Major John Lewis Bromley (1820-1909): Soldier, Pioneer, and Civic Leader

 

John Bromley and Family Plot

Plot 14B Lot 64

Major John Lewis Bromley (1820–1909) lived a life of service, sacrifice, and dedication to his country and community. Born on December 24, 1820, in Maryland, Bromley would go on to fight in one of the most pivotal conflicts of the 19th century—the Mexican-American War—and later become a respected figure in California’s civic and veteran communities.

Bromley enlisted in the U.S. Army in Memphis, Tennessee, joining the 14th Infantry Regiment during the Mexican War. He began his military career as a recruiting sergeant and quickly rose through the ranks to become orderly sergeant of Company G. His regiment was part of Brigadier General Cadwalader’s brigade, and under the command of Colonel Truesdale, with Captain James Scantland leading Company G.

Bromley saw intense combat in many of the war’s fiercest engagements, including the battles of Contreras, Churubusco, Molino del Rey, and the storied assault on Chapultepec Castle. During the climactic battle at Chapultepec, all of Company G’s officers were either wounded or reassigned, and Bromley assumed command of the company. The day after the fall of the castle, Company G was the first to enter Mexico City through the San Cosme Gate, capturing artillery and securing a key position. Bromley was wounded twice in action and endured a severe bout of typhoid fever. For his valor and service, he was honorably discharged in 1848 and awarded a military pension.

The 1903 Oakland City Charter and City Hall at the time

After the war, Bromley settled in California, where he became a rancher, merchant, and public servant. His career included several key roles: county assessor, justice of the peace, and Court of Sessions judge in Contra Costa County. He was also a charter member of the city of Oakland, a director of the Veterans Home in Yountville, and president of the Mexican War Veterans of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. His contributions to civic life earned him a place on the Governor’s staff with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was also a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution, linking his legacy to the nation’s founding ideals.

Bromley’s personal life was marked by both love and loss. He first married Martha Goldstein, who passed away in 1850. The following year, he wed Anna M. Levering in Baltimore, Maryland. Anna, born in 1829, was the daughter of William and Susan (Hall) Levering. The couple later moved to California, where Anna died in Oakland in 1906.

Major Bromley passed away on November 7, 1909, at the age of 88. His funeral was held at the family home on Twenty-eighth Street in Oakland, with Rev. William Day Simmons of the First Unitarian Church presiding. The service was simple, attended by a large gathering of friends and family. Floral tributes covered the casket, and veterans honored his memory—among them Major Edwin A. Sherman, President of the Associated Mexican War Veterans, and treasurer Ferdinand Myers, who served as pallbearers.