John D. Sherwood facts for kids
John D. Sherwood was an American author who lived from 1818 to 1891. He was also a lawyer and served in the military. He is best known for writing a funny history book about the United States.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John D. Sherwood was born on November 24, 1818, in Fishkill, New York. His parents were Thomas and Ruth Sherwood.
After finishing his studies at Yale College in 1839, John decided to become a lawyer. He started studying law in Poughkeepsie, New York. He also spent some time studying at Harvard Law School.
In 1841, he traveled abroad for more than two years. When he returned in 1844, he finished his law studies in New York City. In 1845, he officially became a lawyer, which means he was allowed to practice law.
Career as a Lawyer
John D. Sherwood worked as a lawyer in New York City for many years. For six years, he had a law firm with a partner named George Y. Gilbert.
Later, in 1851, he started working with his brother. They had a very successful law practice together. However, in 1865, John had to stop working because he became very ill.
Military Service
During the American Civil War, John D. Sherwood joined the military. In December 1861, he became a Colonel. He served as an aide, which is like an assistant, to General James S. Wadsworth.
He was part of the Army of the Potomac, which was a major army for the Union during the war.
Later Years and Writing
After retiring from his law career due to illness, John D. Sherwood moved to Englewood, New Jersey. He spent his later years focusing on writing.
His most famous book is a funny history book called Comic History of the United States. It was published in 1870. He used the pen name Harry Scratchley for this book.
Death
John D. Sherwood passed away on April 30, 1891, in Englewood, New Jersey. He was 72 years old. He died from pneumonia and had been ill for many years before his death.
Family Life
John D. Sherwood married Emmeline Zimmerman on October 29, 1863. She was from Toronto. They had four children together. One of his sons also graduated from Yale in 1890.
