George A. Sheridan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Augustus Sheridan
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana's at-large district |
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| In office March 4, 1873 - March 3, 1875 |
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| Preceded by | District created |
| Succeeded by | District eliminated |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 22, 1840 Millbury, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | October 7, 1896 (aged 56) Virginia, U.S. |
| Resting place | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Political party | Liberal Republican |
| Children | Emma Viola Sheridan |
George Augustus Sheridan (born February 22, 1840 – died October 7, 1896) was an American politician. He is best known for serving in the U.S. House of Representatives for Louisiana. He was a member of Congress for one term, from 1873 to 1875.
Contents
George A. Sheridan's Story
Early Life and War
George Sheridan was born on February 22, 1840, in Millbury, Massachusetts. When he was 18, in 1858, he moved with his parents to Chicago.
During the American Civil War, George Sheridan joined the Union Army. He served as a Captain until he left the army on October 28, 1864.
Moving South After the War
After the Civil War ended, George Sheridan was one of many officials from the North who moved to the defeated Southern states. These officials helped to manage and rebuild the South. Some Southerners called them "carpetbaggers," which was a negative term. It suggested they were only there to get rich quickly.
In 1866, Sheridan moved to New Orleans, Louisiana. There, he became a brigadier general in the state's militia. He worked on the staff of the Republican Governor, Henry Clay Warmoth. In 1867, Sheridan became the sheriff of Carroll Parish in northeastern Louisiana. This area was later divided into East Carroll and West Carroll parishes.
Becoming a Congressman
In 1872, George Sheridan was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He ran as a member of the Liberal Republican party. He ran against P. B. S. Pinchback, who later became famous as the first African American governor of a U.S. state.
Pinchback argued that Sheridan had not won the election fairly. The argument over who should get the seat lasted a long time. It was not fully decided until February 1875. That's when the House Committee on Elections finally decided that George Sheridan had indeed won the election.
Later Years
After serving his term in the House of Representatives, Sheridan received a new job. President Rutherford Hayes appointed him as the Recorder of Deeds for the District of Columbia. He held this position from May 17, 1878, until May 17, 1881.
On that day, President James Garfield removed Sheridan from the job. This was done to give the position to Frederick Douglass, a very famous writer and leader.
George Sheridan's daughter was Emma Sheridan. She became a well-known actress.
Sheridan passed away at the age of 56 on October 7, 1896. He died at the National Soldiers' Home in Virginia. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
