William Tecumseh Sherman

Date of Birth: February 8, 1820

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: February 14, 1891

Biography

William Tecumseh Sherman was born on February 8, 1820, in Lancaster, Ohio. He was a prominent American soldier, businessman, educator, and author. Sherman is best known for his role as a Union general during the American Civil War, where he led the famous “March to the Sea” from Atlanta to Savannah, implementing a scorched-earth policy to cripple the Southern war effort. Sherman was first appointed to a command of troops in the battles of First Bull Run and Shiloh. However, it was his capture of Atlanta in 1864 that was a major turning point in the war. His tactics of total warfare, aimed at destroying the South’s ability to wage war, were controversial but effective. After the war, Sherman served as Commanding General of the United States Army from 1869 to 1883. During his tenure, he was responsible for the military’s efforts in the Indian Wars and was instrumental in the construction of the transcontinental railroad. Sherman retired from the army in 1884 and spent his later years writing his memoirs and giving lectures. He passed away on February 14, 1891, in New York City and was buried in St. Louis, Missouri.

5 Interesting Facts about William Tecumseh Sherman

1. William Tecumseh Sherman was named after the Shawnee chief Tecumseh.

2. He was a distant relative of American founding father Roger Sherman.

3. Sherman’s “March to the Sea” is often cited as an early example of modern total warfare.

4. He coined the phrase “War is hell,” which reflects his harsh view of the nature of war.

5. After the Civil War, Sherman declined to run for political office despite being popular and widely respected.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Tecumseh Sherman

1. “War is hell.”

2. “I will not accept if nominated, and will not serve if elected.”

3. “Grant stood by me when I was crazy, and I stood by him when he was drunk.”

4. “War is cruelty. There is no use trying to reform it. The crueler it is, the sooner it will be over.”

5. “If nominated, I will not run; if elected, I will not serve.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

William Tecumseh Sherman’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but as a retired General and author, he was considered financially comfortable in his later years.

Children

William Tecumseh Sherman and his wife, Ellen Ewing Sherman, had eight children: 1. Maria Ewing Sherman 2. Mary Elizabeth Sherman 3. William Tecumseh Sherman Jr. 4. Thomas Ewing Sherman 5. Eleanor Mary Sherman 6. Rachel Ewing Sherman 7. Charles Celestine Sherman 8. Philemon Tecumseh Sherman