Major George D. "Maje" Sherman

Major George D. "Maje" Sherman

   Attended the Elgin Academy.

Washington Continental Artillery

   Listed in the 1859-1860 Elgin Directory as working for Henry Sherman & Co., living at the corner of Spring and Milwaukee St's.
   Listed on the 1860 Federal Census #272/2031 as aged 21 years from New York living in Elgin, Ill's.

Elgin Union Grays

   From the Diary of Charles B. Stiles, Drummer boy 36th Ill. Vol. Inf. entry date Oct. 17, 1861.

   Our orderly Sgt., George D. Sherman was promoted to the office of 1st Lt. today.

   Enlisted Oct. 21, 1861 as Capt. Of A Company.

A Co. 36th Ill. Vol. Inf.

Three Years Service

Fox River Regiment

Steedman's Brigade

Sheridan's Division

Fourth Corps

   Mustered In Sept. 23, 1861 at Camp Hammond in Montgomery, Ill's.
   Home of record listed as Elgin, Ill's.
   Issued .577 1857 P-53 Enfield rifled musket.

   Excerpt from Grandfather Was a Drummer Boy, diary of Charles Stiles.

   Aug. 17, 1862
      This is a beautiful Sabbath morning.  The blue canopy above is hardly broken by a few fleecy clouds and it is just warm enough to be comfortable.  Last night and night before last was so cold that we were really cold under a double blanket.  Lt. Sherman is officer of the day today. 

   Excerpt from Grandfather Was a Drummer Boy, diary of Charles Stiles.

   Jan. 19, 1863
      Yesterday was a pleasant day and another Sabbath.  We were permitted to listen to a sermon.  Today there is more stormy weather.  Mr. Mallery and Mr. Sherman left today for Elgin.

   Excerpt from Grandfather was a Drummer Boy, diary of Charles Stiles.
   Oct. 11, 1863 
      Maj. G. D. Sherman presented each musician with a cap and is going to furnish Zouave uniforms for us as a present.

  Excerpt from Grandfather was a Drummer Boy, diary of Charles Stiles.

   Dec. 19, 1863

    I have not heard a gun yet.  Major Sherman says the rebs had only a brigade and a little cavalry out here.  Came here to thrash Longstreet but it turned out a Potomac scare (there are some eastern troops here).  He may turn on us yet but I don't think so.

  Excerpt from Grandfather was a Drummer Boy, diary of Charles Stiles.

   Dec. 21, 1863 - Strawberry Plain

      Our recruiting officers started for home today.  Major Sherman was one but he never came near the Co. nor offered to carry home anything for us.  Shirts, pants, blankets, and greatcoats are being issued.  We have a little corn meal for today and tomorrow's rations.

           Member in good standing of the Elgin Temperance Union in 1864.
   Mustered Out Dec. 12, 1864.

Known Actions;
Leetown, Ark.            March 7, '62
Pea Ridge, Ark.         March 8, '62
Perryville, Ky.            Oct. 8, 1862
Stones River, Tenn.     Dec. 31, 1862
Tullahoma, Tenn.       June 24, 1863
Chickamauga, Ga.      Sept. 20, 1863
Missionary Ridge, Ga.     Nov. 25, 1863
New Hope Church, Ga.   Nov. 27, 1863
Rocky Face Ridge, Ga.    May 7, 1864
Resaca, Ga.               May 13, 1864
Adairsville, Ga.         May 17, 1864
Kennesaw Mt., Ga. June 27, 1864
Peachtree Creek, Ga. July 20, 1864
Atlanta, Ga.              Aug. 13, 1864
Jonesboro, Ga.         Aug. 31, 1864

Post war;
   Joined Elgin GAR Veteran's Post #49 Nov. 20, 1883.
   Paymaster Major during the Spanish American War in Cuba.
   Indian agent in Colorado.
   D. C. Cook Publishing Co.
   Member of the Century Club.
   Member of the Weldwood Country Club.
   Member Elgin Lodge #117 of the Masons.  Per their records George was born at Nido Center, New York.
   Member of the Bethel Commandery No. 36.
   Member of the Shriner’s with the Medinah Temple.

