James Vote Bomford
Encyclopedia
James Vote Bomford (1811–1892) was a distinguished soldier in the United States
military
, Union
Civil War
officer, and retired Brigadier General
. He graduated from Norwich University
in 1828, was graduated from West Point
in 1832, and was a Colonel in the 8th United States
Infantry
. Bomford was twice wounded in action at Perryville
(brevet
ted Colonel) and served in the Mexican War
. His father was George Bomford
, an inventor and military officer in the United States Army
that invented the Columbiad
cannon. His son, also named George, was expelled but allowed to retire following his involvement in the Eggnog Riot
at West point. George did enter the military and retired as a captain
.
and Louisa Sophia Catton, daughter of noted English artist Charles P. Catton. They had four children, George Newman Bomford, James Vote Bomford, Jr., Elizabeth Bernardine "Lilly" Bomford, and Fredrika Augusta Bomford.
, Seminole War, was in all the major battles of the Mexican war, being the first man to plant the American
flag on the citadel of the City of Mexico, and the Civil War. He was a Lieutenant-Colonel of the 8th infantry when Fort Sumter
was fired upon and for failure to agree not to fight against the South he was held as a prisoner from April, 1861 to May, 1862. After release he was assigned as executive officer of the Sixteenth Infantry under the command of Colonel (Brigadier-General Volunteers) Andrew Porter
.
of the 2d Infantry on 1 July 1832 and participated in the Black Hawk expedition. He was promoted to 2nd Lt. of the 2d Infantry 6 October 1834 and participated in the Florida war from 1837‑38. He was stationed on the Northern frontier during Canadian border disturbances. Promoted to First Lieutenant
(7 July 1838) he became Adjutant of 8th Infantry at Sackett's Harbor, New York.
Still in the 8th Infantry he was promoted to Captain 4 March 1845. In this capacity he served in the war with Mexico and engaged in the Battle of Palo Alto
(8 May 1846), Battle of Resaca de la Palma
(9 May 1846), Battle of Monterey
(21–23 September 1846), Siege of Vera Cruz (9‑29 March 1847), Battle of Cerro Gordo
(17‑18 April 1847), the capture of San Antonio and the resulting Battle of Churubusco
(both on 20 August 1847), and the Battle of Molino del Rey
(8 September 1847). During this battle that included Bomford, General Worth ordered the 500 men of the U.S. 8th Infantry Regiment
, commanded by Major George Wright, to initiate the advance against the army of General Santa Ana
that had four thousand cavalry and a force of 14,000 men, against the 2800 men General Worth commanded. The battle of Molino del Rey, that was two miles (3 km) from Mexico City, preceded the Battle of Chapultepec
(13 September 1847). This is the battle that resulted in the capture of Mexico City, the placement of the American flag by Bomford, and the end of the war. He was Brevetted Major 20 August 1847, for Gallant and Meritorious Conduct in the Battles of Contreras and Churubusco, and Brevetted Lt. Col. 8 September 1847, for Gallant and Meritorious Conduct in the Battle of Molino del Rey.
Assigned to Fort Davis, Texas
(1860‑61), and attached to the 6th Infantry, Bomford was promoted to Major on 17 October 1860. When the Civil War started he refused to agree not to fight against the South and along with his regiment was taken prisoner. He was promoted to Lt. Colonel 10 January 1862 and assigned to the 16th Infantry (July–November 1862) and was the Chief of Staff
to Brevet Major General
Edward M. McCook
, a member of the famed "Fighting McCook" family of Ohio
, where he fought at Perryville
and was wounded twice. Bomford was Brevetted Colonel 8 October 1862, for Gallant and Meritorious Services at the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky. He was assigned as acting assistant Provost Marshal General of Western Division of Pennsylvania, 30 May 1863 to 31 July 1964 during which time he was promoted to Colonel and assigned to the 8th Infantry 18 May 1864.
Bomford also Served: in command of the District of North Carolina from September 20, 1866 to April, 1867; the regiment at Raleigh, North Carolina from April, 1867 to May 18, 1868; of the District of South Carolina from May 18, 1868 to October 23, 1870; of regiment at David's Island, New York Harbor, from November 5, 1870 to July 5, 1872; as Acting Inspector in the Department of the Platte, at Omaha, Nebraska from July 15 to October 1, 1872; in command of regiment at Fort D. A. Russell, Wyoming from October 5, 1872 to November 26, 1873; and on sick leave of absence from November 16, 1873 to June 8, 1874.
