Individual Details
Capt. James Stillwell
(1830 - 1872)
He was a captain in the U.S. Navy. He died from injuries received during battles of Fort Philip and Jackson (?).
Email from Donald Pearson [donaldpjr2009@live.com] May 7, 2012:
I am a descendent of Nicholas Stillwell II, and have been helping a researcherwith the multitude of cousins, etc.
Captain James Stillwell is a 5th cousin. I have been looking further into hiscareer in the US Navy, and have discovered the following;
September 9, 1847 entered the Navy as a Midshipman Class of 1853 U.S. Naval Academy 24 Apr 1862
Lt. Stillwell was aboard the USS Pensacola during the Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip. Stillwell was knocked down by a shell, but was not listed among the wounded. He was praised for his coolness as he encouraged the gun crews.
26 Apr 1862 Lt. Stillwell accompanied Lt. J.C.Harris and 30 Marines to raise the flag over the US Mint during the capture of New Orleans.
1 Jan 1863 listed as Lt Commander of the gunboat Pinola, as part of the West Gulf Squadron during the blockade
19 Nov 1863 relived of command of Pinola
5 Apr 1864 listed as Lt Commander of steamer Unadilla, transporting troops on the St Johns River in Florida
30 Jun 1864 detached from command of the Unadilla
1 Jan 1865 listed as Lt Commander of USS Ottawa, as part of the South Atlantic Squadron
10 Nov 1865 detached from command of Waxsaw (Waxsaw was a monitor)
12 Dec 1865 court martialed for dereliction of duty. Sentenced to be discharged from service, but due to his bravery at New Orleans he was sentenced to 3 years suspension from rank and duty
1868 dismissed from the Navy
I have read too that he died of wounds from the New Orleans battle, but cannot find reference to those wounds. The reports of the commanding officers note that he was knocked down during the battle, but got up appearing uninjured.
Thank you for your time Don Pearson Monroe, NJ
Email from Donald Pearson [donaldpjr2009@live.com] May 7, 2012:
I am a descendent of Nicholas Stillwell II, and have been helping a researcherwith the multitude of cousins, etc.
Captain James Stillwell is a 5th cousin. I have been looking further into hiscareer in the US Navy, and have discovered the following;
September 9, 1847 entered the Navy as a Midshipman Class of 1853 U.S. Naval Academy 24 Apr 1862
Lt. Stillwell was aboard the USS Pensacola during the Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip. Stillwell was knocked down by a shell, but was not listed among the wounded. He was praised for his coolness as he encouraged the gun crews.
26 Apr 1862 Lt. Stillwell accompanied Lt. J.C.Harris and 30 Marines to raise the flag over the US Mint during the capture of New Orleans.
1 Jan 1863 listed as Lt Commander of the gunboat Pinola, as part of the West Gulf Squadron during the blockade
19 Nov 1863 relived of command of Pinola
5 Apr 1864 listed as Lt Commander of steamer Unadilla, transporting troops on the St Johns River in Florida
30 Jun 1864 detached from command of the Unadilla
1 Jan 1865 listed as Lt Commander of USS Ottawa, as part of the South Atlantic Squadron
10 Nov 1865 detached from command of Waxsaw (Waxsaw was a monitor)
12 Dec 1865 court martialed for dereliction of duty. Sentenced to be discharged from service, but due to his bravery at New Orleans he was sentenced to 3 years suspension from rank and duty
1868 dismissed from the Navy
I have read too that he died of wounds from the New Orleans battle, but cannot find reference to those wounds. The reports of the commanding officers note that he was knocked down during the battle, but got up appearing uninjured.
Thank you for your time Don Pearson Monroe, NJ
Events
| Birth | 1830 | ||||
| Marriage | 1860 - 70 | Winifred Maria "Winnie" Scott | |||
| Death | 1872 | ||||
| Burial | Lexington, Fayette Co., KY |
Families
| Spouse | Winifred Maria "Winnie" Scott (1836 - 1910) |
| Child | J. Scott Stillwell (1867 - 1914) |
| Child | Mary J. Stillwell (1872 - 1920) |