Ohio Supreme Court...
Supreme Court Connection to Civil War Concerns Famous General
Aug. 5, 2011 

As the nation observes the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, the Supreme Court of Ohio has a connection to a significant player in the “War Between the States.” 

History books record the leadership of Lancaster native Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman, who’s probably best remembered for the March to the Sea conducted in November and December 1864. What those history books don’t divulge is that Gen. Sherman’s father served on the Supreme Court. 

Charles Robert Sherman served his only term as the 15th Supreme Court Justice from Jan. 28, 1823, until his death on June 24, 1829. 

Born on Sept. 26, 1788, in Norwalk, Conn., Sherman arrived in Ohio in 1810 and established his law practice in Lancaster. However, the War of 1812 intervened, and the senior Sherman served as a major in the Third Division of the Second Brigade of the Ohio Militia. 

At that time in the Court’s history, Justices traveled throughout their districts holding court. His son recalled how excited the children were when their father came home. 

William wrote: “I can remember well his coming home as usual on horseback, when all the boys would run to meet him. Whoever got to him first had the privilege to ride his horse back to the stable on the rear of the lot.” 

Before his time on the Court, Justice Sherman served as collector of Internal Revenue for the Third District of Ohio and as a trustee of Ohio University. He also started a private elementary school in 1820 in Lancaster. 

For more biographical information on Justice Sherman, please visit this link… click here