William Joyce Sewell (December 6, 1835 – December 27, 1901) was an American Republican Party politician, merchant, and military officer who served as a U.S. Senator from New Jersey for two non-consecutive terms from 1881 to 1887 and 1895 until his death in 1901.
He was married with four children, two daughters and two sons. He immigrated from Ireland when he was a young boy.[2]
Civil War
Sewell began his Civil War service as a captain with the 5th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry on August 28, 1861.[3] He was promoted to lieutenant colonel on July 7, 1862 and colonel on January 6, 1863. Sewell commanded a brigade at the Battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia, where he was wounded.[3] He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1896 for his actions. Sewell was the only officer to be awarded the Medal of Honor while in command of a New Jersey regiment.
Sewell was severely wounded again at the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, while commanding his unit along Emmitsburg Road on the second day of the battle, July 2, 1863. His wounds forced him from the field for a significant period. He resigned on July 6, 1863 and returned on October 1, 1864.[3][4] On his return he was given command of the 38th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, but his wounds eventually caused him to end his Civil War field service. He was reassigned as commander of Fort Powhatan in the Department of Virginia from January to April 1865. Sewell was mustered out of the volunteers on June 30, 1865.[3]
In recognition of Sewell's service, on January 13, 1866, PresidentAndrew Johnson nominated Sewell for appointment to the brevet grade of brigadier general, United States Volunteers for "gallant and meritorious services at the Battle of Chancellorsville, Va.," to rank from March 13, 1865, and the U.S. Senate confirmed the appointment on March 12, 1866.[5] On July 18, 1868, President Andrew Johnson nominated Sewell for appointment to the brevet grade of major general of volunteers for "gallant and meritorious services during the war," to rank from March 13, 1865 and the U.S. Senate confirmed the appointment on July 23, 1868.[6]
He held the post as chairman of the New Jersey delegation at the Republican National Convention five times. He also was President of the West Jersey & Seashore Rail road Company, a post he held until his death.
Sewell Monument (1901), Harleigh Cemetery, Camden, New Jersey, Alexander Stirling Calder, sculptor
Sewell died of complications from heart disease and diabetes at 9:40am on December 27, 1901, at age 66, in his home at Camden, New Jersey.[3][2] His vacant Senate seat was filled by Prudential Insurance founder John F. Dryden. Sewell received full Military Honors at the funeral by both State National Guard and Federal Military. During the funeral, official state business was suspended in Camden as a token of respect for his service. He was buried in Harleigh Cemetery, in Camden, New Jersey,[3] in the Spring Grove Section, Lot 75. His grave is marked by a cross designed by sculptor Alexander Stirling Calder.
Colonel, 5th New Jersey Infantry. Place and Date: At Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. Entered Service At: Camden, N.J. Born: December 6, 1835, Castlebar, Ireland. Date of Issue: March 25, 1896.
Citation:
Assuming command of a brigade, he rallied around his colors a mass of men from other regiments and fought these troops with great brilliancy through several hours of desperate conflict, remaining in command though wounded and inspiring them by his presence and the gallantry of his personal example.[7][8]