Sherman Stanley

Sherman Stanley (Jan. 25, 1893 – Oct. 1, 1918) was a Pine Hill man killed in France during World War I.

See Also: Scott Countians killed in war

Biography

Born Jan. 25, 1893), Sherman Stanley was the son of David S. Stanley (1855-1934) and Milley Sharp (1857-1903) of the Pine Hill community east of Oneida. He was one of several children. His siblings included Dora Jeffers (1887-1907) and Mary “Mollie” Chitwood (1895-1992). Dora died in childbirth in Whitley County, Ky. in 1907. There were other siblings, as well.

Sherman’s paternal grandparents were Sartin Stanley and Rosie Hicks. His mother, Milley, died in 1903 and is buried in the same cemetery as Dora and her newborn son, who she named Sherman, in 1907.

World War I

Sgt. Stanley enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 30, 1916 and was assigned to Co. D, 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Division. His hometown was listed as Winfield. Co. D of the 117th Infantry was Co. D of the 3rd Infantry of the Tennessee National Guard.

Little information is available about Sgt. Stanley’s service. However, he died on Oct. 1, 1918 from wounds received in battle. He was likely on the Mexican border for a period of time in 1916 to defend U.S. border towns during the Mexican Revolution. Later, the 117th Infantry was called into WWI in May 1918. The 117th Infantry was at the Meuse-Argonne offensive beginning Sept. 29, 1918 as Allied forces penetrated the German Hindenburg Line and brought about an end to the war.

October 1918 at the Argonne Forest was a deadly month for Scott Countians. In addition to Sgt. Stanley, William Brown of Smokey Creek was killed on Oct. 5. Hugh Lewallen of Glenmary was killed on Oct. 6. Clovis Jeffers of Winona was killed on Oct. 9. William Blevins of Helenwood was killed on Oct. 15. Lonus Reed died on Dec. 8, 1918 from wounds he suffered during the battle.

Aftermath

The U.S. Army informed Sgt. Stanley’s sister, Nellie Stanley, of New River, of his death. He was buried at Pine Hill Cemetery, where his father is also buried.