James Craddock

Also known as Cradick, Cradock.

Age: 21

Allegiance: Union

Highest Rank: Sergeant

Unit: Company K, 140th New York Volunteer Infantry

Occupation: Tobacconist

James Craddock was enlisted Aug. 26, 1862 by Patrick Dowling to serve three years. At time of his enlistment, James was 21 years old and described as 5' 5" tall, with dark complexion, hair and eyes. He'd been born in Ireland, but at that time lived in Rochester and possibly worked for the Suggett, Bower & Co, as an article in the Rochester Evening Express newspaper of Aug. 27, 1862 noted that:

"Eight tobacconists, in the employ of Suggett, Bower & Co., of this city, volunteered in the company recruited by Capt. Dowling. We are pleased to learn that Capt. Dowling is meeting with such excellent success. He is getting good men, and with such thorough Lieutenants as Sullivan and Cochrane, there is no doubt that this will be a No. 1 company."

See also Thomas Dee.

Craddock enjoyed some success in his military career. He was mustered, as a Private, into Captain Dowling's Company K of the 140th NY on Sept. 13, 1862. In January, 1864, he was made a Corporal and January, 1865, he was again promoted, this time to Sergeant. The following May, however, he was returned to the rank of Private. No reason is given in the official records. James completed his service term and mustered out with his company on June 3rd 1865.

During the regiment's charge at Saunder's Field, James Craddock was captured; but, he somehow was able to benefit from the confusion of the battle and escaped. He was present during all the actions of the 140th.

After the war, Craddock was active in veteran organizations. The photo above shows Craddock in the uniform of the Ryan Zouaves which was a post-war drill company of 140th veterans. He also became a member of Fairbanks Post No. 17, Department of Michigan, Grand Army of the Republic.

He married Margaret Jordan and had six children: James, Martin, George, Margaret, Winifred and Bessie.