Francis Trowbridge Sherman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francis T. Sherman
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| Born | December 31, 1825 Newtown, Connecticut |
| Died | November 9, 1905 (aged 79) Waukegan, Illinois |
| Place of burial |
Graceland Cemetery, Chicago, Illinois
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861-1866 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General of Volunteers |
| Commands held | 88th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Other work | brick maker, postal clerk, hotel proprietor |
Francis Trowbridge Sherman (1825-1905) was an important general for the Union Army during the American Civil War. He fought in both the Western and Eastern parts of the war. He served in both cavalry (soldiers on horseback) and infantry (foot soldiers) units.
Contents
Who Was Francis T. Sherman?
Growing Up and Early Adventures
Francis T. Sherman was born in Newtown, Connecticut in 1825. When he was nine years old, his family moved to Illinois. His father, Francis Cornwall Sherman, became very active in Chicago politics. He served as an alderman (a city council member) and even as the mayor of the city. He was also a state representative.
Before the Civil War, Francis T. Sherman traveled west. He joined the exciting California Gold Rush, hoping to find gold. After his adventure, he returned to Illinois.
Sherman's Role in the Civil War
When the Civil War began, Sherman quickly joined the Union Army. He started as a lieutenant colonel in the 56th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He also served as a major in the 12th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Cavalry. During this time, he did not see much major fighting.
On September 4, 1862, he was promoted to colonel. He took command of the 88th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. This regiment was also known as the 2nd Board of Trade Regiment.
Key Battles and Promotions
Colonel Sherman led his regiment in important battles. These included the Battle of Perryville and the Battle of Stones River. He was not with the army during the Battle of Chickamauga. However, he took command of a larger group of soldiers, called a brigade, soon after that battle.
His brigade became the 1st Brigade in Philip H. Sheridan's 2nd Division. This division was part of the new IV Corps. Sherman was one of the brigade leaders who bravely charged up Missionary Ridge. This happened during the Battle of Chattanooga.
He continued to lead his brigade during the early parts of the Atlanta Campaign. He fought at Rocky Face Ridge and Resaca. Later, he became the chief of staff for the IV Corps. This meant he was a main helper and organizer for the corps commander.
Capture and Later Service
Sherman served as chief of staff for the rest of the Atlanta Campaign. However, he was captured outside Atlanta on July 7, 1864. He was officially exchanged (traded for a Confederate soldier) on October 7, 1864.
After his exchange, he joined the Army of the Potomac. He worked as the assistant inspector general of the Cavalry Corps. This role involved checking on the readiness and training of the cavalry. He served in this role during the Appomattox Campaign.
Sherman was honored with a special promotion to brigadier general on March 13, 1865. This was a "brevet" promotion, meaning it was for his brave service. He received a full promotion to brigadier general of volunteers on July 21, 1865. He left the volunteer army on January 15, 1866.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, General Sherman tried several different businesses. For a year, he managed a sugar plantation in Louisiana. Then he returned to Chicago.
In Chicago, he worked as the city's postmaster for two years. After that, he started a company called Sherman, Haley & Company. This business made stone and sand. Sadly, the company was ruined in 1871 by the Great Chicago Fire. This huge fire destroyed much of Chicago.
Because of the fire, Sherman had to look for new business opportunities. He moved to different places in the U.S. before finally settling in Waukegan, Illinois. He passed away there in 1905.
Images for kids
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Sherman's grave at Graceland Cemetery
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