Cornwell, William H. (William Henry), 1844 November 12 (date of birth)

Dates

• Existence: November 12, 1844

Biography

William Henry Cornwell was born on November 12, 1844 to Flushing Cornwell (spelled Cornwall or Conwell in Vital Records of Bridgewater, Massachusetts, to the Year 1850, Volume 1), a laborer, and Harriet (Brooker) Cornwell. Flushing was reported to be the son of Mansfield and Hannah (an Indigenous woman), and Harriet was reported to be the granddaughter of Caesar Russell, a soldier in the American Revolutionary War.

On December 14, 1863 at the age of 19, William enlisted in the Union Army and mustered January 9, 1864. At the time of enlistment his residence was Bridgewater, MA (also believed to be his birthplace) and his occupation was farmer. He served as a Private in Company A of the 5th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry (referred to as a “colored” unit at the time of the American Civil War) until May 29, 1865 when he was discharged for disability at Petersburg, VA. He later joined the Taunton, MA chapter of the Grand Army of the Republic.

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