The ancestry of John Taylor Sherman and his descendants

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THE ANCESTRY

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John Taylor Sherman

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HIS DESCENDANTS

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THE SHERMAN FAMILY

THE SHERMAN FAMILY

'T'HE SHERMAN FAMILY originated in England.
As long ago as the XIIP*^ Century the parish and
court records in many of the counties contain references
to persons bearing this name, and it seems reasonable to
believe that by continued research the ancestral line
eventually may be traced for several generations back
of Thomas Sherman, of Diss, the first in this pedigree.

The surname, spelled variously, Shearman, Sherman,
Sharman, obviously was derived from an occupation des-
ignated as shearmancraft, a shearman being one who
sheared cloth. It may be a coincidence only, but it is a fact
that a number of the Dedham Shermans, from whom the
American families were extracted, were clothiers. One of
these in his will leaves his shearman's craft to a son.

All of the known English ancestors lived within a radius
of twenty miles, in the four neighboring villages of Diss,
Yaxley, Colchester and Dedham. Diss, on the river Wave-
ney, in the extreme southern part of Norfolk, was the home
of Thomas(i) Sherman; Yaxley, in Suffolk, about four
miles south of Diss, was the home of John(ii) and his son
Thomas(iii); Colchester, on the river Colne, in the north-
eastern part of Essex and about thirty-five miles south of
Diss, was for a time the home of Henry(iv) who lived
also in Dedham, on the river Stour, in the northern
part of Essex. From Henry(iv) were descended most
of the Shermans who came to America between 1630 and
1640.

In England the Shermans belonged to the plain people.
They were substantial and God-fearing men engaged in the

5

6 The Sherman Family

trades and the professions, but none was of rank or title.
Several of those who are mentioned in this pedigree were
styled Gentlemen and occasionally a testator so styled him-
self,— Gentlefnan signifying one who bore a coat-of arms
and was known to be descended from ancient families which
always had been armigerous.

The coat-of-arms of the Shermans of Yaxley and Ded-
ham appears on the tombstone of one of those buried in
the Dedham churchyard. An illustration of it, accompanied
by a brief description, was given in John Gwillim's "A Dis-
play of Heraldrie," published as long ago as 1660. A more
detailed description is as follows : Arms, or, a lion rampant,
sable, between three oak leaves, vert. Crest: a sea-lion
sejant, sable (sometimes or).

When "God sifted a whole nation that He might send
choice grain over into the wilderness," a dozen or more men
and women, descendants of Henry(iv) Sherman, of Ded-
ham, came to New England. Among these were:

1. EDMUND SHERMAN (i 572-1641), from Ded-
ham. Came probably with one of his sons about 1634-35.
He died in New Haven, Ct. He was the father of Edmund,
Rev. John and Hon. Samuel.

2. EDMUND SHERMAN (i 599-1673), from Ded-
ham. Came about 1634-35; settled in Watertown, Mass.,
where he was admitted freeman. May 25, 1636. He re-
turned to England and died there.

3. REV. JOHN SHERMAN (1613-1685), from Ded-
ham. Came in the ship Elizabeth "from Ipswich the last
of April, 1634, bound for New England: Capt. Willi a
Andrews." \\\ the list of passengers he is "John Sherman,
aged 20 yeeres." After a brief stay in Watertown, Mass.,
he went as pastor to Milford, Ct., where he remained until
1647, when he returned to Watertown.

The Sherman Family 7

4. CAPT. JOHN SHERMAN (1612-1690-91), from
Dedham. Came about 1636; settled in Watertown, Mass.,
where he was admitted freeman, May 17, 1637. One line
of his descendants is given in this volume.

5. HON. PHILIP SHERMAN (1610-1687), from
Dedham. Came in 1632-33; settled first in Roxbury, Mass.,
where he was admitted freeman, May 14, 1634; removed
about 1637-38 to Portsmouth, R. I., and became one of the
founders of the colony. He was a first cousin of Capt. John.

6. RICHARD SHERMAN (1577-1660), from Ded-
ham. Came about 1634; settled in Boston, where he
was a merchant. He was an uncle of Rev. John and
Hon. Samuel.

7. SAMUEL SHERMAN (1601-1643), from Ded-
ham. Came about 1636; settled in Boston, where he
was admitted freeman, May 13, 1640. He was a brother
of Hon. Philip.

8. HON. SAMUEL SHERMAN (1618-1700), from
Dedham. Came about 1634-35; settled first in Wethersfield,
Ct., and later removed to Stratford. He was a brother of
Rev. John.

Another Sherman immigrant, whose descendants are
numerous to-day, was :

9. WILLIAM SHERMAN (died 1699 in Marshfield),
from Northampton. Came about 1632; settled first in
Plymouth, Mass., and finally in Marshfield. He is usually
called "William the Pilgrim." His ancestry has not been
discovered.

There were also other early Shermans: James (1643),
Edmund (1650) and William (1652), in Virginia; and
Thomas, who came in the Hopewell, 1634, "bound for

8 The Sherman Family

the Barbadoes." His age is given as 26. Still another
Thomas is that one mentioned in the Court Records of
Salem, Mass., 1642-1650. One of this name was in Con-
necticut soon after 1650, and is reported to have gone later
to Long Island. A William and a Thomas were in New
Jersey before 1700. None of these has been identified.

In America from the early colonial days down to the
present time the Sherman family has maintained an
honorable position, contributing its fair proportion of
distinguished men; statesmen and soldiers of national
reputation, governors of states, senators and congress-
men, state legislators, judges and lawyers, physicians and
surgeons, university professors, and authors, besides a
great number of successful manufacturers, merchants and
farmers. Its members are found in every state of the
Union; good citizens all, faithful to the church and state,
industrious and intelligent, with a reasonable pride in the
character of their ancestors and a wholesome ambition
for their descendants.

THE SHERMANS IN ENGLAND

NOTE

To Thomas Townsend Sherman, Esquire, the highest authority
on all matters pertaining to the English Shermans, grateful
acknowledgement is here made for his many courtesies and
contributions. By his extensive researches he has been able
to correct numerous errors in previously accepted records,
and greatly to amplify the history of the family in England
upon which he has been engaged for many years with a view
to its ultimate publication.

THE SHERMANS IN ENGLAND

I. THOMAS SHERMAN, of Diss, co. Norfolk; died,
1492-93, at Diss; married Agnes , who survived hirri.

Children :

i. John(ii), m. Agnes Fuller,
ii. Agnes, m. John Clerk.

His will dated, Nov. 4, 1492; proved, Apr. 4, 1493.

Desires to be buried in the churchyard of the
parish church of Diss. Bequeathes to the altar of
said church, d5. 6d.; to repairs of the church 6s. 8d.;
to the Guild of St. Nicholas, 2od. ; to the Guild of
Corpus Christi, I2d.; to the high altar of Yaxley,
2S.; to repairs of that church, 2od. ; to William
Twyenham, his serving man, 6s. 8d.; to each of
his godsons and goddaughters, 4d.; to the lane
called "Styvys Lane," 6s. 8d. ; to repairs of Roydon
church, 2 bushels of wheat and 4 bushels of malt;
to repairs of Stufton church, 2 bushels of wheat
and 4 bushels of malt ; and to repairs of Burston
church, the same.

Agnes, my wife, shall have my tenement
(except three houses, etc.) next the tenement of
Agnes Melton, with the croft lying between the
land of Thomas Cowper of the one part, and the
land in the tenure of Wm. Boby on the other part,
for the term of her widowhood ; also 8 cows.

John, my son, shall have my lands and tene-
ments in Diss and Yaxley to fulfil this my last will.

To the Four orders of Friars at Norwich, to
each of them, ^s. 4d.

Will have a suitable priest to celebrate for my
soul, and the souls of my parents and benefactors,
for the space of 4 years.

To Agnes, wife of John Clerk, a heifer of the
best ; to Thomas Clerk, my godson, a heifer and

11

12 The Shermans in England

a calf; to Elizabeth Clerk, a heifer; to each of the
sons of John Clerk, a calf; to each of the daugh-
ters of John Sherman, a calf; to Thomas Sher-
eve, my godson, a calf.

