General John S. Crocker’s Militia Officer’s Sword and Epaulets

Originally published September-October 2025 · pp. 59–63

General John S. Crocker’s Militia Officer’s Sword and Epaulets — lead photograph from the original article

Sword made by the Ames Manufacturing Company in Chicopee, Massachusetts.

Non-regulation militia officers’ sword and silver bullion epaulets with an old tag stating that they were from General John S. Crocker. The sword is typical of Ames militia officers’ swords of the 1840 to 1860 period. It has a droop head eagle gilted pommel, carved bone handle, and gilted flying eagle cross guard. Attached to the grip is the original gilt sword knot. The double-edged blade is beautiful with floral and patriotic etchings on each side. The gilded scabbard is etched with floral motifs on one side. The silver bullion epaulets are housed in the original japanned tin storage case. Attached to one epaulet is an old tag identifying it as belonging to General Crocker. A beautiful gilt-embroidered eagle adorns them, along with an applied sequin 5-pointed star and two silvered eagle infantry buttons. John Simpson Crocker was born on March 4, 1820, in White Creek, N.Y. For 10 years, 1849 to 1859, he practiced law in Cambridge, N.Y. Before the Civil War, he joined the 30th Regiment of the New York State Militia as a Colonel and was soon promoted to General. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he raised a regiment of volunteers in Albany, N.Y., that became the 93rd New York Infantry. John Crocker was soon appointed as a colonel of volunteers in the Army of the Potomac. The 93rd fought in the Battle of Yorktown, where Colonel Crocker was captured and later imprisoned in Libby Prison until he was exchanged for a Confederate officer in August 1862. Crocker was present with the 93rd New York at Antietam, Fredericksburg, and the Wilderness, where the regiment suffered 195 casualties, and Spotsylvania Court House, where again the regiment suffered heavily. Crocker and his regiment fought continuously in all the major battles through Virginia until Crocker was wounded during the siege of Petersburg, Va. Crocker was mustered out due to disability in September 1864 and was later promoted to brevet brigadier general in March 1865. After the war, Crocker lived in Washington, D.C., and in March 1869, he was appointed Warden of the District of Columbia prison. During his time as warden, he oversaw the execution of Charles J. Guiteau, the assassin of President James A. Garfield. John Simpson Crocker died on September 14, 1890, in Washington and is buried in Glenwood Cemetery. (Research by Richard Ferry)

Silver Bullion Epaulets Of General John S. Crocker

The epaulets, in their original Japanned tin storage case, belonged to General Crocker. This set feature a gilt-embroidered eagle and an applied five-pointed sequin star, indicating his general officer rank. The devices have a red velvet backing and two silver eagle I buttons for attachment, indicating his branch of service was infantry.

Old tag reads “General John S. Crocker.”

Photographs from the Original Article

General John S. Crocker’s Militia Officer’s Sword and Epaulets — photograph 2 from the original article

General John S. Crocker’s Militia Officer’s Sword and Epaulets — photograph 3 from the original article

General John S. Crocker’s Militia Officer’s Sword and Epaulets — photograph 4 from the original article

General John S. Crocker’s Militia Officer’s Sword and Epaulets — photograph 5 from the original article

General John S. Crocker’s Militia Officer’s Sword and Epaulets — photograph 6 from the original article

Captions and credits appear in the article text as originally printed.