Emma Sherman related to General William Tecumseh Sherman?

Question

Emma Sherman is my great-great-great-grandmother.

My grandpa said that she is related to General Sherman. Does anybody know how they're related (so I can find out how I'm related to General Sherman)?

Thanks in advance and have a great day!

Answer 1

I can't find any record of Havana NY and I can't find anyone named Emma Sherman born on that day anywhere in NYS. What I did find is an Emma Shearman born on that day in Allegan Co. Michigan to William P Shearman and Dorcus Coventry. But it doesn't sound like she's yours.

If you know what county Havana was in, maybe we can help you better. Even MapQuest doesn't recognize it. It might also help if you give her husband's name. Then we have a way of cross-checking her.

Answer 2

William Tecumseh Sherman was born in Lancaster, Ohio, February 8, 1820.  The family was of New England origin, and had come to America from England in the seventeenth century.  In 1829 his father died and William T. Sherman was adopted into the family of Thomas Ewing.  (In a quick search I could not find the name of his father.)

     As for Emma Sherman, b. 1846, in Havana, NY, the town of Montour Falls in Schuyler Co. was supposedly called Havana at one time.  Schuyler Co. had not been formed by the time the 1850 census was taken and the area was part of Tioga Co.  Tioga Co. in 1850 had one Emma Sherman, but she was b. in Rhode Island about 1797.  It is possible that she could have been a grandmother to your Emma though that is just a guess.  But if she was, the New England ties were there.

There was, however a 9 year old girl named Emiline Sherman, daughter of Albert Sherman and his wife Abby who were both b. in NY.  This girl was born about 1841 although birthdates and ages from that era are often incorrect.

Sorry I couldn't help more.

Answer 3

Any idea when and where she was born?  Makes a big difference as there were probably several Emma Shermans (or Shearmans- another spelling) over the centuries.  Also, was Sherman her maiden name or married name?

Sherman himself lived most of his life in Fairfield, Ohio (when he wasn't on campaign).  He was one of a dozen children (none named Emma, though there was an Amelia), but he was raised separately by foster parents after his father died (and married their daughter).