Said John Sherman and John Clerk, residuary
legatees and executors.

Not witnessed. Proved by John Sherman, with
power reserved for a commission to the other
executor.

(This will is in Latin.)

II. JOHN SHERMAN, son of Thomas and Agnes
( ) Sherman; died, 1504, at Yaxley, co. Suffolk; mar-
ried Agnes Fuller, daughter of Thomas. She survived
him and married, secondly, Robert Hendry.

Children, under sixteen years of age in 1504:

i. Thomas(iii), m. Jane Waller,
ii. Margery, m. Robert Lockwood, of Eye.

His will dated, Aug. 10, 1504; proved, Dec. 12, 1504.

To be buried in the parish yard of Yaxley.
Bequests to church of Yaxley; to the Guild of
St. Thomas, of Yaxley; and to the church of
Dysse.

To wife, Agnes, tenements and lands in Yax-
ley, called Hobbes, and tenements in Yaxley
"wherein I now dwell;" or else, tenement in Dysse,
except a close called Elmswell. If wife die before
son Thomas becomes twenty-two, lands to be let
until that time, and then Thomas to have them,
he paying to his sister Margery' when she becomes
twenty-two years of age, ten pounds.

If Margery decease before twenty-two, Thomas
to provide a priest a year "to sing for my soul
and my friends' souls," etc.

If Thomas decease before twenty-two. tene-
ments and lands to be sold, and Margery, if she
live, to have to her marriage twenty pounds.

The Shermans in England 13

If Thomas and Margery at the age of sixteen
years will not be content to be ruled by my execu-
tors, then Thomas is to have of them every year,
26s. 8d.. and Margery, yearly, ijs. 4d., until they
come to the age of twenty-two years.

The close called Elmswell, in Dysse, afore
excepted, to be sold.

To son Thomas, at twenty-two, four quarters
of barley and a cow.

To daughter Margery, at same age, eight comb
of barley and a cow.

To Robert, "my servant," eight bushels of
barley.

To each of my god-children, i2d.

Wife, Agnes, and Thomas Fuller, "my father-
in-law," to be executors.

III. THOMAS SHERMAN, Gent, son of John and
Agnes (Fuller) Sherman; born about 1490, at Yaxley, co.
Suffolk; died, 1551, at Yaxley; married Jane Waller,
daughter of John and Margaret (Thorolde) Waller of
Wortham, co. Suffolk. She survived him and married,
secondly, Gardiner, as whose widow she died, 1572-73.

Children :

i. Thomas(iv), buried, Sept. 17, 1585, Yaxley; m. (i)
Elizabeth Yaxley; m. (2) Barbara Wheatcroft.

ii. Richard, buried. Mar. 28, 1587, Diss; m. Margaret
(Lane?).

iii. John, buried Sept. 10, 1587, Ipswich; m. (i) Eliza-
beth ; m. (2) Marian Whiting; m. (3)

Margaret .

iv. Henry, m. (i) Agnes (Butter?); m. (2) Maryan
(Smyth) Willson; m. (3) Margery .

V. William, buried, June i, 1583, Ipswich; m. Faith
Lanye.

vi. Robert, (?); not named in wills.

14 The Shermans in England

vii. Anthony, buried, Sept. 7, 1582, Roydon; m. Mary
Guydat.

viii. Francis, buried, Oct. 3, 1605, Diss; m. Sybil Grey.

ix. Bartholomew, m. .

X. James, died, 1577, Yaxley; m. Margery, who sur-
vived him and married, secondly, Gyles Poolye,
"Vycare of Yaxleye."

The last four children were minors, under twenty-two
years of age, in 1551.

Thomas Sherman was an attorney at law with a large
practice in the Court of Common Pleas. He was lord of
several manors ; churchwarden of Yaxley, and Deputy Sher-
iff in 1540 and 1546. The court records show that he was
a great litigant himself and that Jane, his wife, when occa-
sion offered, was able to do her share of any fighting.

In Star Chamber Proceedings is a bill of complaint of
Sir John Wiseman, Knight, against Thomas Sherman of
Yaxley, stating that on 22 April, 22 Henry VHI (1530),
complainant sent two of his servants to distrain for unpaid
rent of an acre of land in Gors Close, co. Suffolk, part of
the manor of Swattyshall owned by complainant, which rent
Sherman had refused to pay for three years ; that said ser-
vants seized by way of distress a plow with four horses ; and
that as they were driving in the King's highway, Johanne
Sherman and Margery Hege, with staves in their hands,
and certain other riotous persons "made a sawte & fray upon
the said ij servants & put them in daunger of their lyvis
& grevously did bete William Erysshe & take away the said
distress from them." Afterwards, on 24 April, 23 Henry
VHI (1531) complainant's servants again distrained the
plow and horses "but as they came thetherward, mette with
them by the way, Johanne Sherman, the wyff of Thomas

The Shermans in England 15

Sherman, Thomas Dykon and Margery Hedge with Stavys
& Stonys in their lappys, as well as other servants of the
said Thomas Sherman, who with force & armis did fyght
with them & them did bett, wond & ill intret."

His will dated, Jan. 20, 1550-51; proved, Nov. 16, 1551.

Desires to be buried in the church of Yaxley,
and gives to the high altar of said church, js. 4d.

To the poor of Yaxley, 6s. 8d.; the poor of
Eye, los.; the poor of Thrandeston, Burgate, Diss
and Roydon, j.f. 4d.

To wife, Jane, houses and lands in Yaxley and
Eye; wheat and malt; and live stock; household
goods; silver, etc. If she remarry, then to son,
Thomas.

To son Thomas, silver; a gelding and four
horses.

To son Richard, "twenty markes over and
besides all such moneye as I have given hym or
lent hym, which is ^jo."

To son John, £40.

To son Henry, £40, "when he cometh out of
his prentyshode."
. To son William, £40^ same condition.

To son Anthony, i,^o, at twenty-two years.

To son Francis, lands in Dysse, "late bought
of John Waren;" also all lands in Breseworth, co.
Suffolk, at twenty-two years.

Profits on these lands to "fynde said Francis
to Scole and other lernyng" until twenty-two.

Overplus of the "profytts of said landes," etc.,
to find sons Bartholomew and James "to scole"
until their twenty-second year.

To son Francis, £5, at twenty-two

To son Bartholomew, £40. Same age.

To son James, £40. Same age.

To each godchild, I2d.

To "syster Lokwood an Annuitie" of 20s., and
to each of her children now married los.^ and to
each one unmarried, 20s.

To Robert Woodcroft, 40s., when twenty-two.

16 The Shermans in England

Robert Kene, of Thrandeston, gentleman, and
Thomas "my sonne" to be executors. Said Robert
to have 20s. for his labors.

Desires Sir Henry Bedyngfeld, Knight, to be
an overseer of his will, he to receive 40s.

Thomas Sherman.

Witnesses:

John Whethyxgham,

Edward Torold,

William Eglyn, Vicar of Yaxley.

The will of Jane Gardiner, widow of Thomas Sherman,

and later of Gardiner, dated, Jan. 10, 1572-73, and

proved, Mar. 11, 1572-73.

To be buried in the church of Yaxley by my
late husband Thomas Sherman.

To the poor of Yaxley, 20s.; the poor of Roy-
don js.: the poor of Stokeaishe, §s.

To son Anthony Sherman, £20 ; with bed and
bedsteads, and four kine.

To son Henry Sherman, £20. To son James
Sherman, £20, and the bed that I now lie upon.

To son Anthony, one silver salt parcel and six
silver spoons.

The £20 each, to Anthony, Henry and James
to be paid by eldest son Thomas Sherman, "par-
cell of five score pounds w'*' he oweth me."

To Wjlliam, Robert, Bettrice, Margaret and
Marie Sherman, sones and daughters of Anthony
Sherman, and unto Brigett and Marie Sherman,
daughters of James Sherman, sixty pounds, at
twenty years of age. To be paid by my executors
whereof Thomas Sherman my eldest son oweth
me forty pounds and Richard Sherman twenty
pounds and odde money. Silver spoons to chil-
dren of Anthony Sherman.

To sons, James and Anthony, "all pewter as
is in the counter at Roydon."

