Capt. James Lester Bodwell (1828-1903)

Son of: Levi 1803

James served as a Sergeant in the 27th New Jersey Infantry from April to Jul 1861 and from August 26, 1862 as a Captain in the 14th New Jersey Infantry Regiment. He was discharged December 30, 1864.

From August, 1862 to the end of 1864 James served as Captain of Company "E" of the 14th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, organized at Freehold, New Jersey. Between August 1862 to the spring of 1864 the 14th New Jersey Vol's were operating in defense of Washington, D. C. In the winter of 1863, James contracted an illness which left him with an intermittent fever. From December 4, 1863 until January 23, 1864 James was furloughed to his home in Rahway, N. J.

On May 5-7, 1864 his unit saw action in the Battle of the Wilderness, then the following days May 8-21 atSpotsylvania. On June 1, 1864 the unit was in action at Cold Harbor, Virginia and again on June 15th at Petersburg, Va. On July 9th the 14th N. J. Volunteers were rushed to Monocracy, Md where it saw heavy action under General Lew Wallace as he attempted to check Ewell's encircling attack on Washington. The unit was again in action at Winchester (Opequan), Va. on September 19, 1864. In the Battle of Winchester, James was seriously wounded in the right shoulder by a shell. On November 19th he was admitted to Officer's Hospital in Annapolis, Md. On December 8th he returned to light duty but was later honorably discharged on December 30th.

James was a member of the common council of Raway for several terms and its President for one. He was Chief of Police for six years and a court officer for 10 years. New York Times - February 8, 1903.

BornDiedMarried Spouse
22 May 18286 Feb 1905 ABT 1851Louisa Jane Flatt
New York, NyRahway, Nj New York, NyABT 1830
1850-60 Harriet L. (?)
6 Jun 1895 Laura Marsh Harvey
b. 9 Mar 1860

Children of Children of James and Jane (Flatt) Bodwell

NameBirth Date Birth PlaceDeath Date Death Place
1.William James 17 Feb 1852Rahway, Nj 14 Apr 1927Rahway, Nh
2.Mary Jane8 Mar 1853 Rahway, Nj

01/06/97

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