Oliver Cromwell: A Survivor of the Gallant Army
By T.M. Jacobs

The name Oliver Cromwell brings about images and recollected facts about the Lord Protector of England, Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658). Yet, when put into the era of the Revolutionary War, Oliver Cromwell stirs about the drawings, prints, and models of the largest full-rigged ship to be built during its time. The small village of Essex, Connecticut constructed a ship that measured 80' keel x 27' beam x 12' depth, christened the Oliver Cromwell in January 1776. But what of Oliver Cromwell, one of the estimated 5,000 colored people to have answered the call to arms and was a private who served with the 2nd New Jersey Regiment for six years and nine months?

Up until the ripe old age of 100, Oliver Cromwell spoke of his time in the militia to passers-by from his front porch, detailing how he survived five battles and had General George Washington personally write and sign his discharge.

The Burlington Gazette described Cromwell in his later years as "an old colored man… respectfully raising his hat to those who might be passing by. His attenuated frame, his silvered head, his feeble movements, combine to prove that he is very aged; and yet, comparatively few are aware that he is among the survivors of the gallant army who fought for the liberties of our country."

Cromwell was born on May 24, 1752 in a section called Black Horse, today's Columbus, New Jersey. He was raised as a farmer working for Thomas Hutchins and claimed to be a man of strong natural powers. Cromwell also claimed to have never chewed tobacco nor drank a glass of "ardent spirit."

The 2nd New Jersey Battalion was organized in October 1775, and Cromwell enlisted from Burlington for a one year term. Eight companies were formed and served under Colonel William "Scotch Willie" Maxwell. The companies immediately set off for Canada and partook in the siege of Quebec and the ill-executed action at Troise Riviers.

By the end of 1776, the one year enlistment expired. A second establishment of the regiment was formed for a three year enlistment. Cromwell enlisted, this time being assigned under Colonel Israel Shreve and the regiment was ordered to join the main Army under General George Washington. By mid-1777, the Regiment was stationed near Short Hills, New Jersey and occasionally skirmished with the enemy. It was during this time that Cromwell received praise for his military discipline, conduct, dedication, and sacrifice. All of this earned him a Badge of Merit which was awarded to him in 1783.

Although the 2nd Regiment engaged in the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, Monmouth, and Yorktown, Cromwell only recalled and listed the Battle at Short Hills when filing for his pension. Being unable to read or write, it was some local politicians and judges that assisted him with his application. In his deposition dated May 2, 1818, Cromwell stated:

In the Army of the United States on the Continental Establishment in the company of Captain [Lowery] in the Second [New] Jersey Regiment, commanded by Colonel [Israel] Shreve - that the [claimant] in the attack of the Short Hills where Capt. [Lowery] was wounded and taken prisoner - and having died shortly after. That the [claimant] served as a private in the Army as above stated six years.

Sitting on his front porch at 114 East Union Street some 35 years later, reminiscing with a reporter from the Burlington Gazette, Cromwell recalled details of being at the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, Monmouth, and Yorktown. He claimed to have seen the last man get killed at Yorktown and had been at the Christmas crossing of the Delaware in 1776.

Cromwell purchased a 100-acre farm outside of Burlington and went on to marry and subsequently father 14 children that lived into adulthood, seven sons and seven daughters, all the while collecting a per annum of ninety-six dollars pension. He even earned a listing in the Who was Who in the American Revolution.

He died in his home in the town of his birth at the age of 100 on January 24, 1853, leaving behind three sons, three daughters, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is buried in the Board Street Methodist Church Cemetery.

In 1984, the Oliver Cromwell Black History Society, Inc. was founded to collect, preserve, and exhibit records, artifacts, and other documents that advance public understanding of African-American history. This organization works with schools, elected officials, private groups, and non-profit organizations to offer special educational programs to residents. The society also recognizes the accomplishments of local residents, and the recipients receive the "Oliver Cromwell Living Heritage Award." More information can be obtained by writing to:

Oliver Cromwell Black History Society, Inc.
P.O. Box 679
Burlinton , NJ 08016

Sources:
a) National Archives, Washington, DC. Pension File #S34613.
b) Nell, William Cooper, The Colored Patriots of the American Revolution, With Sketches of Several Distinguished Colored Persons, 1855.
c) Rees, John U., History of the Jersey Brigade, www.2nj.org.
d) Oliver Cromwell Black History Society website