Sheridan: A Life of Military Service and Political Conflict
The life of Sheridan reflects the turbulent transition of the United States from the devastation of the Civil War to the complex era of Reconstruction. From his early years in Massachusetts to his political battles in Louisiana and administrative roles in Washington D.C., Sheridan's journey is a testament to the shifting social and political landscapes of the 19th century.
Early Life and Military Service
Born in Millbury, Massachusetts, Sheridan relocated with his parents to Chicago in 1858. As the nation fractured, he answered the call to duty during the American Civil War, serving as a captain in the Union Army. His military tenure concluded with his resignation on October 28, 1864.
The Reconstruction Era in Louisiana
Following the war, Sheridan became part of a group of Northern officials who moved to the defeated Southern states to assist in administration. These individuals were often referred to by Southerners as carpetbaggers, a derisive term for Northerners who moved South during Reconstruction to seek economic or political gain.
In 1866, Sheridan settled in New Orleans, Louisiana. He served as a brigadier general of the militia under the staff of Republican Governor Henry Clay Warmoth. His administrative influence expanded in 1867 when he was appointed sheriff of Carroll Parish in northeastern Louisiana, a region that was subsequently divided into East Carroll and West Carroll parishes.
Political Struggles and the House of Representatives
Sheridan entered the political arena in 1872, running for the House of Representatives as a Liberal Republican. His opponent was P. B. S. Pinchback, the Lieutenant Governor who would eventually become the first Black governor of a U.S. state following the impeachment of Henry C. Warmoth.
The election results were heavily contested. While Pinchback held the credentials to be seated in the House, he declined to do so because he had also won a seat in the Senate (though he was never permitted to take that seat). Sheridan contested the election for years, and the dispute was not resolved until March 3, 1875—the final day of the Congressional session. In a brief and unusual tenure, Sheridan was sworn in that morning and served until noon the following day.
Later Career and Final Years
After his time in Congress, Sheridan was appointed as the Recorder of Deeds in the District of Columbia by President Rutherford Hayes. He held this position from May 17, 1878, until May 17, 1881. His tenure ended when President James Garfield dismissed him to appoint the renowned abolitionist Frederick Douglass to the role.
Sheridan's personal life included his daughter, Emma Sheridan, who pursued a career as an actress. He passed away at the age of fifty-six at the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in Hampton, Virginia, and was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
Key Facts
- Military Rank: Captain in the Union Army.
- Political Affiliation: Liberal Republican.
- Louisiana Roles: Brigadier General of the militia and Sheriff of Carroll Parish.
- Congressional Tenure: Sworn in on March 3, 1875, and served until March 4, 1875.
- Federal Appointment: Recorder of Deeds in the District of Columbia (1878–1881).
- Final Resting Place: Arlington National Cemetery.
| Period/Year | Role/Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Civil War | Captain, Union Army | United States |
| 1866 | Brigadier General of the Militia | New Orleans, LA |
| 1867 | Sheriff of Carroll Parish | Northeastern Louisiana |
| 1875 | Member of the House of Representatives | Washington D.C. |
| 1878–1881 | Recorder of Deeds | District of Columbia |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Sheridan referred to as a carpetbagger?
He was called a carpetbagger because he was one of the Northern officials who moved to the Southern states after the Civil War to participate in the administration of the defeated regions.
How long did Sheridan serve in the House of Representatives?
Sheridan's service was extremely brief; he was sworn in on the morning of March 3, 1875, and served until noon on March 4, 1875.
Who replaced Sheridan as the Recorder of Deeds?
President James Garfield fired Sheridan in 1881 to provide the position to Frederick Douglass.
Who was Sheridan's political opponent in the 1872 election?
His opponent was P. B. S. Pinchback, who later became the first Black governor of a U.S. state.
Where is Sheridan buried?
Sheridan is interred at Arlington National Cemetery.