Father James Sheeran: Immigrant Priest and Confederate

April 04, 2011 by Pat McNamara

Continued from Page 1

That fall, in the Shenandoah, he wanted to reach his wounded within enemy lines. He secured a pass from one Union general, but another arrested him. For months he lingered in prison. It seems that another Southern priest had entered Union lines and, disguised as a Union chaplain, fled south with army supplies. General Philip Sheridan, the Union commander, was furious, and took his anger out on the nearest priest available.

Released in December, Sheeran made his way south. Instead of "magnificent mansions," he found "charred remains." In 1871, he left the Redemptorists for Assumption Church in Morristown, New Jersey. His parishioners included Joseph Revere, grandson of Paul, and a Union general. After his death in 1881, he was remembered in the parish history as "a born leader of men," but

He certainly was no respecter of men. No obstacle, however great, could turn him aside from his purpose. Fear was an unknown element in his nature.

This month marks the 150th anniversary of the Civil War's start, an opportunity to reflect on this defining event. It's also a chance to commemorate forgotten heroes like the man described as a "sometimes cantankerous clergyman who always gave all for his boys."

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About Pat McNamara

Dr. Pat McNamara is a published historian. He blogs about American Catholic History at McNamara's Blog.

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