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Kane Street Synagogue’s Heroic Congregant

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Submitted by Judith Greenwald

Leopold C. Newman, Civil War General and Kane Street Synagogue Congregant. Photo submitted by Judith Greenwald; obtained originally from the New York State Military Museum and Veteran's Research Center, Saratoga Springs, NY.

Leopold C. Newman, Civil War General and Kane Street Synagogue Congregant. Photo submitted by Judith Greenwald; obtained originally from the New York State Military Museum and Veteran’s Research Center, Saratoga Springs, NY.

Among our early members was Civil War hero Brigadier-General Leopold C. Newman.  At the age of 22, already a lawyer and engaged to be married, he volunteered for duty in the 31st New York Infantry Regiment.  Newman fought in seventeen engagements and was promoted for valor to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.  On May 3, 1863 he led his company in the charge of Mary’s Heights in the Battle of Fredericksburg. In ordering the charge General Sedgwick told Newman “you may lose all your men, but you will save the corps.”  Turning to his men Newman cried “Now gentlemen, over with you” and dashed into battle.  He was severely wounded and as he lay dying in Washington D.C., President Lincoln came to his bedside and promoted him to the rank of Brigadier-General.  Member Newman is buried in the Congregation’s cemetery in union Field in Cypress Hills.

The above story was taken from a longer piece written by Judith Greenwald and published in Kane Street Synagogue’s historic journal.

Click here to read the full article on Colonel Newman.

Click here to browse Kane Street Synagogue’s historic journal archive online.