Background
He was born a free black in Black Horse (now the Columbus section of Mansfield Township, Burlington County, New Jersey), and was raised as a farmer.
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Oliver Cromwell
Edit ProfileCareer
Private Cromwell served in several companies of the 2nd New Jersey Regiment between 1777 and 1783, seeing action at the battles of Trenton (1776), Princeton (1777), Brandywine (1777), Monmouth (1778), and at the final siege of Yorktown (1781). After Yorktown, Cromwell left the army. Commander-in-Chief George Washington personally signed Cromwell"s discharge papers and also designed the Badge of Military Merit, which he awarded to Cromwell.
Some years after retirement, Cromwell applied for a veteran"s pension.
Although he was unable to read or write, local lawyers, judges and politicians came to his aid, and he was granted a pension of $96 a year. He purchased a 100-acre farm outside Burlington, fathered 14 children, then spent his later years at his home at 114 East Union Street in Burlington.
Cromwell died in January 1853. His descendants live in the city to this day.
lieutenant is possible that Cromwell is depicted in the famous Washington Crossing the Delaware portrait, although this is unlikely.
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Born
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Died
January, 1853 (aged 100) -
Nationality
United States