HIS STORY SPEAKS TO US: HONORING BLACK REVOLUTIONARY WAR SOLDIER OLIVER CROMWELL

Revolutionary War Soldier Oliver Cromwell had 14 children and a multitude of great grandchildren. Wednesday he will be honored at his home; the event will be is teeming with his descendants, modern day neighbors, and history enthusiasts. The City of Burlington and the New Jersey State Society Daughters of the American Revolution [DAR] will co-host the unveiling of the Commemorative Bronze Marker for the "Original Home of Revolutionary War Soldier - Private Oliver Cromwell" at 10am, Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at the 100 block East Union St in Burlington, New Jersey.

DAR’s mission is to raise the visibility of our Patriots creating interest in who they were and enthusiasm for what they accomplished. New Jersey DAR State Historian Deb Hvizdos has spent years researching American Patriots and their contributions to the founding of this great nation. With Private Oliver Cromwell she knew she found a man and his story that needs to be told.

Oliver Cromwell was born in 1753 in Burlington County, New Jersey and lived to be 100 still residing in the county. He served as a private in the 2nd New Jersey Regiment between 1777 and 1783 fighting in many of the battles that eventually lead to American victory and independence. His discharge papers note he received the badge of merit were signed by George Washington. During his later years he sat outside his home on East Union Street engaging with passerby and neighbors alike. It is at this home where the NJDAR honor him. The placing of this marker is in line with the Society's mission of Historic Preservation, Education, and Patriotism.

The City of Burlington is rolling out the red carpet, Main Street is lined with Oliver Cromwell banners and a Fife and Drum corps who will be performing during the day. The Daughters of the American Revolution will be represented by President General Denise VanBuren, New Jersey State Regent Bonnie Matthews and the NJDAR Board of Management. Speakers for the day include Secretary of the U.S. America 250! Commission Lynn Forney Young, DAR Historian General Laura Kessler, family members Jane Fox Long and Pastor Timothy Hutton.  

Revolutionary Patriot Ned Hector has sent word he looks forward to attending the ceremony honoring a fellow Patriot. The color guard representatives from the Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of the Revolution and the Rhode Island 14^th Regiment bring us back in time on historic Union Street.

Reisha Raney, host of Daughter Dialogues is speaking on the “Untold Histories from American Revolution Patriots’ Descendants of Color”. As a DAR member, Reisha works to perpetuate the legacy of all the men and women who achieved independence. The Daughters of the American Revolution is taking a leading role in researching and promoting how diversified participants assisted in the creation of our nation, including those who were African American, Native American and female. DAR is committed to better telling the stories of these Patriots, who have all too often been left out of the pages of history.

Additional information about Private Oliver Cromwell’s military service and history as well as other Patriots can be found on the Daughters of the American Revolution  Patriots of Color online genealogical research database as well as the online DAR exhibit “Remembrance of Noble Actions: African Americans and Native Americans in the Revolutionary War.”

Come out to Burlington, New Jersey join the celebration and learn about our collective American history.

Revolutionary Ancestor Leonard Litzinger Family

My 5th great-grandfather was recently proven to be a Revolutionary War Patriot by the Daughters of the American Revolution. We currently have an application into the Sons of the American Revolution to establish the same for their organization. In prepping documentation for both organizations, I created a chart of Leonard's family that I'd like to share with any of his decendents.

Children of Magdalen Kupser and Leonard Litzinger

Names	Date of Birth/Place	Spouse(s)	Source
Simon Litzinger	29 May 1767 Goshenhoppen, Berks, PA	Mary Ann Meyers	Goshenhoppen Registers pg 32 1
Catharine Litzinger	29 Mar 1769 Goshenhoppen, Berks, PA	Henry Kuhn	Goshenhoppen Registers pg 371
Magdalen Litzinger	05 Mar 1771 Goshenhoppen, Berks, PA	John Raille	Goshenhoppen Registers pg 421
John James Litzinger	29 Mar 1773 Goshenhoppen, Berks, PA	Sarah Plott	Goshenhoppen Registers pg 491
John Litzinger	16 Mar 1775 Goshenhoppen, Berks, PA	Appolonia Adams Ms Pierce	Goshenhoppen Registers pg 541
John Leonard Litzinger	20 Sep 1777 Goshenhoppen, Berks, PA	Elizabeth Miller Elizabeth Leas	Goshenhoppen Registers pg 651
Anna Maria Litzinger	08 Sep 1779 Goshenhoppen, Berks, PA	John Stockton	Goshenhoppen Registers pg 721
Anthony Litzinger	03 Feb 1782 Goshenhoppen, Berks, PA	Susanah Burley	Goshenhoppen Registers pg 821
Eve Litzinger	Abt 1785 PA	John Meyers	Conewago Chapel2 and Leonard Litzinger will3

* Eve Litzinger birth year of 1785 is estimated from 1800 census. Family relocated from Berks County to York/Adams County between 1784 and 1785 according to tax records. Theories:

          A) Eve’s baptism is not recorded in Goshenhoppen Registers due to failing health of Father Ritter’s failing health “registers kept by him during the last two years of his life from 1785-1787 are missing.” [Goshenhoppen Resisters pg 122]

          B) The surviving records from Conewago Chapel seem to begin in 1791, long after Eve’s birth, hence no record of her baptism.

Sources:

¹ Goshenhoppen Registers 1741-1819; Reprinted from American Catholic Historical Society of Philadelphia by Clearfield Inc, Baltimore, MD 2002

² Historical Society of Pennsylvania; Historic Pennsylvania Church and Town Records; Reel: 695

³ Leonard Litzinger will; PA Archives PA-31-2-223