The Biographical Dictionary of America/Abercrombie, John Joseph

ABERCROMBIE, John Joseph, soldier, was born in Tennessee in 1802. His early education enabled him to pass the examinations necessary for admission to the U.S. military academy at West Point when sixteen years old. He was graduated with the class of 1822 and advanced by regular promotions to adjutant, serving in the 1st infantry eight years. His captaincy was gained in 1836. The Florida war gave him active service, notably at the battle of Okeechobee, where his gallantry won the brevet of major. Afterwards his regiment was in the west until the Mexican war called him to Monterey, where he was severely wounded and gained the rank of lieutenant-colonel. His next service was at the siege of Vera Cruz and afterwards at Cerro Gordo. While in Mexico he was made aide to Gen. Patterson. He was in Minnesota when the civil war broke out, and was ordered to Virginia, where he served in the Shenandoah campaign, being conspicuous at the battle of Falling Waters, where he led the Federal troops. His promotion to brigadier-general of volunteers followed, and his next battle was Fair Oaks, where he was wounded, but did service at Malvern Hill and on McClellan's retreat to Harrison's Landing. His next post was in defence of Washington in 1862-63. In 1864 he opposed Hampton's Legion, and at the close of the war was brevetted brigadier-general in the regular army, retiring June 12, 1865. He died at Roslyn, Long Island. N.Y., Jan. 3. 1877.