Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman and his wife, Ellen Boyle Ewing  had several children including their oldest, Maria who was known as Minnie.  Her marriage to Naval Lieutenant Thomas William Fitch was a Washington social event attended by President and Mrs. Grant. It was covered by newspapers across the country. The bride and groom wed at 9:30 am at St. Aloysius Catholic Church. Wax lights and gas jets illuminated the interior of the church. Minnie wore a heavy white silk dress with a long train decorated with satin ribbons and orange blossoms. According to the finding aid for family papers at Villanova, Minnie received a four strand diamond necklace and matching earrings.

Following the ceremony, guests were entertained at a reception at General Sherman’s home.

The couple had seven children but only four lived to be adults. Minnie died in 1913.

Source: “A Brilliant Affair–The Crowds, The Flowers, The Dresses, Etc.,” St. Alban’s Messenger (Vermont), October 9, 1872,2. Image:Library of Congress, Rare Book and Special Collections Division

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