third son of David Cromwell and Rebecca Rebecca Bowman. Raised a Quaker

When the Civil War broke out, he became a member of the governor's enlistment committee. In 1862 he was appointed the major of the 124th Regiment (Orange Blossoms); he was so esteemed by his men, that the training camp was named in his honor (Camp Cromwell).

At Chancellorsville in May 1863, Major Cromwell led a gallant change "springing to the front, he took position ten paces ahead of the colors to lead the charge." [Kowalis and Loree "Died at Gettysburg! No prouder epitaph need any man covet"; 1998]

Major Cromwell repeatedly asked Col Ellis for permission to charge the advancing Confederates but was repeatedly denied. Finally, Ellis allowed the charge and Major Cromwell led his men forward. They charged over the easter wall of Triangle Field and stormed down the slope under withering fire, pushing the Confederates out of the field and into the woods beyond.

Cromwell was shot through the heart as he led his men across the field. He fell from his horse near the far end of field and was left behind as his men were driven back. His body was later borne off the field during a second charge and slowly removed from the battlefield as the regiment fell back to Cemetery Ridge. A gold locket, bearing a picture of his wife, was found around his neck. It was later returned to his wife (Anna W. Barton) who had given birth to a daughter that James would never meet.

His remains, along with those of Colonel Ellis, were escorted home by the regiment's bugler (Moses P Ross).

James Cromwell