The last year as commander of David's Island Rodman Gun
s (cast 1872) were set up on the island. David's Island was formally Rodman's Island that once belonged to relatives along with nearby Rodman's Neck
. Rodmans guns were improvements to the Columbiads that Bomford's father invented. Under the law (17 July 1862), and being over the age of 62, Brigadier General James Bomford was retired from duty 8 June 1872 after 43 distinguished years of service.
at the aged of 80 and was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Hillside
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
military
Military
A military is an organization authorized by its greater society to use lethal force, usually including use of weapons, in defending its country by combating actual or perceived threats. The military may have additional functions of use to its greater society, such as advancing a political agenda e.g...
, Union
Union (American Civil War)
During the American Civil War, the Union was a name used to refer to the federal government of the United States, which was supported by the twenty free states and five border slave states. It was opposed by 11 southern slave states that had declared a secession to join together to form the...
Civil War
Civil war
A civil war is a war between organized groups within the same nation state or republic, or, less commonly, between two countries created from a formerly-united nation state....
officer, and retired Brigadier General
Brigadier General
Brigadier general is a senior rank in the armed forces. It is the lowest ranking general officer in some countries, usually sitting between the ranks of colonel and major general. When appointed to a field command, a brigadier general is typically in command of a brigade consisting of around 4,000...
. He graduated from Norwich University
Norwich University
Norwich University is a private university located in Northfield, Vermont . The university was founded in 1819 at Norwich, Vermont, as the American Literary, Scientific and Military Academy. It is the oldest of six Senior Military Colleges, and is recognized by the United States Department of...
in 1828, was graduated from West Point
United States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
in 1832, and was a Colonel in the 8th United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
Infantry
Infantry
Infantrymen are soldiers who are specifically trained for the role of fighting on foot to engage the enemy face to face and have historically borne the brunt of the casualties of combat in wars. As the oldest branch of combat arms, they are the backbone of armies...
. Bomford was twice wounded in action at Perryville
Battle of Perryville
The Battle of Perryville, also known as the Battle of Chaplin Hills, was fought on October 8, 1862, in the Chaplin Hills west of Perryville, Kentucky, as the culmination of the Confederate Heartland Offensive during the American Civil War. Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg's Army of Mississippi won a...
(brevet
Brevet
Brevet may refer to:* Brevet , a temporary authorization for a person to hold a higher rank* Brevet , a long-distance bicycle ride with check-point controls* Aircrew brevet, a Royal Air Force and British Army badge...
ted Colonel) and served in the Mexican War
Mexican War
Mexican War may refer to:*Mexican War of Independence *Mexican–American War *French intervention in Mexico *Mexican Revolution *Mexican Civil War *Cristero War *Mexican Drug War...
. His father was George Bomford
George Bomford
George Bomford was an inventor, designer, and distinguished military officer in the United States Army. After graduating from West Point in 1805, as a lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers, he served as assistant engineer on the defenses of New York Harbor until 1808. From 1808 to 1810 George...
, an inventor and military officer in the United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
that invented the Columbiad
Columbiad
The Columbiad was a large caliber, smoothbore, muzzle loading cannon able to fire heavy projectiles at both high and low trajectories. This feature enabled the columbiad to fire solid shot or shell to long ranges, making it an excellent seacoast defense weapon for its day...
cannon. His son, also named George, was expelled but allowed to retire following his involvement in the Eggnog Riot
Eggnog Riot
The Eggnog Riot, sometimes known as the Grog Mutiny, was a riot that took place at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, on 24–25 December 1826. It was caused by the smuggling of whiskey, two days prior to the incident, to make eggnog for a Christmas Day party in the North...
at West point. George did enter the military and retired as a captain
Captain (OF-2)
The army rank of captain is a commissioned officer rank historically corresponding to command of a company of soldiers. The rank is also used by some air forces and marine forces. Today a captain is typically either the commander or second-in-command of a company or artillery battery...
.
Family
James was born 5 October 1811 on Governors Island, New York to George BomfordGeorge Bomford
George Bomford was an inventor, designer, and distinguished military officer in the United States Army. After graduating from West Point in 1805, as a lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers, he served as assistant engineer on the defenses of New York Harbor until 1808. From 1808 to 1810 George...
and Louisa Sophia Catton, daughter of noted English artist Charles P. Catton. They had four children, George Newman Bomford, James Vote Bomford, Jr., Elizabeth Bernardine "Lilly" Bomford, and Fredrika Augusta Bomford.
Military service
Voty Bomford served gallantly in the Black Hawk WarBlack Hawk War
The Black Hawk War was a brief conflict fought in 1832 between the United States and Native Americans headed by Black Hawk, a Sauk leader. The war erupted soon after Black Hawk and a group of Sauks, Meskwakis, and Kickapoos known as the "British Band" crossed the Mississippi River into the U.S....
