From the Alexandria Gazette, 6/9/1903, p. 2, c. 7

DEATH OF CAPT. LIPSCOMB. – Capt. Martin Meredith Lipscomb died at his home in Richmond yesterday morning. He was one of the most widely known men in that city, his amiable eccentricities often bringing him into public notice. During the civil war Captain Lipscomb had the contract for burying the Confederate dead, and it was in this capacity that he assisted Miss Lizzie Van Lew and others in secretly exhuming the body of the federal officer, General Dahlgren, which was buried in Oakwood. The corpse of the raider was carried at great risk to those engaged in the affair and temporarily interred at Laurel. The incident during and immediately after the war created great excitement, and not little prejudice, but Captain Lipscomb’s part in the affair was an honorable and a humane one. He sought no money for his service of for the great danger he had run, and although a liberal reward was offered him, he firmly declined it. The name of Captain Lipscomb is associated with many quaint, unusual and interesting things in the antebellum history of Richmond. There was a day when he spoke on the hustings to hundreds and when he was regarded as one of the most unique characters in the city. He was possessed of a striking personality, and this, combined with his humor and a certain fervid style of oratory which marked his speeches, made him very prominent in his earlier days. Captain Lipscomb before the civil war was commander of the Mechanics’ Guard. He was also a member of the Richmond Light Infantry Blues’ Association, in which organization he retained his membership to the last. At the time of his death he was the oldest member of the Blues, a fact in which he took the greatest pride. He was twice married, but had no children. His second wife and two stepchildren survive him.

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