To Elizabeth Sherman, wife of son Thomas,
my velvet hood, etc.

The Shermans in England 17

To Sybil Sherman, wife of son Francis, a
a damask kirtle, velvet hat and a grograine kirtle
with a guard of velvet.

To Marie Sherman, wife ot son Anthony, a
worsted gown guarded with velvet, "said Anthony
paying unto James Sherman ijs. jd. in consider-
ation of the same."-

To Margery Sherman, wife of son James; to
the wife of Bartholomew Sherman and to Eliza-
beth Sherman, wife of son John, various articles
of clothing.

To Thomas Sherman, son of my eldest son
Thomas, and to Elizabeth Sherman, daughter of
my son Thomas, 20s. each at the age of twenty
years.

Eldest son Thomas and son Anthony to be
executors. If said Thomas refuse, then son
Francis Sherman in his place.

Jane -j- Gardiner.
her mark.

IV. HENRY SHERMAN, son of Thomas and Jane
(Waller) Sherman; born, about 1520, at Yaxley, co. Suffolk;
•died, 1590, at Dedham, co. Essex; married, first, Agnes
Butter, who was buried, Oct. 14, 1580, at Dedham: mar-
ried, secondly, June 5, 1581, at Dedham, Maryan (Smyth)
Willson, widow of Edmund Willson: and married, thirdly,
Margery , who survived him.

Children:

i. Henry(v), m. Susan Lawrence, June 14, 1568.

ii. Edmund, buried, Dec. 22, 1600, Dedham; m. (i)
Anne Pellate, Apr. 25, 1569; m. (2) Anne
Clere, Sept. 11, 1584.

iii. John, buried, Oct. 16, 1576. His will, 1576, names
brother Robert, and bros. -in-law, VVm. Pett-
fyeld and Nycollas Fynce.

18 The Shermans in England

iv. Judith, buried, Apr. 9, 1601, Dedham; m. William
Petfield, Oct. 27, 1566.

V. Alice, buried, Oct. 20, 1580, Dedham; m. Nicholas
Fynce.

vi, Thomas, m. .

vii. Robert, bapt., Feb. 6, 1560; died, 1601-02; m. (i)
Barbara Browne, Dec. 9, 1583; m. (2) Bridget
Jenney. He was a physician,

Henry Sherman was a well-to-do clothier in Col-
chester.

His will dated, Jan. 20, 1589-90; proved, July 25, 1590.

To be buried in the parish church of Dedham.

To Dr. Chapman, the preacher of Dedham,
six pounds.

To Mr. Parker, forty shillings.

To the poor of Dedham, twenty pounds, to be
a continual stock for the poor to the world's end,
and it shall be ordered at the discretion of the Gov-
ernors of the Free School of Dedham.

To Henry Shearman my son my shearman's
craft to him and his heirs forever, and all the
household (stuff) in his house.

To son Henry's children, that is to say, Henry,
Samuel, Daniel, John, Ezechiell, Phebe, Nathaniel
and Anne Shearman, to each of them five pounds
apiece, to the sons at two and twenty and the
daughters at one and twenty.

To son Edmonde Shearman, ten pounds.

To Edmonde Shearman, the son of my son
Edmonde, thirteen pounds, thirteen shillings and
four pence at two and twenty, and if he die before
then to be divided between Richard, Bezaliell and
Anne Shearman, the children of my son Edmonde.

To Richard, Bezaliell, Anne and Sarah Shear-
man, the children of my son Edmonde, forty
shillings apiece ; to sons at two and twenty and
to the daughters at one and twenty.

The Shermans in England 19

To my son-in-law Wm. Petfield twenty pounds
and to his three children, Richard, Susan and Eliz-
abeth Petfield, six pounds thirteen shillings four
pence (at ages as above).

Margerye my wife shall have all my broom
wood and logs which I have at my departure and
twenty shillings of money and that twelve pounds
due unto me from Fendring if my executors can
recover it of him. She shall have her dwelling for
two years in that part of the house wherein we do
now dwell, that is in the lower parlour and the two
chambers next Mr. Rudd's and part of the back-
house if my son Robert do enjoy the house. But
if it be redeemed and he do not enjoy it, then I
will that my son Robert shall pay unto Margery
my wife four pounds for two years' dwelling.

To my wife my tipped pot, term of her life,
and then to my daughter Judith.

To my son Robert three score pounds, the
which I give for the state of the house wherein I
now dwell, which was lately Richard King's, beer
brewer, of Colchester. Other real estate to Robert.

To Jane and Anne Shearman, daughters of
Robert, five pounds apiece, at one and twenty.

To Robert all of the household stuff which I
had before I married Margery my wife. To him
also my silver and gilt goblet, a sword and bill,
etc.

To my daughter Judith Petfield the chest and
linen upon the "soller."

To my son-in-law, Nicholas Fynce, forty shil-
lings. To my son Henry Shearman twelve silver
spoons. To Henry my son all my armour except
that which I gave to my son Robert. Other be-
quests to children.

To Christopher Stone a cloth doublet.

To each of my sons, Edmonde, Henry and
Robert, twenty shillings in gold, and to each of
their wives twenty shillings in gold, and to
daughter Judith the same.

Sons Henry and Edmonde to be executors.

Henry + Shearman.
his mark.

20 The Shermans in England

V. HENRY SHERMAN, son of Henry and Agnes
(Butter) Sherman; born, about 1545, at Dedham, co.
Essex; buried, Aug. 28, 1610, at Dedham; married, June
14, 1568, at Moze, co. Essex, Susan Lawrence, who sur-
vived him by only a few days, and was buried, Sept. 13,
1610, at Dedham.

Children : Dedham.

i. Phebe(vi), bapt., May i, 1570; m. Simon Fenn.

ii. Henry, bapt., Aug. 26, 1571; buried, Feb. 7, 1643;
m, Mary .

iii. Samuel, bapt, Jan. 11, 1573; died, 1615; m. Phi-
lippa (Ward?).

iv. Ann, bapt, Aug. 7, 1575; died, 1638; m. (i) An-
thony Whiting, Jan. 8, 1594-95; m. (2) Thomas
Wilson.

v. Daniel, born about 1577; died, 1634; m. (i>
Christian Chapman, Aug. 18, 1601 ; m. (2)
Sarah Mitchell, Apr. 23, 1622.

vi. Nathaniel, bapt., June 19, 1580; died, June 21,
1580.

vii. Nathaniel, bapt., July ii, 1582; died, 1615; m. (i)
Phebe ; m. (2) Priscilla Anger.

viii. John, bapt., Aug. 17, 1585; buried, Jan. 24, 1615-
16; m. Grace .

ix. Ezekiel, bapt., July 25, 1587; buried, Jan. 21,
1653-54; m. (i) Rachel Alefounder; m. (2)
Anne .

X. Edmund, born about 1590; m. Judith Anger,
May 15, 1611.

xi. Mary, bapt., July 27, 1592; not named in wills.

The Shermans in England 21

Henry Sherman, Jr., was a wealthy clothier in Ded-
ham. His will dated, Aug. 21, 1610; proved, Sept. 8, 1610.

To wife Susan the house wherein I now dwell,
and the lands, with the "Oadhouse," etc., belong-
ing, holden of the manor of Dedham Hall, by esti-
mation twenty acres, which I had of the surrender
of my father. The above to her for life, and then
to my son Henry. Other bequests to wife and son
Henry, including a bed and bedstead in the parlour,
a cubbord in the parlour and two chests in the
same place, the one a Danske chest and the other a
joined chest.

To son Nathaniel Shearman the house wherein
William King now dwelleth, with lands belonging,
called Scotts, by estimation five acres, he to pay
to my son Daniel Shearman ten pounds in two
years. To son Nathaniel also my broad loom now
in occupation of John Orris of Lawford, with the
furniture belonging.

To John and Ezechiell Shearman my sons all
those lands which were late Doctor Shearman's
called Heckell and Golding acre, to be equally di-
vided betwixt them. Other lands to these two
(severally).

Toson Edmund, Garlick field and Ardley lands
and Boremans acre. Reference to cousin Edmund
Galloway.

To Henry Fenn, son of Simon Fenn, five
pounds.

