[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 68 (Tuesday, April 26, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E405]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF PRIVATE OLIVER CROMWELL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ANDY KIM

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 26, 2022

  Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
and legacy of Private Oliver Cromwell, one of the most decorated Black 
soldiers who served in the American Revolutionary War.
  Private Cromwell was born in 1753 in Mansfield Township, New Jersey, 
and in 1776 he enlisted in the 2nd New Jersey Regiment. He crossed the 
Delaware River with General George Washington and went on to fight for 
American independence in the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, 
Monmouth, Short Hills, and Yorktown. At the conclusion of the war, 
Cromwell received the Badge of Merit for six years of faithful service 
to the Army and was honorably discharged by General Washington in 1783.
  Following his service, Cromwell fathered 15 children in Burlington 
Country and loved to share stories of his time as a ``Drummer in the 
Revolution'' with his family and the community. Cromwell passed away at 
101 years old in 1853, and he is buried in Burlington at the Broad 
Street Methodist Church cemetery. Oliver Cromwell risked everything 
fighting for freedom in a country that did not recognize his own right 
to freedom. For these sacrifices, Oliver Cromwell should be eternally 
remembered for his contributions toward America's independence. 
Burlington County is grateful for Private Cromwell's dedication, 
sacrifice, patriotism, and honorable personal conduct.
  Nine generations of his descendants have resided in Burlington 
County, some of whom still reside in the 3rd District today and 
continue to honor their familial legacy through community engagement, 
service, and historic preservation. I am grateful for Private 
Cromwell's descendants' continued contributions to our community and am 
proud to be honoring the life and legacy of their ancestor on this day.

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