African American Civil War Veterans
“As you stroll through the grounds of Fairview Cemetery, high on a hill you will find the Veterans burial section, where those who have served in various wars are laid to rest. The Civil War section is notable as it reflects Westfield’s evolving attitude toward the inclusion of individuals of color. In Ward G African American veterans were buried with full honor. The Grand Army of the Republic strove to change the mores and attitudes for people of color. This fraternal veteran’s organization was formed in 1866 and was among the first organized advocacy groups supporting voting rights for Black veterans. Mindful of the demonstrated loyalty and sacrifices of the African American soldiers in the Civil War, the Grand Army pushed for honorable burials. Most Black soldiers did not receive any pension or remuneration for wounds incurred during the Civil War.”
Excerpted from “African Americans in Westfield NJ from 1720–2020”
Although a northern state, New Jersey and slavery have an intertwined history. Involuntary servitude was not completely outlawed in the state until the 13th Amendment in 1865. Gradual emancipation was introduced in 1804, allowing children born to slaves to be free. By 1860 there were a total of 865 people with African ancestry within Union county. When the Civil War broke out, African American participation in the Union army was contentious, and it was not until volunteer regiments became necessary that African Americans were allowed to serve. In Union County, 51 African Americans enlisted in the first wave, followed by 146 in the second. This second wave would become known as the “Jersey Blues.” The 22nd, 25th, 41st, and 127th infantry divisions saw heavy African American participation. Within the whole Union Army, around 120 African Americans were identified as commissioned officers. African American troops participated in every Union campaign from 1863 to 1865, with the exception of Sherman’s March to the Sea.
Below are the names and lot numbers of the African American Civil War soldiers in Ward G.
Click names to view monuments.
John Brinkerhoff
died 1911 (age 72), Lot 2
Milton A. Brown
died 1911 (age 59), Lot 147
Edmund D. Chamberlain
died 1891 (age 50), Lot 68
George L. Holland
died 1909 (age 74), Lot 2