Career
He was the grandson John Broome, Lieutenant Governor of New New York He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps on January 12, 1848. His 40 years of service included action at Veracruz, Alvarado, and Laguna del Carmen, Mexico, (1848).
He was promoted to First Lieutenant on September 28, 1857 and to captain on July 26, 1861 - shortly after the outbreak of the American Civil War.
During the Civil War he served as senior Marine officer of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron, he played a prominent part in the capture of New Orleans and all engagements of the Squadron on the Mississippi River. He was twice wounded.
Severely, at the second Battle of Vicksburg. He received the first of two brevets (honorary promotions) to major on April 24, 1862, for gallant and meritorious services.
He second brevet, to lieutenant colonel, on March 14, 1864, was for gallant and meritorious services at the second Battle of Vicksburg to date from 15 July, 1863.
He was promoted to major on December 8, 1864. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel on March 16, 1879. Lieutenant Colonel Broome retired from the Marine Corps on March 8, 1888.
He died on April 12, 1898 at Binghamton, where he was buried.
United States Ship Broome (Doctor of Divinity-210) was named for him.