To Mr. Rogers, preacher of Dedham, eight
pounds. To poor of Dedham, 40s.

To Phebe Fenn my daughter. (Mentions son-
in-law Symon Fenn, deceased.)

To my daughters-in-law, each of them los.

To Anne Petfield, daughter of William Pet-
field, 40s.

To Anne Shearman, my brother Dr. Shear-
man's daughter, five pounds which was the gift of
her grandfather at her full age of two and twenty
years ; it was once before paid into her father's
hands, yet fearing that she should be voyd of it

22 The Shermans in England

for want of provision on his part I will that it be
paid as aforesaid.

To Gilbert Hilles my brother-in-law. To my
brother Lawrence of Esthorpe.

"My two sons Henry and Samuel Shearman
shall sell my 8 acres of land in the Hallfield to
the best advantage of my children's children," etc.

George Cole the elder, William Cole, Edmund
Shearman and John Pye shall indifferently divide
my goods unbequeathed betwixt my children.

Susan, my wife, to be sole executrix, "and I
give her my part of the lease of the Reyes."

Appoint Edmund Galloway, clerk, the super-
visor of this my last will and for his pains he shall
have twenty shillings.

Henry Shearman.

Will of Susan Shearman, widow of Henry Shearman,
Jr. Dated, Aug. 31, 1610; proved, Sept. 12, 1610.

To son Henry Shearman, my silver and gilt
salt and my best Tapestry coveringe.

To son Samuel Shearman, my 6 silver spoons
which my husband gave me marked with E and S.

To son Samuel Shearman, my feather bed
in the parlor, with the bolster, a pair of blankets
and a covering.

To son Daniel Shearman, the summe of £20;
also foure of my 8 beasts which my husband gave
me and are marked out for my use.

To son Nathaniel Shearman, the summe oi £20.

To son John Shearman, my cubbord standing
in the Parlour.

To son Ezekiel Shearman, the summe of £10 ;
also my new silver cup.

To son Edmund Shearman, the summe of £10;
also my Bedstead in the parlour with the flocke
bed upon it and the flocke bolster and the yellowe

Rugg-

To daughter, Phebe Fenn, one cowe, my least

silver cupp and one of my needlework cushions.

The Shermans in England 23

To daughter, Anne Whiting, two beasts, one
needlework cushion and my Danske cheste in the
Parlour.

To son Daniel's wief, my best gowne.

To son Nathaniel's wief, my Danske chest
which standeth in the Guest Chamber.

To Robert Salmon's son, my greatgrandchild,
one cowe.

To Mary Shearman, my son Samuel's daugh-
ter, my joyned chest in the Parlour.

To Susan Shearman, my son Daniel's daughter,
my leaved Table in the Parlour.

To my brother Gilbert Hilles, JOs.

To Mr. Rogers, my black mare.

To Susan Galloway, daughter of my cousin
Edmund Galloway, my best violet petticoat.

All the residue of my goods unbequeathed shall
be equally divided amongst all my children.

My son, Henry Shearman, to be sole executor,
and for his paines I give him the lease of the Reyes
given me by my husband.

Susan + Shearman.
her mark.

In the presence of Edmund Galloway and
John Pye.

VI. JOHN SHERMAN, son of Henry and Susan
(Lawrence) Sherman; baptized, Aug. 17, 1585, at Ded-
ham, CO. Essex; buried, Jan. 24, 1615-16, at Great Horkes-

ley, CO. Essex; married Grace (possibly a daughter

of Tobias Makin, of Fingringhoe, co. Essex), who survived
him and married, secondly, in England, Thomas Rogers,*

* Thomas and Grace (Sherman) Rogers had a daughter Eliz-
abeth Rogers, bapt., Nov. 16, 1617, at Dedham, co. Essex. She
married Daniel Smith, and had a son Daniel. ( Vide, will of Grace
Porter.)

It has long been stated that Grace (Sherman) Rogers mar-
ried for her third husband, William Palmer, of Hampton, Mass.,
the father-in-law of Capt. John Sherman. This is incorrect.
{Vide, page 32.)

24 The Shermans in England

who was buried at Watertown, Mass., Nov. 12, 1638, aged
50 years. She then married, thirdly, Roger Porter, who
died at Watertown, April 3, 1654, aged 71 years. She
died, June 3, 1662, at Watertown, "aged about 70 years."

Children : Great Horkesley.

i. John(i), bapt., Sept. 3, 1612; m. Martha Palmer,
ii, Richard, bapt., Aug. 7, 1614; remained in England.

The will of Grace Porter. Middlesex County, Mass.,
Probates :

Know all men by these presents that I, Grace
Porter, widdow, of W^atertown in the County of
Middlesex in New England, inhabitant, being in
perfect memory but under the afflicting hand of
the ever gracious God, my Lord and maker, not
knowing how soone it may be his good pleasure to
call me out of this evil world; after solemn profes-
sion of unfayncd willingness to rcsigne to his Sov-
eraigne disposal and of an humble confidence and
trust in his rich mercy and free grace in Jesus
Christ for what concerns my everlasting estate in
another world; I do for the ordering of what tem-
porall estate I shall leave behind me, after my debts
payd and funerall expences discharged, make this
my Last will and testament; giving and bequeath-
ing as f olloweth :

Imprimis. I give to my Sonne John Sherman
my dividend of upland.

Item. I do give to my daughter Elisabeth
Smith all my marsh being by estimation foure acres
more or lesse to be to her and her sonne Daniel
after her.

Item. I do give to my said daughter Elisabeth
all my wearing clothes and all my linnen and also
my great kittle.

Item. I doe give to my grand cliild Daniel
Smith my cow that is with calf.

The Shermans in England 25

Item. I doe give my other cow to my grand
child John Sherman.

Item. I doe give to my grand child Martha
Sherman my warming pan.

Item. I doe give to my grand children Mary
Sherman and Sarah Sherman to each of them two
pewter dishes ; and to Joseph Sherman five shil-
lings.

My will is, that the remainder of my estate be
divided equally between my said son John Sher-
man and my said daughter Elisabeth Smith each
of them to possesse and enjoy their part or half
which by such division shall be set out for them.

Whereas I am indebted to my daughter Elisa-
beth Smith, my mind is she should be satisfyed in
the first place in such goods as shee shall choose.

I doe also hereby declare, that for such things
as I left with my said daughter Elisabeth (of the
particulars of which, my son Sherman had a note)
I had them againe, since, of her, soe that shee is
not to be called for any account about them uppon
that or any other note to that purpose.

I do further hereby constitute and choose my
brother John Cooledge and Lieutenant Richard
Beers as executors of this will intreating my cousin
Joh: Sherman as overseer, to see my mind full
filled, unto whome I give as followeth to my said
Cousin Sherman the some of fourty shillings: and
twenty shillings apeice to each of my said execu-
tors brother Cooledge and Lieutenant Beers.

This is my Last will and Testament witness my
hand and seal.

Grace -f- Porter.
her mark

Subscribed sealed and
delivered in the pres-
ence of us

John Sherman*
Mary Sherman*

* These are Rev. John(i) Sherman and his wife.

26 The Shermans in England

(In the margin.)

Lieut. Beers & Jno Cooledge appearing in Court
17 (4) 1662, openly disclaimed their executorship
to this will,

Mr. Jno Sherman & Jno Cooledge appearing in
Court at Charlestowa the 17th (4) 1662, attested
on oath that they were present wn Grace Porter,
deceased signed & published this her last will and
testament & that she was of a disposing mind wn
she so did being about a year now past.

Entered & Recorded in the Register of Wills
and Inventorys lib. 2, page 41. 17 (4) 1662.

Thomas Danforth. R.

Inventory of Grace Porter y*^ relique of Roger
Porter now deceased taken June 14th 1662,

On one page of the Inventory a note about the division
of Grace Porter's estate says: —

"In case their brother in England shall legally
obtain against the estate, that they joyently &
equally do tender estate for satisfying the same
that so neither side may be unequally represented
by this award."

This 8th of July 1662.

Simon Willard.
Richard Russell.
Thomas Danforth.

This "brother in England" was Richard Sherman, bro-
ther of Capt. John(i).

