[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 95 (Wednesday, July 19, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1463]]
                 TRIBUTE TO COLONEL JAMES ELI CROWTHER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 19, 2006

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel James Eli 
Crowther, a distinguished officer who served his country and his home 
state of Pennsylvania throughout his life. As a native of Tyrone, the 
Colonel was the third Burgess (Mayor) of Tyrone and was serving in that 
capacity as the American Civil War began.
  Colonel Crowther served the Pennsylvania militia in the mid 1800's, 
where he was commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the Washington 
Infantry in early August of 1842. From there he was again commissioned 
as a First Lieutenant for the Tyrone Artillery in early July of 1858. 
Less than one year later he began service as the Caption of the Tyrone 
Cavalry. His command of that Cavalry was influential during the first 
90 days of service at the beginning of the American Civil War. The 
Cavalry then became Company D of the 14th Pennsylvania Infantry.
  Crowther volunteered as an Officer through the Civil War, 
commissioned as Lieutenant Colonel in 1861 and then Colonel in March of 
1863. It was less than 2 months later that Colonel James E. Crowther 
was killed in action at Chancellorsville on May 3, 1863.
  His service to his country was noble, and his rank was earned through 
hard work and dedication to American principles and values. The 
leadership that Colonel Crowther displayed throughout his service and 
lifetime is to be remembered and respected as our country continues to 
move forward honoring those values.
  In his memory, the Colonel Crowther Foundation was established. This 
organization's intent is to protect, teach and re-live the rich and 
storied history of Pennsylvania and continue to honor the distinguished 
Colonel. As can be found in their mission statement, the Foundation 
strives to `create a living heritage environment where preservation is 
enhanced by demonstration and education.' It is only through our 
history that we are able to create a future.
  As a tribute to this man's great accomplishments the Tyrone Borough 
Council has declared Saturday August 6th, 2006 to be Colonel Crowther 
Day. Crowther's military service to the state of Pennsylvania and our 
country will not be forgotten.

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