A. Judson Clark facts for kids
Adoniram Judson Clark was an important leader during the American Civil War. He commanded a group of cannons, called a battery, from New Jersey.
Clark's Civil War Journey
Clark joined the 1st New Jersey Volunteer Infantry in April 1861. He started as a sergeant in Company F. After his first three-month enlistment ended, Clark helped create a new group. This group was called Battery B, 1st New Jersey Light Artillery. They officially joined the army on September 3, 1861, in Trenton, New Jersey.
Clark's battery was assigned to the First New Jersey Brigade. This brigade was led by Brigadier General Philip Kearny. Clark became a first lieutenant under Captain John E. Beam.
The battery fought in the Peninsula Campaign. This was a major military operation. They were part of the III Corps. Captain Beam was killed during the Battle of Malvern Hill on July 1, 1862. After Beam's death, Clark was promoted to captain. He then led the battery for the rest of the war.
Clark's battery next saw action at the Battle of Fredericksburg. Here, they were part of the third division of the III Corps. This division was led by Brigadier General Daniel Sickles. At the Battle of Chancellorsville, Clark commanded all the cannons for the first division of the III Corps. This division was under Brigadier General David B. Birney.
Clark and his battery also fought at the famous Battle of Gettysburg. This was a very important battle. His cannons were first placed in a dangerous spot near the Peach Orchard on July 2, 1863. But they were soon moved to a safer area. The battery fired at the Confederate soldiers who were attacking. Clark reported that he had to pull his cannons back when his supporting troops left his sides.
When Captain George E. Randolph, who led the artillery brigade, was wounded, Clark took over his command. He continued to lead the brigade during the Bristoe Campaign. Randolph returned for the Battle of Mine Run, and Clark went back to leading his own battery.
Later, the III Corps was disbanded. Clark's battery was then moved to the Reserve Artillery. They joined a brigade led by Major John A. Tompkins. With this new group, Clark's battery fought in the early battles of the Overland Campaign. By the time of the Battle of Cold Harbor, Clark's battery had moved again. They were now part of the artillery brigade of the II Corps. This group was led by Colonel John C. Tidball.
During the Siege of Petersburg, Clark's battery stayed with the II Corps. They were still under Colonel Tidball, and later under Colonel John G. Hazard. Clark was slightly hurt at the Second Battle of Ream's Station in 1864. After this, he took soldiers whose enlistments had ended back to Trenton, New Jersey. He then returned to the fighting at Petersburg. In December 1864, Clark was in charge of the cannons on the front lines for the II Corps.
At the start of the Appomattox Campaign, Clark's battery supported the II Corps soldiers. They were fighting at the Battle of Sutherland's Station. After the Confederate army surrendered, Clark and his battery were officially released from service on June 16, 1865.
Judson Clark was suggested for promotion many times. The highest rank he officially received was a brevet rank of major. A brevet rank is an honorary promotion. He received this on April 2, 1865, for his brave service at Petersburg.
Clark's Life After the Civil War
After the war ended, Major Clark became the police chief in Newark. He was also an active member of the Republican political party. Later, around 1888, he worked as the secretary for the Board of Assessment and Revision of Taxes. He also served as the Receiver of Taxes. In 1900, Captain Clark was named to the Board of Assessment and Taxes. He was also an officer in the New Jersey National Guard. A. Judson Clark passed away on July 24, 1913. He was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Hillside, New Jersey.