, Seminole War, was in all the major battles of the Mexican war, being the first man to plant the American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
flag on the citadel of the City of Mexico, and the Civil War. He was a Lieutenant-Colonel of the 8th infantry when Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter is a Third System masonry coastal fortification located in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. The fort is best known as the site upon which the shots initiating the American Civil War were fired, at the Battle of Fort Sumter.- Construction :...
was fired upon and for failure to agree not to fight against the South he was held as a prisoner from April, 1861 to May, 1862. After release he was assigned as executive officer of the Sixteenth Infantry under the command of Colonel (Brigadier-General Volunteers) Andrew Porter
Andrew Porter
Andrew Porter may refer to:* Andrew C. Porter , American educational psychologist and psychometrician* Andrew I. Porter , American science fiction editor and publisher* Andrew J...
.
Military history
Bomford left West point as a brevet Second LieutenantSecond Lieutenant
Second lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer military rank in many armed forces.- United Kingdom and Commonwealth :The rank second lieutenant was introduced throughout the British Army in 1871 to replace the rank of ensign , although it had long been used in the Royal Artillery, Royal...
of the 2d Infantry on 1 July 1832 and participated in the Black Hawk expedition. He was promoted to 2nd Lt. of the 2d Infantry 6 October 1834 and participated in the Florida war from 1837‑38. He was stationed on the Northern frontier during Canadian border disturbances. Promoted to First Lieutenant
First Lieutenant
First lieutenant is a military rank and, in some forces, an appointment.The rank of lieutenant has different meanings in different military formations , but the majority of cases it is common for it to be sub-divided into a senior and junior rank...
(7 July 1838) he became Adjutant of 8th Infantry at Sackett's Harbor, New York.
Still in the 8th Infantry he was promoted to Captain 4 March 1845. In this capacity he served in the war with Mexico and engaged in the Battle of Palo Alto
Battle of Palo Alto
The Battle of Palo Alto was the first major battle of the Mexican-American War and was fought on May 8, 1846, on disputed ground five miles from the modern-day city of Brownsville, Texas...
(8 May 1846), Battle of Resaca de la Palma
Battle of Resaca de la Palma
At the Battle of Resaca de la Palma, one of the early engagements of the Mexican-American War,United States General Zachary Taylor engaged the retreating forces of the Mexican Ejército del Norte under General Mariano Arista on May 9, 1846.-Background:During the night of May 8, following...
(9 May 1846), Battle of Monterey
Battle of Monterey
-Preliminaries:Prior to the Mexican-American War the Californio forces had already driven the Mexican appointed Governor Manuel Micheltorena and most of his soldiers from Alta California...
(21–23 September 1846), Siege of Vera Cruz (9‑29 March 1847), Battle of Cerro Gordo
Battle of Cerro Gordo
The Battle of Cerro Gordo, or Battle of Sierra Gordo, in the Mexican-American War saw Winfield Scott's United States troops flank and drive Santa Anna's larger Mexican army from a strong defensive position.-Battle:...
(17‑18 April 1847), the capture of San Antonio and the resulting Battle of Churubusco
Battle of Churubusco
The Battle of Churubusco took place on August 20, 1847, in the immediate aftermath of the Battle of Contreras during the Mexican-American War. After defeating the Mexican army at Churubusco, the U.S. Army was only 5 miles away from Mexico City, the capital of the nation...
(both on 20 August 1847), and the Battle of Molino del Rey
Battle of Molino del Rey
The Battle of Molino del Rey was one of the bloodiest engagements of the Mexican-American War. It was fought in September 1847 between Mexican forces under General Antonio Léon against an American force under General Winfield Scott at a hill called El Molino del Rey near Mexico City.-Background:On...
(8 September 1847). During this battle that included Bomford, General Worth ordered the 500 men of the U.S. 8th Infantry Regiment
U.S. 8th Infantry Regiment
The 8th Infantry Regiment of the United States, also known as the Fighting Eagles, is a infantry regiment in the United States Army. The 8th Infantry participated in the Mexican War, American Civil War, World War I, World War II, Vietnam War and Iraq Campaign.-Blazon:#Shield: Argent on a bend...
, commanded by Major George Wright, to initiate the advance against the army of General Santa Ana
Santa Ana
-People:*Saint Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary*Santa Anna , Native American tribal leader*Antonio López de Santa Anna , Mexican general and President-United States:*Santa Ana, California...
that had four thousand cavalry and a force of 14,000 men, against the 2800 men General Worth commanded. The battle of Molino del Rey, that was two miles (3 km) from Mexico City, preceded the Battle of Chapultepec
Battle of Chapultepec
The Battle of Chapultepec, in September 1847, was a United States victory over Mexican forces holding Chapultepec Castle west of Mexico City during the Mexican-American War.-Background:On September 13, 1847, in the costly Battle of Molino del Rey, U.S...
