By 1812Blockhouse
1812Blockhouse shares posts in our “Richland Roots” series to reveal stories of the less-commonly known people born here, or who lived here, and then went on to make significant contributions to state, regional, or national history. Other posts in the series are available here.
Today we take a all-too-brief look at the life of the man who may well have been the best-known politician and public servant to come from Mansfield, John Sherman, an important figure in U.S. history, is renowned for his noteworthy tenure as a Senator from Ohio and his crucial roles as the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and Secretary of State.
For the inhabitants of Mansfield, however, Sherman is not just an influential figure in a history book. He is a cherished product of their city, an emblem of the profound influence that a person hailing from a midwestern town can exercise on the national landscape.
Sherman was born on May 10, 1823, in Lancaster, the younger sibling of the famed Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman. Following his father’s demise, Sherman was taken under the wing of a neighboring family in Mansfield. This city became Sherman’s adopted home, a place where he honed his intellectual prowess and nurtured his political curiosity.
Sherman’s public service journey took root in Mansfield, where he joined the bar in 1844 and set up his law practice. His reputation as a proficient attorney and a man of integrity quickly permeated the city. Sherman’s national political career was launched in 1855 when he was elected to the United States House of Representatives.
Sherman’s political voyage continued with his election to the U.S. Senate in 1861, where he served for over three decades, interrupted only by a four year stint as Secretary of the Treasury under fellow Ohio President Rutherford B. Hayes. Throughout his tenure, he advocated for financial reform and took steps to fortify the nation’s economy in the Civil War’s aftermath. His financial expertise was so profound that his contemporaries often dubbed him “Ohio’s economic czar.”
As a senator, he was instrumental in devising the legislation that would evolve into the Sherman Antitrust Act, a seminal law aimed at restraining monopolies and fostering economic competition. This effort underlined his dedication to justice and honesty, virtues he had nurtured during his formative years in Mansfield.
Sherman’s political trajectory culminated in 1897 with his appointment as U.S. Secretary of State under President William McKinley, another native of Ohio. His time in this role was characterized by a robust emphasis on preserving peace and amplifying American influence globally. However, deteriorating health prompted his resignation in 1898, capping off a career hallmarked by dedication, integrity, and a deep commitment to the American populace.
Even post-retirement, Sherman’s ties to Mansfield endured. He frequently revisited the city, where he was consistently greeted as a cherished local. Mansfield’s inhabitants took immense pride in his achievements, seeing them as evidence of what members of their community could aspire to. On his death in 1900 in Washington, D.C., his body was returned here for burial in Mansfield Cemetery.
Sherman’s life and career continue to resonate locally. His devotion to public service, his steadfast commitment to justice, and his unwavering honesty are principles that are integral to the city’s character. Over the years, educational institutions, libraries, and public structures have borne his name, ensuring that his legacy continues to spark inspiration in the generations to come.
As we reflect on Sherman’s remarkable life, we gain a renewed appreciation for the profound effect that a single person can exert, both within their home community and on a national scale. We can also take pride in the fact that he was one of us, a north central Ohioan whose legacy continues to make a difference in American life.
