach our American history of, "1776-2005"?
As a student, I remember my school taking all kids on an educational
field trip. Each mother and father should take their children on a
trip through history at Arlington National Cemetery. There is a story
for every great American buried here and if you listen closely you
may hear their story that is part of our nation's history.
Arlington National Cemetery is located in the shadow of the Custis-
Lee Mansion (Arlington House) that was home to General Robert
E. Lee and his family until 1861, and the beginning of the War Between
the States. This cemetery was first used in 1864, for the burial of
Union soldiers.
Tours, through this famous burial place of President Kennedy, General
Wainwright and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, are conducted daily. I have
been told that another part of this cemetery (section 16) may sometimes
be overlooked. It is, however, an important part of our nation's
history and
should be a part of your guided tour through Arlington.
On June 4, 1914, the President of the U.S., Woodrow Wilson spoke
at the dedication of a new Confederate memorial at section 16.
The monument, to those Confederate soldiers who were re-interred
there in 1900, has been called by some people as both striking and
unique. This monument was trusted into safe keeping to the U.S. War
Department by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1914. It
was a tradition of American presidents to place a wreathe and some
even spoke there on Memorial Day. What has happened to this
wonderful tradition?
Dr. Edward Smith, a Professor of History at American University,
has described this monument as probably the first to honor the Black
Confederate soldiers. This monument includes a depiction of a
Black Confederate marching in step with the white soldiers.
The United Daughters of the Confederacy commissioned a Jewish-
Confederate Veteran, Sir Moses J. Ezekiel, to do the work on this
monument. Some people say that he might have been the first Jewish-
American to do this type of sculpture. It is written that the UDC
was pleased with his work which depicts the multi-cultural makeup of
the late Confederate States of America.
VMI Cadet Moses J. Ezekiel
Moses J. Ezekiel was born on October 28, 1844, in Richmond, Va.
He was one of fourteen children born to Jacob and Catherine
de Castro Ezekiel. He was born in a house on "Old Market Street"
that is said to have been in the poorer side of town. His grandparents
came to America from Holland in 1808, and were of Jewish-Spanish
Heritage.
Ezekiel talked his parents into letting him attend Virginia Military
Institute and he did enroll on September 17, 1862. Some people
say, he was the first Jewish-American to enter there at this the
school of General Stonewall Jackson.
After three years at VMI, Ezekiel saw military service during the War
Between the States. The Cadets, of Virginia Military Institute, were
called to support Confederate General John C. Breckenridge at the
Battle
of New Market, Virginia. Ezekiel joined his fellow cadets in the charge
upon the Union lines.
Ezekiel, after the war, went on to finish his education at VMI. It was
during this time that he had the fortune to meet General Robert E. Lee
who was president of Washington College. Lee gave him the following
words of encouragement in his quest to be an artist;
"I hope you will be an artist, as it seems to me that you are cut out
for one. But, whatever you do, try to prove to the world that, even if we
did not succeed in our struggle, we are worthy of success and do earn a
reputation to whatever profession you undertake."
Ezekiel would travel to Italy to study and work as an artist and would
become known worldwide. He was honored by King Emmanuel who
knighted him and gave him the distinction of "Sir Moses Jacob Ezekiel."
It was Ezekiel's wish to return to his native Virginia but World War I
kept him for doing so. He spent his final days in Italy where he died in
1917. His remains were not brought back to the states until 1921.
Among his many great works are: "Christ Bound for the Cross",
"The Martyr", and "David Singing his Song of Glory."
His funeral service was held at the amphitheater at Arlington National
Cemetery. Cadets, of the Virginia Military Institute, stood by his
casket that
was draped with a flag of the United States. Ezekiel was buried at the
base
of the Confederate monument. Also buried around the monument are
450 Confederate soldiers, wives and civilians.
The following words are inscribed on his grave marker;
"Moses J. Ezekiel
Sergeant of Company C
Battalion of Cadets of the
Virginia Military Institute."
Lest We Forget our American Heritage!
A native of Georgia, Calvin Johnson lives near the historic town of Kennesaw, home
of the locomotive "The General" from the War Between the States. His email is: cjohnson1861@bellsouth.net.
Related Links
Last Order of the Lost Cause -- by Lewis Regenstein
Last meeting of the Confederate Government - Lewis Regenstein
Santos Benavides flyer - Norman Black
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