(13 September 1847). This is the battle that resulted in the capture of Mexico City, the placement of the American flag by Bomford, and the end of the war. He was Brevetted Major 20 August 1847, for Gallant and Meritorious Conduct in the Battles of Contreras and Churubusco, and Brevetted Lt. Col. 8 September 1847, for Gallant and Meritorious Conduct in the Battle of Molino del Rey.
Assigned to Fort Davis, Texas
Fort Davis, Texas
Fort Davis is a census-designated place in Jeff Davis County, Texas, United States. The population was 1,050 at the 2000 census and 1,041 according to a 2007 estimate. It is the county seat of Jeff Davis County...
(1860‑61), and attached to the 6th Infantry, Bomford was promoted to Major on 17 October 1860. When the Civil War started he refused to agree not to fight against the South and along with his regiment was taken prisoner. He was promoted to Lt. Colonel 10 January 1862 and assigned to the 16th Infantry (July–November 1862) and was the Chief of Staff
Chief of Staff
The title, chief of staff, identifies the leader of a complex organization, institution, or body of persons and it also may identify a Principal Staff Officer , who is the coordinator of the supporting staff or a primary aide to an important individual, such as a president.In general, a chief of...
to Brevet Major General
Major General
Major general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general...
Edward M. McCook
Edward M. McCook
Edward Moody McCook was a lawyer, politician, distinguished Union cavalry general in the American Civil War, American diplomat, and Governor of the Territory of Colorado. He was a member of the famed "Fighting McCook" family of Ohio...
, a member of the famed "Fighting McCook" family of Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
, where he fought at Perryville
Perryville
Perryville may refer to a location in the United States:*Perryville, Alaska*Perryville, Arkansas*Perryville, Kentucky**The Battle of Perryville, in the American Civil War*Perryville, Maryland*Perryville, Missouri...
and was wounded twice. Bomford was Brevetted Colonel 8 October 1862, for Gallant and Meritorious Services at the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky. He was assigned as acting assistant Provost Marshal General of Western Division of Pennsylvania, 30 May 1863 to 31 July 1964 during which time he was promoted to Colonel and assigned to the 8th Infantry 18 May 1864.
Bomford also Served: in command of the District of North Carolina from September 20, 1866 to April, 1867; the regiment at Raleigh, North Carolina from April, 1867 to May 18, 1868; of the District of South Carolina from May 18, 1868 to October 23, 1870; of regiment at David's Island, New York Harbor, from November 5, 1870 to July 5, 1872; as Acting Inspector in the Department of the Platte, at Omaha, Nebraska from July 15 to October 1, 1872; in command of regiment at Fort D. A. Russell, Wyoming from October 5, 1872 to November 26, 1873; and on sick leave of absence from November 16, 1873 to June 8, 1874.
The last year as commander of David's Island Rodman Gun
Rodman gun
Rodman gun refers to a series of American Civil War-era columbiads designed by Union artilleryman Thomas Jackson Rodman . The guns were designed to fire both shot and shell. These heavy guns were intended to be mounted in seacoast fortifications. They were built in 8-inch, 10-inch, 13-inch,...
s (cast 1872) were set up on the island. David's Island was formally Rodman's Island that once belonged to relatives along with nearby Rodman's Neck
Rodman's Neck
Rodman's Neck refers to a peninsula of land in the Bronx, New York jutting out into Long Island Sound.The southern third of the 'neck' is used as a firing range by the New York Police Department; the remaining wooded section is part of Pelham Bay Park...
. Rodmans guns were improvements to the Columbiads that Bomford's father invented. Under the law (17 July 1862), and being over the age of 62, Brigadier General James Bomford was retired from duty 8 June 1872 after 43 distinguished years of service.
Death
Bomford died 6 January 1892, at Elizabeth, New JerseyElizabeth, New Jersey
Elizabeth is a city in Union County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city had a total population of 124,969, retaining its ranking as New Jersey's fourth largest city with an increase of 4,401 residents from its 2000 Census population of 120,568...
at the aged of 80 and was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Hillside
Evergreen Cemetery, Hillside
Evergreen Cemetery and Crematory is a cemetery and crematorium located at 1137 North Broad Street, Hillside, New Jersey. Parts of it are in Hillside, Elizabeth, and Newark. The cemetery is listed on both the New Jersey Register and the National Register of Historic Places, since 1991.Notable graves...
.