The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1886-09-02
sHERMAN's JESUIT SON.
The Generals Sorrow on Account OF His Sons
Course.
Ichfcago Tribune, Aug. q.

Course.
[Chicdgo Tribune Aug. al
The Rev. Thomas Ewing Sherman, Of the
Society of Jesus, who has just been appointed
Professor of Rhetoric in the Jesuit College at
Detroit, is spending August at Georgetown
University, in West Washington. His life
reads like romance. 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 before him. His
uncle, the Senator, was to initiate him into
politics, and soon, il was expected by his fond
father, the boy would be adding luster TO the
Sherman name. He had graduated from the
classical department of Georgetown College
with the highest honors He was handsome.
manly, full of animal life and apparently de-
voted TO social pleasures. There was even talk
OF his intended marriage 10 young lady of
Cincinnati At this juncture. however, when
his parents and friends expected him to settle
down and carve out brilliant future, all tho
Washington world was shocked by the an
nouncement that young Thomas had made up
his mind To forsake the world, don the Jesuit
cassock, and take the vows of poverty, chastity
and obedience. At first the report WAS ridi-
culcd, as young Sherman had never shown any
marked religious tendencies, but, on the con-
trary, had exhibited that spirit of religious in
difference that characterizes the young men OF
the day. All AT once Sherman disappeared from
the drawing rooms of the elite, and inquiries
for him elected the fact that he had gone TO the
Jesuit novitiate 10 make preparations for en-
tering the priesthood. 1t is said that religious
retreat 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 af-
fection for his teachers, though while under
them there had been no mention of his enter
ing the ministry. This retreat, which he took
part in with unexpected zeal, was followed by
the announcement that he was about to join the
Jesuit order.
Ii may be imagined that the announcement
was a shock 20 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 afterward. He tried
10 diSsuade his son from the step contemplated
by every means he knew of, but il was all in
vain. Whether the father and son parted in
anger or not is not known. At any rate they
have had no communication with each other
since, and Gen. Sherman, il is said, will allow
no one 10 mention his sons name in his pres
ence Mrs Sherman visits Thomas quite often,
however. She was bitterly disappointed that
her son should give up his brilliant future, but
she is a devout Catholic, and, like all Catholic
mothers, is proud Of her sons ecclesiastical
character. While Thomas was at the Frederick
novitiate she went up there weekly. Afterward
he was transferred TO Woodstock, Nd, which is
also within easy reach of Washington. When,
however, his superiors told him he must go TO
England to complete his studies. and as this
arrangement was evidently made for the pur-
pose OF getting the young man as far as possible
from his parents Mrs Sherman appealed 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
a priest, and nothing could shake his determi-
nation. 1t is said that the parents then pro-
posed 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 10 the honors of the prelacy
while Jesuits and other members of the Order
must pass their lives in comparative obscurity,
teaching at colleges or giving missions. Young
Sherman would listen TO no compromise, and
even appealed TO his superiors 10 send him 10
England at once so that he might not be tempt
ed to yield 10 the entreaties Of his parents, whom
he loved dearly. So TO England he went, and
for four years studied hard at the Jesuit Col
lege at StOnyhurst, graduating in philosophy.
Then he returned TO the United States to pnr-
sue his theological studies at the Jesuit Semi
nary at Woodstock, Md. Now, in accordance
with the Jesuit rule. he must teach a certain
TINE 10 prepare himself Tor the lie that IS De-
fore him. As he distinguished himself for liter
AIRY talent while at college, he Is given the
Professorship of Rhetoric. After two years in
Detroit he will probably come to the Jesuit
College here TO finish his studies and be or
dained. His temperance on the field where
he was known as dashing young society man
will cause much interest especially if he ap.
pears in the pulpit before those with whom he
formerly associated. lie is living very quietly
now at Georgetown College, not having been
seen in social circles once since he came 10 the
Il