American Civil War Monuments
Calvary Cemetery 
5239 W. Florissant Ave.
St. Louis, Missouri

William "Willie" T. Sherman

Photo and text courtesy of LCWRT Member Charlie Moore

William T. Sherman was the third of  General Sherman’s eight children and the first male. General Sherman had no qualms about letting it be known that “Willie” was his favorite child.  Sherman’s wife Ellen, at times had to reprove her husband for his favoritism even shown in the presence of their other children.  After the siege of Vicksburg came to a successful end, Sherman started making plans for his wife and children to come stay with him at Vicksburg.  They arrived in early September. Willie became a favorite of the 13th United States Regulars and was soon wearing a complete uniform and became known to the 13th’s men as “ Our Little Sergeant”.  In late September Ellen and a daughter became ill and it was decided that the family would embark for Memphis for better health care.  By the time they arrived, Willie was also ill.  He had contacted typhoid fever and died in a matter of days.  Ellen and her daughter both recovered. The General never forgave himself for having the family come live with him in such a climate as southern Mississippi.  Willie was originally buried in Lancaster, Ohio and was later moved to St. Louis where he lies along with his mother, father and two other siblings.  His grave stone was paid for and erected by members of the 13th US Regulars.