Abercrombie, at long last

[Gil R.]

The first bio ever turned in was for John Abercrombie. It's been in a state of semieditedness for some time, but I always prioritized bios written by those still active in the project. Since it was submitted a year ago today, making this the one-year birthday of the project, I figured it was high time to finish it. Without further delay, here's Abercrombie:

Brig. Gen. John Joseph Abercrombie (b. 1798, d. 1877). A career army officer whose birthplace and early life are unknown – it’s believed that he was born in March 1798, but the date and city vary – Abercrombie graduated 37th (out of 40) in his class at West Point in 1822. Starting his service as adjutant in the 1st Infantry from 1825-1833, he was made captain in 1837, and later was brevetted a major for his gallant conduct at the Battle of Okechobee in the Second Seminole War. Serving in the Mexican-American War a decade later, Abercrombie was wounded at the Battle of Monterey – and was brevetted lieutenant colonel for his performance at that battle – and also took part in the siege of Vera Cruz and at Cerro Gordo. At the start of the Civil War, Abercrombie was already Colonel of the 7th U.S. Infantry. On August 31, 1861, he was brevetted brigadier general and given command of the 1st Brigade of Volunteers. It was leading this unit that he was involved in Gen. Charles Stone’s disastrous reconnaissance at Ball’s Bluff on October 21, though Abercrombie himself demonstrated skilled leadership in the fighting. In early 1862, he took part in the Peninsular Campaign in command of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division of V Corps, fighting at Seven Pines, where he was wounded, and Malvern Hill. Subsequently, in part because of his age – sixty-five – and battle wounds he was engaged in the defense of Washington, D.C. and in operations behind the lines. In May 1864 he was in charge of depots at Fredricksburg that supported Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s push towards Richmond. On June 20, 1864, four days before mustering out of the volunteers, Abercrombie saw his final combat as he defended against an attack by Hampton’s Legion on the depot. In March 1865, Abercrombie was brevetted brigadier general of the U.S. Army for his long and faithful service. Retired from the army, he performed court-martial duty as a civilian. Abercrombie died on January 3, 1877, in Roslyn, Long Island, and was buried in Philadelphia. (Bio by “FMonster”)

Leadership: 5
Tactics: 4
Initiative: 5
Command: 4
Cavalry:

Start date: 15

Teaches: Bulldogs (25), Organized (24)

[Battleline]

If it lends any help,
Warner's "Generals in Blue" gives Abercrombie a birthplace of Baltimore, Maryland, although other sources state he was born in Tennessee. His daughter reported his birth date as March 4, 1798. His tombstone reads March 28, 1798.
His father-in-law was Brig. Gen Francis E. Patterson, U.S. Volunteers (Mexican War).
Thanks,
Battleline

[Gil R.]

Thanks. I decided to add the conflicting info.