Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-09-29
Gen. Sherman's Jesuit Son.
THE GENERALS SORROW ON ACCOUNT OF
HIS Sons COURSE.

heV. lnOmaS Ewing sherman OF the
Society of Jesus, who has just been ap-
pointed professor OF rhetoric in the Jesuit
college at Detroit, is spending August at
Georgetown. His life reads like ro-
nance. A few years ago he was one of
the most dashing and popular young men
in Washington society. His father was
general of the armies of the United States,
and almost dotted on the promising young
man. A bright worldly future was be-
fore him. His uncle, the senator, was to
initiate him into politics, and soon, it was
expected by his fond father, the boy
would be adding lustre to the Sherman
name. He had graduated from the class
ical department of Georgetown college
with the highest honors. He was hand
some, manly, full of animal life, and APP
parently devoted to social pleasures
There was even talk of his intended mar
riage to young lady of Cincinnati. At
this iuncture, however, when his parents
and friends expected him to settle down
and carve out a brilliant future, all the
Washington world was shocked by the
announcement that young Thomas had
made up his mind to forsake the world
and don the Jesuit cassock, and take the
vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
AT first the report was ridiculed, as young
Sherman had never shown any marked
religious tendencies. but on the contrary
had exhibited that spirit of religious in
difference that characterizes the young
men OF the day. Still the report proved
true. All at once Sherman dsap-
peared from tho drawing rooms of
the elite, and inquiries for him elected the
fact that he had gone to the Jesuit novi-
tite to make preparations for entering the
priesthood. 1t is said that a religious re-
treat at Georgetown college had much to
do with his change of life. The college
is under the charge of the Jesuits, and
Sherman. who had been educated there,
naturally had an affection for his teachers,
though while under them there had been
no mention of his entering the ministry.
This retreat, which he took part in with
unexpected zeal, was followed by the an
nouncement that he was about to Join the
Jesuit Order
1t may be imagined that the announce
ment was shock to his fond father How
great the shock was only the Sherman
family circle knows, but certain it is that
the old general was never quite the same
atterward. He tried to dsisuade his son
from the step contemplated by every
means he knew of, but it was all in vain.
Whether the father and son parted in an
ger or not is not known. AT any rate.
they have had no communication with
each other since, and Gen. Sherman, it IS
said, will allow no one to mention his
sons name in his presence Mrs. Sher-
man visits Thomas quite often, however.
She was bitterly disappointed that her son
should give up his brilliant future. but she
is devout Catholic. and like all Catholic
mothers. is proud of her sons ecclesasti-
cal character
While Thomas was at the Frederick
novitiate she went up there weekly. At
terward he was transferred to Woodstock.
Md. which is also within easy reach of
Washington. When, however, his supe-
riors told him he must 90 to England to
complete his studies, and as this arrange
ment was evidently made for the purpose
of getting the young man as far as posi-
BILE from his parents, Mrs. Sherman ap-
pealed to her son to come home and carry
out his fathers wishes. The General
joined in the entreaty, but Thomas had
made up his mind to become priest, and
nothing could shake his determination. 1t
is said that the parents then proposed a
compromise. They proposed that he
should give up the Jesuit cassock and
study for the secular priesthood, since
secular priests have the opportunity to
display their abilities, and are advanced
to the honors of the prelacy, while Jesuits
must pass their lives in comparative OBJ
security, teaching at colleges or giving
missions. Young Sherman would listen
to no compromise, and even appealed to
his superiors to send him to England at
once, so that he might not be tempted to
yield to the entreaties of his parents, whom
he loved dearly. So to England he went,
and for four years studied hard at the Je-
suit college at Stonyhurst, graduating in
philosophy. Then he returned to the
United States to pursue his theological
studies at the Jesuit seminary at Wood
stock, Md. Now, in accordance with the
Jesuit rule, he must teach certain time
to prepare himself for the life that is be-
fore him. As he distinguished himself tor
literary talent while at college he is given
the professorship of rhetoric. After two
years liz Detr Dit he will probably come to
the Jesuit college here to finish bis studies
and be Observation-Disclosures Cor. Of the
Chicago Trst1se.