Born in Albany, New York. (Date and place of birth uncertain) Graduate of West Point in 1853; 34th in a class of 49. Married Irene Rucker June 3, 1875. They had three daughters and a son.

In the spring of 1861 he was appointed captain of the 13th Infantry. He was promoted to brigadier general for the victory at Boonville, Missouri. Promoted to major general of volunteers December 31, 1862. He fought at the Battle of Chickamagua, the Battle of The Wilderness, Todd's Tavern, Spotsylvania and Cold Harbor. In August 1864 he was placed in command of the Army of the Shenandoah. Promoted to major general of the regular army November 8, 1864. In the final days of the war Grant pushed Lee back to Appomatox Court House. Sheridan's forces were positioned to block any retreat of Lee.

In January 1869 he stated, "The only good Indians I ever saw were dead," or words to that effect.

On March 4, 1869, President Grant appointed him lieutenant general to command the division of the Missouri. In 1884 he succeeded General Sherman as commander-in-chief of the Army. He died in Nonquitt, Massachusetts.

Sheridan appears on paper money:

$5 Silver Certificate, series of 1896, reverse

$10 Treasury Notes, series of 1890 and 1891

bio: ApCAB; DAB; Drake; EAB; Limpert; NCAB 4; TCBDA; WAB; WWWA-H