THE SHERMANS IN AMERICA

NOTE

It is to be remembered that all dates prior to Sept. 3, 1752,
in these records are Old Style: to make them New Style
eleven days should in every case be added. Also, that when
New England was first settled it was the custom to number
the months; March being called the first month and February
the twelfth: this accounts for the use of double dates between
Jan. 1st and March 25th. March 25th, Annunciation Day,
was called the first day of the year.

THE SHERMANS IN AMERICA

VII.(i) CAPT. JOHN SHERMAN, son of John
and Grace (Makin?) Sherman; bapt., Sept. 3, 1612, at
Great Horkesley, co. Essex, England; died, Jan. 25, 1690-
91, at Watertown, Mass.; married, about 1636-37, Martha
Palmer, daughter of William. She died, Feb. 7, 1700-01,
at Watertown.

Children: Watertown.

i. John (2), b. 2 d. 9 m. 1638; supposed to have been
killed in King Philip's War.

- ii. Martha, b. 21 d. 12 m. 1640; m. Francis Bowman,
26 d. 7 m., 1661.

iii. Mary, b. 25 d. i m. 1643; d. Nov. 6, 1667; "i-
Timothy Hawkins, 18 d. ii m. 1666.

iv. Elishabah, b. ; d. 15 d. i m. 1649.

V. Sarah, b. 17 d. 11 m. 1647; d. June 17, 1667.

vi. Joseph, b. 14 d. 3 m. 1650; m. Elizabeth Winship,
Nov. 18, 1673.

vii. Grace, b. 20 d, 10 m. 1653; d. Feb. 21, 1654-55.

John Sherman came to America about 1635-36, and
settled in Watertown, Mass., where he was one of the
most useful and prominent inhabitants. Admitted free-
man there on May 17, 1637, he was Selectman many times
between 1637 ^"^ 1680; Representative from Watertown
to the General Court in 165 1, 1653 and 1663; and Steward
of Harvard College in 1660. He also taught school for a
time. He was a land surveyor and as such received
several important appointments; one, on Aug. i, 1652,

211

30 The Shermans in America

being to take "the latitude of the northermost part of the
Merrimac River." At this time he was called " Sergeant
at Watertown." In i6So he was one of the three men
appointed to lay out a highway to Sudbury. As architect,
contractor and builder, an example of his work was the
Meeting-house erected in 1655. Of his service as Steward
of Harvard College a glimpse may be had in an old
account book of the Stewards of that institution, wherein
occurs this entry:

"Thomas Wibourne hath satisfyed of his debt
for his brother to the colledge, and to the new
steward Ensigne Sherm I, the sume of foure pound
ten shillings. By me, Charles Chauncey.*

In the Watertown Records John Sherman is most fre-
quently referred to as Sergeant, Ensign and Lieutenant;
he was appointed Captain, June 11, 1680, by the General
Court. The original record of his death reads: " M' John
Sherman Capt: of the training Band in Watertowne Dyed
the : 25"': of January i6|?:" that of his wife, " M" Martha
Sherman wif of Capt: Jno: Sherman Deced the 7"' of
February 1700."

He died intestate. On Feb. 13, 1690-91, at a
County Court holden at Charlestown, Admini-
stration was granted to Joseph Sherman of Water-
town, on the Estate of his father, M"" Jn" Sherman
of Watertown, deed, having presented inventory
and given bond. (Dated at Charlestown, Feb^
14"': 1690-91.)

Bond: Joseph Sherman principal and Gershom
Swan of Menotomy surety, in £1^0. Dated, Feb.
13, 1690-91.

Joseph Sherman.
Gershom Swan, by mark.

Witnessed by Jonas Hood and Sam" Phipps.
* Charles Chauncey was President of Harvard College.

The Shermans in America 31

Inventory dated, Feb. 12, 1690-91. Total £'jj-
lys.-Sd. Includes books, surveying instruments,
a silver cup, two silver spoons, a gun, a rapier, a
"cutlash," a carbine and two belts. " Memorand:
The Houseing & Lands are excepted and not in-
serted in this Inventory, being given to me by my
Father in a covenant made on my marriage & as
may more at large appear in said covenant under
his hand." Joseph Sherman.

Bond, dated Aug. 20, 1694, of Martha Bowman
of Watertown, widow, & John Cutler of Charles-
town, & John Eveleth of Manchester, Essex co.,
in £28.

Condition: Whereas Martha Bowman has re-
ceived £i4-i4s-2d. her part of "moveable estate
of Capt. Jno. Sherman late of Watertown, her
husband Dec'd," — If she shall refund her rate-
able proportion of all debts due from said estate
as yet unknown & administrator's charges, — to be
void. Martha M. Bowman.

Administrator's Account dated. Mar. 5, 1693-
94. Total, £yj-i'/s-8d. Credits: " Physick, at-
tendance in sickness and funeral, £yiis-iid.
Debts paid: Mrs. Martha Bowman for cheese;
Jno. Sherman for tobacco, j.y, — "and said accompt:
Prays further allowance for what hath been lost
by casualty vizt., i feather Pillow which being
hung out to air was torn to pieces by swine," — 6s.

Proof that Capt. John Sherman's wife was the daughter
of William Palmer is found in the following deed, dated
10:1:1645:

"William (mark) Palmer of Hampton, yeoman,
in consideration of a release of a parcel of land
in Great Ormsbye, in Old England, by his daugh-
ter Martha Palmer, now the wife of John Sherman
of Watertown, in which his said daughter had an
interest to the value of 705 //., sold to the said
John Sherman and Martha, his wife, his dwelling
and house lot and all other land at Newberry,

32 The Shermans in America

about twenty acres, also all his houses and land
in Hampton, about one hundred and ten acres of
upground, meadow and marsh, most of it already
laid out, as mentioned in the town book of
Hampton, with all commonage, etc., also "three
cowes, two yerlen steeres, Calfes & and one suck-
ing Calfe & all my houshould stuff my weareing
Close only excepted."

Wit: TiMOTHiE Dalton and Willm. Howard.

Acknowledged, Mar. 12, 1645, before

Samuel Symonds.

In a deed dated, Oct. 6, 1647, ^^^ Palmer is men-
tioned as the widow of William Palmer of Hampton, and
is then the wife of Francis Plumer.

These deeds show conclusively that Grace, the mother
of Capt. John Sherman did not marry William Palmer for
her third husband.

VIII.(2) JOSEPH SHERMAN, son of Capt. John
and Martha (Palmer) Sherman; born, 14 d. 3 m. 1650, at
Watertown; died Jan. 20, 1730-31, at Watertown; married,
Nov. 18, 1673, at Watertown, Elizabeth Winship, daugh-
ter of Lieut. PZdward and Elizabeth (Parke) Winship,
who was born, April 15, 1652, at Cambridge, Mass., and
died, .

Children: Watertown.

i. John(3), b. Jan. ii, 1674-75; d. Nov. il, 1756, at
Marlborough, Mass.; m. Mary Bullen.

ii. Edward, b. Sept. 2, 1677; d. Dec. 4, 1766, at Way-
land, 'Mass.; m. Sarah Parkhurst, Oct, 16,
1700.
iii. Joseph, b. Feb. 8, 1679-80.
iv. Samuel, b. Nov. 28, 1681; m. Abiah Paine.
V. Jonathan, b. Feb. 24, 1683-84; m. Elizabeth Cutler.

The Shermans in America 33

vi. Ephraim, b. Mar. i6, 1685-86; d. Sept. 20, 1686.

vii. Elizabeth, b. July 15, 1687; m. Stephens.

viii. Martha, bapt. Sept. i, 1689; m. Rev. Benjamin
Shattuck.

ix. William, b. June 28, 1692; m. (i) Rebecca Cutler,
July 21, 1714; m. (2) Mehetabel Wellington^
Sept. 13. 1715.

X. Sarah, b. June 2, 1694.

xi. Nathaniel, b. Sept. 19, 1696; m. Mary Livermore,
May 31, 1726.

