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Maj James Cromwell

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Maj James Cromwell Veteran

Birth
Cornwall, Orange County, New York, USA
Death
2 Jul 1863 (aged 23)
Gettysburg, Adams County, Pennsylvania, USA
Burial
Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA Add to Map
Memorial ID
View Source
See the Cenotaph here

third son of David Cromwell and Rebecca Bowman. Raised a Quaker

When the Civil War broke out, he became a member of the governor's enlistment committee. In 1862 he was appointed the major of the 124th Regiment (Orange Blossoms); he was so esteemed by his men, that the training camp was named in his honor (Camp Cromwell).

At Chancellorsville in May 1863, Major Cromwell led a gallant change "springing to the front, he took position ten paces ahead of the colors to lead the charge." [Kowalis and Loree "Died at Gettysburg! No prouder epitaph need any man covet"; 1998]

Major Cromwell repeatedly asked Col Ellis for permission to charge the advancing Confederates but was repeatedly denied. Finally, Ellis allowed the charge and Major Cromwell led his men forward. They charged over the easter wall of Triangle Field and stormed down the slope under withering fire, pushing the Confederates out of the field and into the woods beyond.

Cromwell was shot through the heart as he led his men across the field. He fell from his horse near the far end of field and was left behind as his men were driven back. His body was later borne off the field during a second charge and slowly removed from the battlefield as the regiment fell back to Cemetery Ridge. A gold locket, bearing a picture of his wife, was found around his neck. It was later returned to his wife (Anna W. Barton) who had given birth to a daughter that James would never meet.

His remains, along with those of Colonel Ellis, were escorted home by the regiment's bugler, Moses P Ross of Chester NY, and Lieut Ramsdell of Newburgh NY.

Source:
- Biographical Sketch in the The Daily Journal, Newburgh NY; Thursday, Nov 19, 1863
See the Cenotaph here

third son of David Cromwell and Rebecca Bowman. Raised a Quaker

When the Civil War broke out, he became a member of the governor's enlistment committee. In 1862 he was appointed the major of the 124th Regiment (Orange Blossoms); he was so esteemed by his men, that the training camp was named in his honor (Camp Cromwell).

At Chancellorsville in May 1863, Major Cromwell led a gallant change "springing to the front, he took position ten paces ahead of the colors to lead the charge." [Kowalis and Loree "Died at Gettysburg! No prouder epitaph need any man covet"; 1998]

Major Cromwell repeatedly asked Col Ellis for permission to charge the advancing Confederates but was repeatedly denied. Finally, Ellis allowed the charge and Major Cromwell led his men forward. They charged over the easter wall of Triangle Field and stormed down the slope under withering fire, pushing the Confederates out of the field and into the woods beyond.

Cromwell was shot through the heart as he led his men across the field. He fell from his horse near the far end of field and was left behind as his men were driven back. His body was later borne off the field during a second charge and slowly removed from the battlefield as the regiment fell back to Cemetery Ridge. A gold locket, bearing a picture of his wife, was found around his neck. It was later returned to his wife (Anna W. Barton) who had given birth to a daughter that James would never meet.

His remains, along with those of Colonel Ellis, were escorted home by the regiment's bugler, Moses P Ross of Chester NY, and Lieut Ramsdell of Newburgh NY.

Source:
- Biographical Sketch in the The Daily Journal, Newburgh NY; Thursday, Nov 19, 1863

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  • Created by: LadyGoshen
  • Added: Jul 16, 2009
  • Find a Grave Memorial ID:
  • Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/39524321/james-cromwell: accessed ), memorial page for Maj James Cromwell (4 Jan 1840–2 Jul 1863), Find a Grave Memorial ID 39524321, citing Friends Quaker Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, USA; Maintained by LadyGoshen (contributor 46951894).