William Joyce Sewell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Joyce Sewell
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Medal of Honor recipient
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| United States Senator from New Jersey |
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| In office March 4, 1881 – March 3, 1887 |
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| Preceded by | Theodore F. Randolph |
| Succeeded by | Rufus Blodgett |
| In office March 4, 1895 – December 27, 1901 |
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| Preceded by | John R. McPherson |
| Succeeded by | John F. Dryden |
| President of the New Jersey Senate | |
| In office 1876 |
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| Preceded by | John W. Taylor |
| Succeeded by | Leon Abbett |
| In office 1879–1880 |
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| Preceded by | George C. Ludlow |
| Succeeded by | Garret Hobart |
| Member of the New Jersey Senate | |
| In office 1872–1881 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | December 6, 1835 Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland |
| Died | December 27, 1901 (aged 66) Camden, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Resting place | Harleigh Cemetery Camden, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States Union |
| Branch/service | United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Major General |
| Commands | 5th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War *Battle of Chancellorsville *Battle of Gettysburg |
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William Joyce Sewell (December 6, 1835 – December 27, 1901) was an important Irish-American leader. He was a politician, a businessman, and a brave military officer. Sewell served as a U.S. Senator for New Jersey.
He was born in Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland. When he was 15, he moved to the United States in 1851. He first worked in business in Chicago, Illinois. Later, in 1860, he moved to Camden, New Jersey. During the American Civil War, he was an officer in the Union Army. He earned the Medal of Honor for his courage at the Battle of Chancellorsville. After the war, he became a state senator and then a U.S. Senator. The town of Sewell, New Jersey is named after him.
Contents
Early Life and Family
William Joyce Sewell was born in Ireland. He moved to America as a young boy. He grew up to be a married man with four children. He had two daughters and two sons.
Civil War Service
Sewell began his military career as a Captain in the 5th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. This was on August 28, 1861. He quickly rose through the ranks. He became a lieutenant colonel in 1862 and a Colonel in 1863.
Bravery at Chancellorsville
Colonel Sewell led a group of soldiers, called a brigade, at the Battle of Chancellorsville in Virginia. During this battle, he was wounded. For his brave actions, he received the Medal of Honor in 1896. He was the only officer leading a New Jersey regiment to receive this high honor.
Wounds at Gettysburg
Sewell was badly wounded again at the Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania. This happened on July 2, 1863, the second day of the battle. He was leading his unit along Emmitsburg Road. His injuries were so severe that he had to leave the battlefield for a long time.
He officially left his post on July 6, 1863. However, he returned to service on October 1, 1864. When he came back, he was given command of the 38th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. But his wounds made it impossible for him to fight in the field. He was then assigned to command Fort Powhatan in Virginia. He served there from January to April 1865. Sewell left the volunteer army on June 30, 1865.
Military Honors
After the war, President Andrew Johnson recognized Sewell's service. On January 13, 1866, he was nominated for the honorary rank of Brigadier general. This was for his "gallant and meritorious services" at Chancellorsville. The United States Senate approved this rank on March 12, 1866.
Later, on July 18, 1868, President Johnson nominated Sewell again. This time, it was for the honorary rank of Major general. This was for his "gallant and meritorious services during the war." The U.S. Senate confirmed this rank on July 23, 1868.
Political Career
After his military service, Sewell worked in the railroad business in New Jersey. His leadership skills led him into politics.
State and National Service
He was elected to the New Jersey Senate. He served there from 1872 to 1881. During this time, he was also the president of the state senate in 1876 and from 1879 to 1880.
Later, he was elected to the United States Senate as a Republican. He served his first term from March 4, 1881, to March 3, 1887. During this time, he led several important committees. These included the Committee on Enrolled Bills and the Committee on Military Affairs.
Sewell was a key figure in the Republican Party. He led the New Jersey group at the Republican National Convention five times. He also served as President of the West Jersey & Seashore Rail road Company until his death.
Later Senate Terms
Sewell continued to serve his state. He was a national commissioner for New Jersey at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. He also commanded the Second Brigade of the United States National Guard of New Jersey. He was appointed to the Board of Managers for the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. This organization helps veterans.
After losing elections in 1887, 1889, and 1893, he was elected to the U.S. Senate again in 1895. He served from 1895 until 1901. In this term, he again led the Committee on Enrolled Bills.
Death and Legacy
William Joyce Sewell passed away on December 27, 1901. He was 66 years old. He died at his home in Camden, New Jersey, due to heart disease and diabetes. His Senate seat was filled by John F. Dryden.
Sewell received full military honors at his funeral. Both the State National Guard and Federal Military were present. Official state business in Camden stopped to show respect for his service. He was buried in Harleigh Cemetery, Camden, New Jersey. His grave is marked by a cross designed by sculptor Alexander Stirling Calder.
In 2005, a special Medal of Honor marker was placed at his grave site. He is one of three Civil War Union Brevet Generals buried in Harleigh Cemetery.
Images for kids
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Sewell Monument (1901), Harleigh Cemetery, Camden, New Jersey, by Alexander Stirling Calder