Corporal Joseph Sherman, like his father, was one
of Watertown's prominent citizens. He served in King
Philip's War, in 1675-76, under Captains Poole and Brattle.
He was Constable from 1682 to 1684; "Tythingman,"
1685-86; " Hogrif and fence viewer," 1692 and 1697; -As-
sessor, 1695; Surveyor, 1700-01; Selectman for seven years,
1700-1712; and Representative in the General Court or
Assembly at Boston, from 1702 to 1705. He is said to
have been a blacksmith.

He died intestate. Administration on his
estate was granted, Nov. 29, 1731, to his son,
John Sherman, of Marlborough, Mass., husband-
man. Andrew Wilson, of Cambridge, and Joshua
Hemenway, of Framingham, on bond. No amount
named in bond, but the memorandum of appoint-
ment says it was meant for £500.

On Apr. 3, 1732, the administrator complains
that a considerable part of the personal estate of
the deceased is now in the hands of Nathaniel
Sherman, of Hapanamisco, Worcester county,
which he refuses to deliver up. Later, the said
Nathaniel appeared and acknowledged posses-
sion; the property including books, plans of land,
"pit chains and cap'"* leading staff."

34 The Shermans in America

Nathaniel was John's brother and the youngest child
of Joseph Sherman.

IX.(3) WILLIAM SHERMAN, son of Joseph and
Elizabeth Winship Sherman; born, June 28, 1692, at
Watertovvn, Mass.; died, Mar. 20, 1741, at Stoughton,
Mass.; married first, July 21, 1714, at Charlestown, Mass..
Rebecca Cutler, daughter of Rev. Timothy and Elizabeth
(Hilton) Cutler, who was bapt., Feb. 16, 1690, at Charles-
town, and died, Jan. 22, 1714-15, at Charlestown: married
secondly, Sept. 13, 1715, by Jonas Bond, Justice of the
Peace, Mehetabel Wellington, daughter of Benjamin
and Elizabeth (Sweetman) Wellington, who was born,
Feb. 26, 1687-88, at Watertown, Mass., and died, April 12,
1776, at New Haven, Conn.

Child by first marriage: Charlestown.

i. William(4), b. Jan. 21, 1714-15; died, aged about
6 months.

Children by second marriage; ii, iii, Watertown. iv, v,
Newton, vi-viii, Stoughton.

ii. William, b. Mar. 20, 1716-17; d. Apr. 20, 1756; m.
Ruth Terrill, Apr. 18, 1743.

iii. Mehetabel, b. ; m. John Battell, Apr. 26, 1739.

iv. Roger, b. Apr. 19, 1721; d. July 23, 1793; m. (i)
Elizabeth Hartwell, Nov. 17, 1749; m. (2)
Rebecca Prescott, May 12, 1763.

V. Elizabeth, b. Apr. 5, 1723; d. Jan. 9, 1793; m.
James Buck, Feb. 14, 1748-49.

vi. Nathaniel, b. Mar. 5, 1726; grad. Princeton, 1752;
d. July 18, 1797; m. Lydia Merriam, Mar. i,
I759-

The Shermans in America 35

vii. Josiah, b. Apr. 29, 1729; grad. Princeton, 1754;
d. Nov. 24, 1789; m. Martha Minot, Jan. 24,

1757.

viii. Rebecca, b. ; m. Joseph Hartwell, May 24'

1751.

William Sherman was a shoemaker by trade, resid-
ing at various times in Charlestown, Watertown, Newton,
and Stoughton, Mass. He died intestate. Administration
on his estate was granted to his widow, Mehetabel, April
21, 1741. The real estate was divided, Nov. 26, 1742,
among his children: William, Roger, Nathaniel, Josiah,
Elizabeth and Rebecca Sherman, and Mehetabel Battell,
wife of John.

William Sherman bought lands in Stoughton from the
Indians in 1725. They comprised 73 acres and were
situated on the westerly side of the "way leading to the
Dorchester swamp," now Pleasant Street. They were
bounded on the west by land of Joseph Tucker.

On Feb. 7, 1743, Roger Sherman, of Stoughton, cord-
wainer, deeds to Stephen Badlam, of Dedham, the "home
lot" of his father.

The inscription on the tombstone of Mrs. Mehetabel
Sherman, at New Haven, Conn., reads:

"Mrs. Mehetabel Sherman, Relict of Mr. William
Sherman of Stoughton. She was born at Watertown,
Feb. 26.1687-8 O. S. & died April 12.1776 N. S. in the
89th year of her age. She was the youngest daughter of
Benjamin Wellington son of Roger Wellington who came
from England to Watertown N. England about the year

1635''

Another interesting and unique inscription is that on
the tombstone of William (4) Sherman, at New Milford,
giving his ancestry back to Capt. John of Watertown,
Mass. It reads:

36 The Shermans in America

"Here lies the body of Mr. William Sherman who
died Apr. y' 20. 1756, Aged 39 years & 20 days. He was
the son of William Sherman which was the son of Joseph
Sherman which was the son of John Sherman of Water-
town."

X.(4) HON. ROGER SHERMAN, son of William
and Mehetabel (Wellington) Sherman; born, Apr. 19, 1721,
at Newton, Mass.; died, July 23, 1793, at New Haven,
Conn.; married, first, Nov. 17, 1749, at Stoughton, Mass.,
Elizabeth Hartwell, daughter of Deacon Joseph and Mary
(Tolman) Hartwell, who was born Aug. 31, 1726, at Dor-
chester, Mass., and died, Oct. 19, 1760, at New Milford,
Conn.: married, secondly, May 12, 1763, at Danvers,
Mass., Rebecca Prescott, daughter of Benjamin and
Rebecca (Minot) Prescott, who was born. May 20, 1742, at
Danvers, Mass., and died, April 19, 1813, at New Haven,
Conn.

Children by first marriage: New Milford, Conn.

i. John(5), b. July 8, 1750; m. (i) Rebecca Austin,
Aug. 23, 1771; m. (2) Nancy Tucker, Sept. 4,
1794.

ii. William, b. Nov. 12, 1751; (Yale, 1770); d. June
26, 1789, at New Haven, Conn; m. Sarah Law,
Nov. — , 1773.

iii. Isaac, b. June 17, 1753; (Yale, 1770); d. unmarried,
Feb. 16, 1819, in New Jersey.

iv. Chloe, b. Dec. 26, 1754; d. Nov. 13, 1757, M. 2 y.
10 m. 17 d.

V. Oliver, b. July 25, 1756; d. June 16, 1757.

vi. Chloe, (2nd) b. , 1757; d. Dec. 6, 1840; m.

Dr. John Skinner, Feb. 9, 1794.

The Shermans in America 37

vii. Elizabeth, b. Sept. 28, 1760; d. young.

Children by second marriage: New Haven, Conn.

viii. Rebecca, b. Feb. 22, 1764; bapt, Feb. 26, 1764; d.
Sept. 4, 1795; m. Hon. Simeon Baldwin, July
29, 1787.

ix. Elizabeth, b. Dec. 31, 1765; bapt. Jan. 5, 1766; d.
July 16, 1850; m. (i) Sturges Burr, Nov. 19,
1794; m. (2) Hon. Simeon Baldwin, April 13,
1800.

X. Roger, b. July 16, 1768; bapt. July 24, 1768;
(Yale, 1787); d. Mar. 5, 1856: m. Susanna
Staples, Sept. i, 1801.

xi. Mehetabel, b. Feb. 20, 1772; bapt. Mar. i, 1772;
d. Nov. 7. 1772.

xii. Mehetabel, (2nd), b. Jan. 28, 1774; d.Mar. 5, 1851;
m. (i) Daniel Barnes, Mar. i, 1793; he d. Aug.
3, 1799; m. (2) Jeremiah Evarts, Sept. 10, 1804.

xiii. Oliver (2nd), b. Jan. 19, 1777; bapt. May 25, 1777;
(Yale, 1795); d. unmarried, 1820, in Havana,
Cuba.

xiv. Martha, b. Sept. 24, 1779; bapt. Oct. 31, 1779; d.
April 4, 1806; m. Rev. Jeremiah Day, Jan. 14,

1805.

