Today's DAR
In simply outstanding celebrations that combined historic preservation, education and patriotism, the New Jersey Daughters united with community leaders in two Garden State cities to place and dedicate not one but two outstanding markers yesterday. State Regent Bonnie Matthews, State Historian Deb Hvizdos and a small-but-mighty team of members planned and executed two remarkable ceremonies that drew hundreds of people to reflect on the sacrifices of our Patriot ancestors. It was a joy to see so many local leaders join together to honor these men, and it was an honor for me to participate.
Huzzah! New Jersey DAR Honors Our Patriots!
Burlington, NJ - Honoring Patriot Oliver Cromwell
The New Jersey Daughters placed a beautiful bronze historic marker tribute on Private Oliver Cromwell’s former home, with a community-wide crowd of more than 200 people on hand to celebrate. Best of all, more than 30 of his descendants joined the morning event! Cromwell was one of approximately 800 Patriots of color who fought during the Battle of Trenton. He also participated in many other significant battles, served for six years and had his discharge papers signed by General Washington.
During the ceremony, Historian General Laura Kessler provided the following overview of Cromwell’s extraordinary life:
On the eve of the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation, DAR has the opportunity to raise the visibility of our Patriots and create interest in who they were and enthusiasm for what they accomplished. Today, April 27, 2022, we share one such story.
Oliver Cromwell was a lifelong resident of Burlington County, New Jersey, who served the patriotic cause through the bulk of the Revolutionary War and lived to the advanced age of around one hundred years old. An excerpt from an article in the Pittsfield Sun newspaper, dated July 22, 1852, reads:
“The attention of many of our citizens has doubtless been arrested by the appearance of an old colored man, who might be seen sitting in front of his residence, in East Union Street, on mild clear days, 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 ‘in the days which tried men’s souls’…”
According to Cromwell’s application for a pension in 1820, he “enlisted at the beginning of the war,” serving a total of six years under Captains James Lawrie, Nathaniel Bowman, and Jonathan Dayton, in the 2nd New Jersey Regiment, which was commanded by Colonel Israel Shreve. By his own recollection, he participated in the battles of Trenton and of Short Hills, where his captain was wounded and taken prisoner by the British. He also participated in the pivotal battle of Princeton, and the battles of Brandywine and Monmouth, and finally, Yorktown, the last major engagement of the American Revolution.
Oliver Cromwell’s discharge of June 5, 1783, was signed by General George Washington, and included mention that he was honored with a Badge of Merit for six years of faithful service. Washington created Badges of Distinction and Badges of Merit with the aim to celebrate and honor the service of the common soldier, reportedly saying that "The road to glory in a patriot army and a free country is thus open to all."
Not much is known of Oliver Cromwell’s life after the war, however, thanks to an 1848 deed and newspaper articles, his place of residence here at 114 East Union Street has been established. Today we honor Oliver Cromwell, a Revolutionary War patriot who served with valor and steadfastness through six long years of war, by placing a DAR historical and commemorative marker at the house where he lived. We hope that the service and sacrifice of this American hero will be forever remembered and celebrated.
Daughters, descendants, re-enactors, local officials, neighbors and history enthusiasts came together on a beautiful April morning along a charming, historic street to honor the life of a man who risked his life so that we might enjoy the blessings of American citizenship. The pride of place and sense of community were inspirational. We were a group of people united in appreciation for a life well lived -- and now no longer forgotten.
Trenton, NJ - Honoring the Patriots of the Battle of Assunpink Creek
January 2, 1777: Just days after their decisive victory that surprised the British at the Battle of Trenton on December 26, Patriots again faced the enemy, this time at Assunpink Creek (in the heart of what is today the busy state capital of Trenton). One hundred Americans would die; the British would suffer heavy losses. The stakes were high, for the fight here was a prelude to the Battle of Princeton the next day and a key element of what have been called the Ten Crucial Days.
Now, the Patriots’ shared determination and courage, including that of their Commander-in-Chief George Washington, have been recognized through a long overdue historic marker on this battlefield site. The latest DAR America 250! Marker was dedicated upon the entry of the Mill Hill Park that now spans the site of what is sometimes called the Second Battle of Trenton, thanks to the New Jersey Daughters and their impressive outreach and cooperation with local leaders and historians.
Dozens of community leaders attended the unveiling ceremony, including Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora – the recipient of a DAR history scholarship! We were also honored to be joined by Honorary President General Lynn Forney Young, who serves as a Commissioner of the federal U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, a.k.a. America 250, as well as members of the New Jersey Sons of the American Revolution and Children of the American Revolution.
It was, indeed, a grand day to be an American – and a Daughter. Thank you, Jersey Girls, for Rising and Shining to honor those whose legacy we inherited and which we tend on behalf of future generations.
(Enjoy lots more photos on my DAR President General Facebook Page.)
