Eliakim Sherrill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eliakim Sherrill
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 10th district |
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| In office March 4, 1847 – March 3, 1849 |
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| Preceded by | Samuel Gordon |
| Succeeded by | Herman D. Gould |
| Member of the New York Senate from the 10th district |
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| In office 1854–1855 |
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| Preceded by | George T. Pierce |
| Succeeded by | George S. Nichols |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 16, 1813 Greenville, New York |
| Died | July 4, 1863 (aged 50) Gettysburg, Pennsylvania |
| Resting place | Washington Street Cemetery 42°51′44″N 76°59′27″W / 42.86222°N 76.99083°W |
| Political party | Republican |
| Other political affiliations |
Whig |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Union |
| Branch/service | Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861-1863 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Commands | 126th New York Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War • Battle of Harpers Ferry (WIA) • Battle of Gettysburg (DOW) |
Eliakim Sherrill (born February 16, 1813 – died July 4, 1863) was an important figure in American history. He served as a Congressman for New York before the American Civil War. During the war, he became a brave brigade commander in the Union Army. He was sadly injured during the Battle of Gettysburg while defending against a famous attack called Pickett's Charge.
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Who Was Eliakim Sherrill?
Eliakim Sherrill was born in Greenville, New York. He went to public schools there. In 1832, he moved to Herkimer County. He married Emily Eldridge, whose father was a judge.
Early Life and Politics
In 1838, Eliakim and Emily moved to Shandaken. There, Eliakim owned a business that made leather, called a tannery. He also started getting involved in local government. He held several political jobs and was a major in the State Militia.
He was chosen to be a Congressman for the Whig Party. He served in the 30th United States Congress from March 4, 1847, to March 3, 1849. Later, he was also a member of the New York State Senate in 1854 and 1855.
Moving Around New York
Three years after his time in the State Senate, he moved to Brooklyn. In 1860, he moved again to Geneva, where he owned a farm.
A Soldier in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Eliakim Sherrill quickly got involved. In August 1862, he helped create the 126th New York Volunteer Infantry regiment. He became its first colonel, leading his troops.
Harpers Ferry Battle
His regiment was part of the Union forces defending Harpers Ferry. This was during the Maryland Campaign. Colonel Sherrill was badly wounded during the Battle of Harpers Ferry. He was shot in his lower jaw. He was captured by the Confederates but later released. Even though his wound never fully healed, he returned to his regiment in October 1862. After more time to recover, he was back on duty by January 27, 1863.
Gettysburg and His Final Stand
On July 2, 1863, at the Battle of Gettysburg, Colonel Sherrill took command of the 3rd Brigade. This was after the previous commander, Colonel George L. Willard, was killed. On July 3, his first full day leading the brigade, Sherrill was positioned on Cemetery Ridge. He was hit by a musket shot in his stomach. He was carried off the battlefield and taken to a hospital. He passed away the next morning, on July 4, 1863.
Eliakim Sherrill was buried in the Washington Street Cemetery in Geneva, New York. Many people, almost 10,000, attended his funeral to honor him. His granddaughter, Carrie Babcock Sherman, later became the Second Lady of the United States.
