Joshua W. Sill

Brigadier general during the American Civil War

What is Joshua W. Sill known for?

Joshua Woodrow Sill, born on December 6, 1831 in Chillicothe, Ohio, was a career officer in the United States Army and a brigadier general during the American Civil War. Known for his educational prowess, Sill's early education was primarily provided by his father, a lawyer. He further enhanced his academic credentials at the United States Military Academy, where he excelled as a student, graduating third in his class of 52 cadets.

Sill started his military career as a brevet second lieutenant in Ordnance at the Watervliet Arsenal in Troy, New York. His excellence in service saw him becoming an instructor at West Point in 1855, followed by a role as an ordnance officer at the Pittsburgh Arsenal. In addition to his military service, Sill also contributed to academia as a mathematics and civil engineering teacher at the Brooklyn Collegiate and Polytechnic Institute.

During the American Civil War, Sill was commissioned colonel of the 33rd Ohio Infantry. He played pivotal roles in the Eastern Kentucky expedition, the Battle of Stones River, and commanded a brigade in Major General Philip Sheridan's division of the Army of the Cumberland. The Battle of Stones River, recognized for having the highest percentage of casualties on both sides, claimed Sill's life on December 31, 1862. In an uncanny twist of fate, Sill was wearing General Sheridan's coat, swapped accidentally, when he was killed.

Sill's contributions and sacrifices did not go unnoticed as Fort Sill, Oklahoma, was named in his honor after his death. He remains well-respected and admired by his inferiors and superiors alike, making him a notable alumni of Chillicothe High School, Ohio.

Learn more about Joshua W. Sill's life and contributions on his Wikipedia page. Visit Chillicothe, Ohio, where he was born and raised, through this Google Maps link.