XV. Sarah, b. Jan. 11, 1783; bapt. Feb. 16, 1783; d.
Aug. 30, 1866; m. Hon. Samuel Hoar, Oct. 13,
1812.

Roger Sherman, named for his maternal great-grand-
father, Roger Wellington, was born on what is now
Waverley Avenue in the eastern part of Newtown, Mass.
The son of a shoemaker and himself a shoemaker or, as
then called, "cordwainer," he had hardly completed his

38 The Shermans in America

apprenticeship when his father died and he found himself,
at the age of nineteen, the main support of a large family
of younger brothers and sisters, and of his mother. In
June, 1743, shortly after the settlement of his father's small
estate, Roger, with the family, removed from Stoughton,
Mass., to New Milford, Conn., where his elder brother,
William, had previously established himself.

Such schooling as he had was scant, but by keeping a
book open before him while at the bench he managed to
acquire the elements at an English education and a con-
siderable knowledge of mathematics for which he inherit-
ed a natural aptitude. He felt that he had capabilities for
greater things than the awl and last. His great-grand-
father, Capt. John, and his grandfather, Joseph, had been
surveyors: Roger, too, resolved to follow their example,
setting himself industriously to the task of fitting for that
business, and succeeding so well that, within two years
after his arrival in New Alilford, he received from the
General Assembly the appointment of Surveyor of Lands
for the County of New Haven.

He continued in this business for nine years, 1745 to
1754, during which period he gave his spare time to the
study of law. In 1749 he used his mathematical attain-
ments for a new purpose, preparing the first of a series of
Almanacs which he published for several years. Mean-
while he had saved some money, enabling him in 1748 to
purchase from Gamaliel Baldwin of New Milford a farm
for which he paid jQi^oo, and in 1750, to enter into part-
nership with his brother, William, in a country store sell-
ing general merchandise. In this business he was interest-
ed for more than twenty years, when he was succeeded by
his son, William.

After his admission to the bar, 1754, in Litchfield
County, his real career began. " He was to fill a long suc-
cession of public trusts, affecting all the Colonies and the

The Shermans in America 39

States which succeeded them, to be bestowed upon him at
a time of great events, and to be so well discharged as to
make him one of the great figures of American history."

"A plain country lad, a hard-working journeyman at
his trade, a busy surveyor, a shrewd store-keeper, a hard-
headed lawyer, an industrious judge, he had qualities not
of a kind that shine in polite society, but of a kind never-
theless that count in life, in every position which a man
may be called to fill. ... A man without eloquence, with
no advantages of education, with no grace of manner. He
had solid qualities, not shining ones; a lifelong love of
of liberty, but only as it was regulated by law; a steadfast
devotion to duty; practical sagacity; calm and sound
judgment in things both great and small." Such is the
brief and apt characterization of him by his great-grand-
son, the Hon. Simeon E. Baldwin, Governor of Con-
necticut. To this properly may be added Thomas Jeffer-
son's statement that " Roger Sherman never said a foolish
thing in his life."

To no other man came the unique opportunity and
good fortune to set his hand to all four of the great State
papers, namely : The Address to the King, The Articles
of Federation, The Declaration of Independence, and the
Constitution of the United States.

Referring to his death, the Rev. Ezra Stiles, President
of Yale College, in his Diary under date of July 23, 1793,
makes this entry: "About VHh, or about sunsetting, a
bright Luminary set in New Haven; the Hon. Roger
Sherman, Esqr., died aet. 72I4, mayor of the city and
senator in Congress."

He died at his residence on Chapel Street. His funeral
on the 25th of July was attended from the North (now
United) Church. The Rev. Jonathan Edwards officiated.

A portrait of him, by Earl, is in the possession of the
White family in New Haven. Statues of him, by Ives, are

40 The Shermans in America

in the Capitol at Washington and the State House at
Hartford.

Summary of His Services:

1745-1753 — County Surveyor, New Haven and Litchfield
Counties.

1754 — Admitted to the bar.

1755-1766 — Deputy to the General Assembly; also Justice
of the Peace and Justice of the Quorum.

1765-1776 — Treasurer of Yale College.

1768 — Received Honorary M. A., from Yale College.

1774 — Signed the Articles of Association, and the Ad-
dress to the King.

1776 — Signed the Declaration of Independence.

1777, 1779, 1782 — Member of the Council of Safety of
Connecticut.

1774-1781 — Delegate to the Continental Congress.

1783 — Reviser of Connecticut Laws.

1784-1793 — First Mayor of New Haven.

1787 — Delegate to the Constitutional Convention.

1788 — Delegate from New Haven to the Convention of
Connecticut which ratified the Constitution.

1789-1791 — Representative in Congress.

1791-1793 — United States Senator from Connecticut.

Abstract of Hon. Roger Sherman's will:

First: To Rebekah my well beloved w'lie, £joo.
in Gold or Silver; all silver plate, furniture, etc.:
use of easterly half of the Mansion House wherein
I now dwell; also easterly half of barn and wood
house adjoining to my garden; also other lands.
Also to her the annual interest that shall accrue

The Shermans in America 41

on £200., stock in the funds of the United States,
on which interest will commence, Jan. i, 1801.

Item: To son John, in addition to what I have
already given him, £10. lawful money.

Item: To son Isaac, in addition, etc., £160. of
my stock in the funds of the United States.

Item: To son Roger, the Mansion House in
which I now dwell, and land on which it stands.

Item: To son Oliver, the Mansion House and
lot of land thereto adjoining that I lately pur-
chased of my son John Sherman and his wife,
situate in New Haven; also other land.

Item: To daughter Chloe, a Cherritree case of
Drawers; and to my six daughters in equal
proportions all the remainder of my household
goods, — Chloe, Rebekah, Elizabeth, Mehetabel,
Martha and Sarah.

Item: To each one of my daughters, £200.
lawful money.

Item: To my granddaughter, Betsey Sherman,
the only child of my son, William Sherman, de-
ceased, £130. lawful money. ... I having
made considerable advancement to her father in
his lifetime.

Item: All residue, etc., etc., to wife and all
my children in equal portions.

Item: Daughters Chloe and Sarah to have use
of chamber with fireplace; other daughters, use
of south chamber with fireplace, . . . while
they continue single.

Roger Sherman.

Witnesses: Stephen Ball, Stephen Ball, Jr.,
and Jeremiah Atwater.

Dated, Aug. 6, 1792; proved, Aug. 5, 1793, at
New Haven, Conn.

The inscription on his tombstone reads:

42 The Shermans in America

In Memory of

The Hon. ROGER SHERMAN, Esqr

Mayor of the City of New Haven

and Senator of the United States

He was born at Newtown in Massachusetts

April 19'h 1721
and died at New Haven July 23^ A D 1793

aged LXXII

Possessed of a strong clear penetrating Mind

and singular perseverance

he became a self-taught Scholar

eminent for Jurisprudence and Policy.

He was nineteen years an assistant

and 23 years a Judge of the Superior Court

in high Reputation.

He was a Delegate in the first Congress

signed the glorious act of Independence

& many years displayed superior Talents & Ability

in the National Legislature.

He was a Member of the general Convention,

approved the Federal Constitution,

and served his Country with fidelity & honor

in the House of Representatives,

and in the Senate of the United States.

He was a man of approved Integrity,

a cool discerning Judge,

prudent, sagacious Politician,

a true faithful and firm Patriot.

He ever adorned

the profession of Christianity

which he made in Youth,

and distinguished through Life

for public usefulness

died in the prospect

of a blessed Immortality.

The Shermans in America 43

XI.(5) CAPT. JOHN SHERMAN, son of Hon.
Roger and Elizabeth (Hartwell) Sherman; born, July 8,
1750, at New Milford, Conn.; died, Aug. 6, 1802, at Canton,
Mass.; married first, Aug. 23, 1771, at New Haven, Conn.,
Rebecca Austin, daughter of Deacon David and Mary
(Mix) Austin, who was bapt., Dec. 16, 1753, at New Haven,
and died. Mar. 12, 1830, at Suffield, Conn. She divorced
him in January, 1794. He married secondly, Sept. 4, 1794,
at Canton, Mass., Anna Tucker, daughter of Joseph and
Mary (Dana) Tucker, who was born, Sept. 27, 1762, at
Milton, Mass., and died, Dec. 7, 1858, at Canton.

