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... (12) vii Major Moses McCue, Jr., b 23, Dec. 1768; Nelson county; d 28, Apr. 1847, in Augusta county, Va. m 17, Apr. 1800, Sarah Smith, dau. of Major Thos. Smith of the Revolution, (who m Elizabeth Cunningham). Sarah Smith, b 5, Nov. 1773, Augusta county; d 6, Apr. 1856, Stanton Co. Moses McCue, as a boy displayed a decided inclination for study, his fondness for books grew as the years went by. We are told that he had a college education, but the name of his Alma Mater is not known, unless it was Liberty Hall (now Washington and Lee University) or William and Mary College. He removed to Augusta county in young manhood and located at "Greenwood," near Fishersville, became a member and afterwards a Ruling Elder in the Tinkling Spring Church, where so many of the McCues have worshiped. As a man he was much respected and commanded considerable influence. In 1813, he was a member of the Central Committee of Augusta, the other members being: Alexander Nelson, Dr. Boys and Samuel Clarke. This committee nominated Gen. Blackburn for Congress. On the 20th of June, 1812, the people of Augusta met in Staunton to form a Military Association and to devise plans for a Military School in which the recruits might be instructed. Alexander Nelson was chosen President and C. Johnson Secretary. A committee was selected to draw up resolutions and preamble, which consisted of: John H. Peyton, Wm. Taylor, E. Stribling, C. Johnson, Wm. Young, M. McCue and Jas. Crawford. The Military School was promptly organized and placed under the superintendance of Capt. G. Turner, and it is needless to add that it served its purpose during the War of 1812.
In March 1812, McCue was chosen Captain of the Staunton Artillery and John C. Sowers was First Lieutenant. In May of the same year, Sowers was advanced to Captain and McCue, was promoted to Major. McCue had been connected with military tactics for several years, for we find in Waddell's Annals, "The fourth of July was celebrated with much enthusiasm during the earlier years of the century. In 1810 William Clarke delivered the annual oration. From the Republican Farmer we extract the following account of the celebration in 1811: 'The day was announced by one discharge from the artillery of Capt. McCue's company at daybreak, and seventeen at sunrise. About 12 o'clock the Artillery company and Capt. Poage's troop of cavalry paraded the streets of Staunton, and marched to Dr. Peter Heiskell's spring, about a mile from town, where, after a short address suitable to the occasion, delivered by Briscoe G. Baldwin, a soldier of the artillery company, they dined on an excellent barbecue.' Then followed the toasts. In the evening the militia returned to town, and performed 'several interesting evolutions.' 'Seventeen discharges from the cannon,' continues the Farmer, 'closed the celebration of the day.' " In May, 1812, Waddell, says: "Major McCue 's stable burned," (for he was a lover of fine horses and always kept a number of extra good ones on hand,) "and the Editor at that time, said, 'It is hoped that the avenging spirit of unerring justice, will yet drag from his covert the fiend-like incendiary, and immolate him upon the altar of Violated Rights.' "
Major McCue was sheriff of Augusta county some years, and performed the duties of the office with credit to himself and with honor to the county. He was noted for the politeness, prudence, fortitude and justness. He had a very steady nerve €” and it is alleged that he could carry a goblet level full of water all about the streets of the city without losing a single drop.