   Obit; Oct. 3, 1923 issue of The Elgin Daily News.
   Major George D. Sherman died at Sherman hospital at 10 o'clock this morning.
   His death, attributed to old age, came following a two months illness.  For the last two weeks he had been confined at Sherman hospital, the institution founded in a building donated for hospital purposes by his father, the late Henry Sherman.
   "The Major," as he was affectionately known, was eighty-five years old.  Except for the years when he was absent because of the call to arms, he had always resided here.  His parents, who came west from Amenia, Dutchess county, New York, in the fall of 1838, being among the earliest residents of this vicinity.
   Major Sherman's fatal illness, his close friends explained, was the result of overwork on his farm west of Elgin during the summer months.  Failing to heed the advice of close associates he tolled for hours several days digging post holes and assisting painters.
   In his characteristic way, he remarked to friends, "The works got to be done and I must gbe there to help out."
   Since his removal to the hospital two weeks ago all Elgin has closely watched the outcome of Major Sherman's battle for his life.  Having heard the aged resident boast on several occasions that he had never been ill a day of his life, many held hopes for his recovery even after attending physicians had announced that he could not survive.
   A week ago, however, he lapsed into unconsciousness and his condition generally became worse.  Only once since that time did he regain cousciousness and then only long enough to recognize his son and daughter, summoned here from their homes near Philadelphia.
   A veteran of the Civil and Spanish-American wars, major Sherman was always in demand for addresses at memorial celebrations.  Hundreds of Elgin school children heard him annually when he was called upon with other G.A.R. members for memorial talks at the different schools.
   Enlisting with Company A, Thirty Sixth Illinois volunteers, on February 7, 1863, Major Sherman won the appointment as first sergeant of his company.  Promotions came rapidly, being named a first lieutenant, then captain and finally major of his regiment.
   His years of service were filled with glory for himself and his country.  Old-time wor records contain the following:
   "At the battle of Mission Ridge, Nov. 25, 1863, major Sherman was in command of a skirmish line and was awaiting orders for the advance.  As soon as received the Major called out 'Come on, boys'.  His boys were among the first at the top, near Bragg's headquarters.  Major Sherman was in command of the military prison at Nashville, and resigned Dec. 12, 1864."
   "The Rebellion Records" contain the following:
   "Nov. 28, 1863, Battle of Chattanooga, gallant conduct of Major Sherman; bravery in exposing his life whenever needed Lieut. Col. Portor Olson."
   The Records also show that major Sherman was mentioned in the list of most distinguished officers, being praised by General Phillip Sheridan, to whose army he was attached.
   During the Spanish-American war, Mr. Sherman served as a paymaster with the rank of major, being stations in Cuba.  He had the distinction of paying off the late Theodore Roosevelt on the boat returning from Havana.
   Within the last five years major Sherman had received his clearance from Washington.  They reveled that his accounts as paymaster balanced to the penny.
   Following his discharge from service on Dec. 12, 1864, Major Sherman returned to Elgin.  For a time he was employed at the offices of the D.C. Cook publishing company.  For several years he was also Indian agent in Colorado.  He also held an army appointment from General Sheridan, having offices in Chicago.
   Major Sherman was one of the organizers of the Century club, having served as the club's secretary for 25 years.  He was a member of the Weldwood Country club, having served as its president for one year.
   Fraternally he was a member of Elgin lodge No. 117, A.F. and A.M., having served seven years as lodge master.  He was for five years commander of Bethel commandery No. 36.  He was also a Shriner, being a member of Medinah temple.
   He also was a member of Veteran post No. 49, G.A.R., having served the post as commander for several terms.
   A natural leader and royal entertainer, major Sherman frequently was called to act as toastmaster at affairs given by the Century club and the Grand Army.  Members of the Century club often boasted that no banquet in the club rooms was complete without the major acting as toastmaster.
   One of the last affairs over which he presided was the banquet given at the fifty-sixth reunion of the Thirty Sixth Regiment at Aurora on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 1922.
   George D. Sherman was born at Milo Center, Yates county, New York, aug. 12, 1838.  Wh4en he was less than a year old he came west with his parents, who took up their residence on what was known for years as the Sherman farm, now the Britton form, west of Elgin.
   He is survived by a daughter, Dr. Jeanette Sherman, a son, Cyril H. Sherman, of Philadelphia, a niece, Mrs. Walter Jones of Portland, Ore., and a nephew, Robert Martin of Los Angeles.  Mrs. J.M. Hewitt of Elgin is a cousin.
   for a number of years, Major Sherman resided in the Sherman homestead, located in the block bounded by Villa, Prairie, chapel and Geneva streets.   Recently the property was sold and subdivided into lots.
   Sherman hospital, where the Major's death occurred this morning, had its beginning with the donation of a swelling to be used for hospital purposes by his father, the late Henry Sherman.  The hospital was later named one of the principal beneficiaries in Mr. Sherman's will.
   Major Sherman owned the interests in farms held by his father.  He was also interested in the Rialto theater and in other Elgin projects.
   Past masters of Elgin Lodge, No. 117, A.F. and A.M., will act as pallbearers at funeral services to be held from the Wait, Ross, Allanson funeral church at 1:30 o'clock Friday afternoon.  Members of Veteran post No. 49, G.A.R. will act as honorary pallbearers.
   The services to be in charge of Elgin Lodge, will be private.  Burial will be at Bluff City cemetery.

   Notice; Oct. 3, 1923 issue of The Elgin Daily News.
   Major George d. Sherman is dead.  main street will hardly be the same without his familiar face and figure, for "Maje", as he was affectionally called, enjoyed a wide circle of friends.  Gruff of manner and abrupt in speech, he was, withal, kindhearted and generous.  He gave freely to charity without ostentaion.  As an army officer, he made a fine record.  In days gone by, he was prominent in the social and club life of eh city.  but with advancing years and failing strength, he has of late, been less active.  His passing at the rip age of eighty-five leaves another break in the ranks of the old Guard so prominent in Elgin life for the last half century.

   Buried at Elgin City Cemetery.
   Re-interred at Bluff City Cemetery (Lot 9 Section 8) in Elgin, Ill. when the City Cemetery closed.

Photo by Diana Gough

Ken Gough in the uniform of the Washington Continental Artillery militia

Used with permission Dan Mallett

Many members of Post #49 sewed watch faces to their ribbons to show they were from Elgin.