Sheridan, Philip Henry (1831–1888)

Union general in the American Civil War. Recognizing Sheridan's aggressive spirit, General Ulysses S Grant gave him command of his cavalry 1864, and soon after of the Army of the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. Sheridan laid waste to the valley, cutting off grain supplies to the Confederate armies. In the final stage of the war, Sheridan forced General Robert E Lee to retreat to Appomattox Court House and surrender.

Born in Albany, New York, Sheridan graduated from West Point 1853. Following the war, Sheridan led troops at the Mexican border and hastened the collapse of the regime of Emperor Maximilian. Sheridan served as military governor of Texas and Louisiana during Reconstruction; his policies were so harsh that he was removed by President Andrew Johnson. He was general in chief of the US army 1883–88.