Socrates N. Sherman facts for kids
Socrates Norton Sherman (born July 22, 1801 – died February 1, 1873) was an important person in American history. He was a doctor, a politician who served in the United States House of Representatives, and an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Early Life and Education
Socrates Sherman was born in Barre, Vermont. As a young person, he went to local schools. He decided to study medicine and became a doctor. In 1824, he graduated from Castleton Medical College. The next year, in 1825, he moved to Ogdensburg, New York, and started his own medical practice, helping people in the community.
Political Career
Dr. Sherman became interested in politics and joined the Republican Party. He was elected to the 37th United States Congress, which meant he became a representative for New York in the U.S. government. He served in Congress from March 4, 1861, to March 3, 1863. During this time, the country was facing the challenges of the Civil War. After his term, he chose not to run for re-election in 1862.
Service in the Civil War
Even after leaving Congress, Sherman continued to serve his country. During the second half of the Civil War, he joined the military. He became a major and a surgeon for the Thirty-fourth Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry. This meant he was a doctor helping soldiers on the battlefield. He served until October 7, 1865. When he left the military, he was given the special honorary rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Volunteers.
Later Life and Legacy
After the war ended, Socrates Sherman returned to Ogdensburg, New York. He continued his work as a doctor, caring for his patients. He passed away on February 1, 1873, and was buried in the Ogdensburg Cemetery. He is remembered for his service as a doctor, a politician, and a military officer during a very important time in American history.
