Cromwell, Oliver(1752–1853) - Soldier, Chronology

Oliver Cromwell distinguished himself in the American Revolution; he served under and was decorated by General George Washington. His longevity in the service of his country in the Revolutionary War brought Cromwell to the attention of many. When Cromwell was discharged, Washington awarded him a medal as a private in the New Jersey Battalion. In addition, Washington personally signed his discharge papers on June 5, 1783 at Newburgh, New York. During his enlistment, which began in the first days of the war, Cromwell served almost seven years in several campaigns and left the Continental Army at the close of the war.

Oliver Cromwell was born on May 24, 1752, a freeman, in Black Horse (present-day Columbus), Burlington County, New Jersey. He was raised as a farmer, working with his maternal uncle, Thomas Hutchins. William C. Nell reports in an article in the Burlington Gazette that Page 150  Cromwell was of mixed parentage, “just half white.” There is no other recorded information on his early life. At the beginning of the war against England, Cromwell enlisted in the Continental Army and he served until the war ended.

Following his discharge, Cromwell moved back to Burlington County and farming. Some years following his discharge, he applied for a veteran’s pension. In spite of the fact that he could neither read nor write, he was awarded the pension. A sign of the high esteem in which he was held, the pension was granted because the judges, lawyers, and politicians supported the request. Cromwell received $96 annually and bought a one-hundred-acre farm outside Burlington. He fathered fourteen children, seven boys and seven girls, all of whom lived to maturity. His last years (he moved around 1840) were spent at 114 East Union Street in Burlington City. He died in January 1853. Cromwell was survived by three sons and three daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was buried in the Broad Street Methodist Church Cemetery.

Chronology

1752

Born in Black Horse (present-day Columbus), Burlington County, New Jersey on May 24

1776

Joins the 2nd New Jersey Regiment; participates in the battles of Trenton and Princeton; crosses the Delaware with General George Washington

1777

Participates in the battles of Princeton and Brandywine

1778

Participates in the battle of Monmouth

1779

Participates in the Iroquois Expedition

1780

Participates in the defense of New Jersey

1781

Participates in the Yorktown campaign

1783

Discharged by General George Washington who signs his papers and presents him with a medal for service

1853

Dies in January and is buried in the cemetery at the Broad Street Methodist Church

1983

Oliver Cromwell Black History Society is formed in Burlington City, New Jersey