America isn’t exactly renowned for cricket prowess but it wasn’t always like that, although the sport today is regaining some popularity in the U.S. Before the War Between the States cricket was a hot favourite.   Kevin Boller published a story on the website Cricket International of a Union officer who had the distinction of being the first International cricketer to be killed in war.

Walter Symonds Newhall was born in Philadelphia in 1841, from a young age he was passionate about cricket. By 1859 Walter had proven his abilities by scoring 549 runs. Playing against England the same year he made modest scores against the famous touring side Nottingham and a top rated English player George Parr. With batting runs of 5 and 6 he wasn’t impressive but his fielding was considered top class, impressing even the English.

Aged 18, he was chosen to play for the U.S. against Canada in Toronto but was tragically dismissed for 1 run. In 1860 he played Hoboken, New Jersey and scored first 11 runs then 27. He set locals afire with his magnificent runs against Delphinium Cricket Club with 105 runs. That same year several prominent baseball players challenged Walter Newhall to a throwing contest and he beat them soundly by hurling the ball a massive 113 yards.

Captain Walter Symonds Newhall
Picture courtesy Cricket International
 

When war broke out in 1861, he joined the Missouri Bodyguard of Major General John C Fremont as second Lieutenant and took part in numerous and bloody Missouri campaigns against Major General Sterling Price C.S.A. Walter was promoted to First Lieutenant in September 1861.

When Major General Fremont’s controversial force was disbanded in December 1861, Walter Newhall joined the Army of Potomac under McClellan in the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry. Fighting in Williamsburg against Jeb Stuart; he also fought valiantly at Fair Oakes on the outskirts of Richmond.

Following several major conflicts, he was promoted to Captain and found himself facing Lee’s army at Gettysburg. Whilst leading a cavalry charge on the third day, Newhall was severely wounded when struck in the face by the lance of a Confederate standard bearer.

On December 18th 1863, having recovered from his wounds, he drowned while attempting to cross a near freezing rain swollen creek on his horse near the Rappahannock River in Northern Virginia.

Between 1859 and 1912 no less than six members of the Newhall family went on to represent the United States in cricket against Canada, England, Ireland and even here in Australia.

I have said before, pieces of this impressive jigsaw come together to fascinate and enthrall us down the years and thanks to Cricket International and Kevin Boller I am able to share this story with you. This is also a link to a veteran buried at our local cemetery in Pimpama. The author is researching the story of James Latimer for a future edition of The Bugle and as result of comments from a family member uncovered this fragment to share with you, Major General Fremont and the Missouri militia being important links in Latimer’s historical chain.