Children by first marriage: New Haven.

i. John(6), b. June 3, 1772; bapt. Sept. 29, 1782;
grad. Yale, 1792; d. Aug. 2, 1828, at Trenton
Falls, N. Y.; m. Abigail Perkins, Feb. 10,
1798.

ii. Maria, b. Sept. 30, 1774; bapt. Sept. 29, 1782; d.
Sept. 21, 1857, at Stonington, Conn.; m. Rev.
Ira Hart, Dec. 3, 1798.

iii. Harriet, b. Sept. 30, 1776; bapt. Sept. 29, 1782; d.
May 2, 1795.

iv. Elizabeth, b. Sept. 10, 1778; bapt. Sept. 29, 1782;
d. Nov. 3, 1834, at Montville, Conn.; m. Rev,
Erastus Ripley, May 8, 1798.

V. David Austin, b. Dec. 10, 1781; bapt. Sept. 29,
1782; grad. Yale, 1802; d. Dec. 16, 1843, at
Racine, Wis.; m. Mary Ann Babcock, Oct. 6,
1813.

vi. Charles, b. Nov. 28, 1783; bapt. Jan. 18, 1784; d.
Mar. 20, 1844; m. (i) Sophia Staples, Sept. 29,
1808; m. (2) Jennet Taylor, May 20, 1814.

44 The Shermans in America

vii. Henry, b. Oct. i6, 1785; bapt. Dec. 11, 1785; grad.
Yale, 1803; d. Feb. 4, 1817, at New Haven,
Conn.; m. Martha Denison, Oct. 7, 1813.

Children by second marriage: Canton.

viii. Nancy, b. Nov. 28, 1794; d. Sept. 19, 1836; m.
Gideon Mackintosh, Nov. 5, 1812.

ix. Lucinda, b. Aug. 16, 1796; m. Thomas Littlefield,
Apr. 12, 1818.

The following is an interesting letter written by Capt.
John Sherman to his father:

New Haven, Decem. 8th, 1788.

Most Respected Parent:

My departure from this place is absolutely
necessary on Account of my entering into business,
the Trade of this City at present is not an Object
of Importance, <^ scarcely of Support. I am now
in the prime of life, I hope my friends will not
think me lost, my determinations are just, that is
to pay all their dues and owe no one anything,
in consequence of which I shall advise you &
Esq. Austin likewise Mrs. Sherman the place of
my residence, the Settlement & my public Ac-
counts will be attended to by me as soon as the
public are ready to make me payment for my
Services, otherwise I should have left the United
States for a few years, & this is only what pre-
vents. I most probably shall fix my residence at
Charles Town or Savannah, unhappy it is the
past, I did not take your advice, it would not
have obliged me to take the present measure. I
think that the most unfeeling Heart would not
wish to distress Mrs. Sherman & the Children in
my absence. I leave them to your care — you will
please to assert their rights & be their-Just pro-
tector, & may the most Cordial Friendship ever
subsist betwixt you & Esq. Austin. I wish each

The Shermans in America 45

of you length of days & that your usefulness may
be preserved to the last, & that each of your
Families may be happy (my own unhappiness
proceeds from myself only).

I am with every respect

Your son John Sherman.

(On back) Roger Sherman Esq., New Haven.

Capt. John Sherman was a soldier of the Revolution.
He enlisted in 1776 and served about six years as a
Lieutenant and Paymaster under Col. Butler, of Con-
necticut, receiving a commission of Captain by brevet at
the close of the war. For several years he was engaged
in business in New Haven. He taught school in Canton,
Mass., in 1794 and 1795.

On Nov. 7, 1848, Nancy Tucker Sherman, of Canton,
Norfolk Co., Mass., aged 86 years, applied for a pension
as the widow of John Sherman. She states as follows:
"John Sherman, born in New Milford, Conn., was the
eldest son of Roger Sherman, signer of the Declaration of
Independence, and at the time of his death a Senator in
the Congress of the United States." She also gives the
date of her marriage: Sept. 4, 1794, in Canton (then
Stoughton), Mass., and the date of her husband's death, —
Aug. 6, 1802.

He died intestate. Administration on his
estate was granted to his widow, Anna Sherman,
of Canton Mass., on Oct. 5, 1802. She gave bond
in the sum of $20,000.

Nancy Tucker Sherman also died intestate.
Administration on her estate was granted, Feb. 4,
1859, to Charles G. Mackintosh, of West Roxbury,
Mass., who gave a bond in the sum of $16,000.

David Austin, the father of Rebecca, who married
John Sherman, was a prominent citizen of New Haven.
On Dec. 22, 1795, when sixty-three, he was chosen the first

46 The Shermans in America

president of the New Haven Bank. He had neither
business nor profession, but was a man of j)roperty, leav-
ing an estate of over $30,000. He was a deacon in the
North Church for forty-three years; an alderman under
Mayor Roger Sherman; member of various important
committees; and Collector of Customs from 1793 until
his death in 1801 at the age of sixty-nine. He lived on
the southeast corner of Church and Crown Streets.

Rebecca Austin Sherman is buried in the Charles
Sherman burial lot in the Sufifield Cemetery. The in-
scription on her tombstone reads; "Mrs. Rebecca A. Sher-
man of New Haven died March 12, 1830, aged 76. Pro-
fessing the religion of Christ, her life evinced love to His
cause."

Three of her sons, John, David Austin and Henry,
were ministers.

XII. (6) MA J. CHARLES SHERMAN, son of Capt.
John and Rebecca (Austin) Sherman; born, Nov. 28,
1783, and bapt., Jan. 18, 1784, at New Haven', Conn.; died,
Mar. 20, 1844, at Suffield, Conn.; married first, Sept. 29,
1808, at Canterbury, Conn., Sophia Staples, daughter of
John and Susanna (Perkins) Staples, who was born Oct. 12,
1791, at Canterbury, and died, April 3, 1813, at New
Haven: married secondly. May 20, 1814, at New York
City, N. Y., Jennet Taylor, daughter of John and Mar-
garet (Scott) Taylor, who was born Dec. 30, 1794, at New
York City, and died, Aug 6, 1843, ^t Sufifield.

Children by first marriage: New Haven.

i. Charles Austin (7), b. June 4, 1810; d. Jan. 13,
1883, at New York City; m. Cornelia Caroline
Hatheway, Oct. 4, 1842.

ii. Elizabeth Ripley, b. Feb. 29, 1812; d. July 2"],
1813.

The Shermans in America 47

Children by second marriage: iii-v, New Haven, vi-xv,
Suffield.

iii. Margaret Scott, b. Feb. 8, 1815; d. Feb. 15, 1895,
at Elizabeth, N. J.; m. William Watt, Jan. i,
1836.

iv. Henry, b. April 16, 1817; d. Nov. 24, 1888, at
Wilmette, 111.; m. (i) Cynthia Painter Collins,
Sept. 5, 1841; m. (2) Martha Ann Watson,
Oct. 29, 1845.

V. James Taylor, b. Apr. 17, 1819; d. Dec. 22, 1907,
at De Funiak Springs, Fla.; m. Abigail Tal-
cott Morgan, Feb. 9, 1842.

vi. Andrew Taylor, b. Sept. i, 1821; d. Feb. 5, 1891,
at Chicago, 111.; m. (i) Sophia Dodgeson,
July 4, 1843; ni- (^) Julia Florence Aldrich,
Jan. I, 1862.

vii. Jane Taylor, b. June 18, 1823; d. Mar. 13, 1896, at
Tarrytown, N. Y.; m. (i) Dr. James Morven
Smith, May 8, 1845; ^- (2) James Henry
Osgood, June 3, 1856.

viii. Harriet, b. Sept. 17, 1825; d. Feb. 2, 1889, at Pitts-
field, Mass.; m. (i) Dr. Clark Wright, Oct. 30,
1856; m. (2) Rev. Edward Strong, Sept. 10,

1874.

ix. Eliza Taylor, b. June 15, 1827; d. June 13, 1887;
m. John Sloane, Sept. 7, 1848.

X. Janet Taylor, b. July 23, 1829; died single, Apr. 2,
1903.

xi. John Taylor, b. Nov. 10, 1831; d. March 10, 1906,
at Brooklyn, N. Y.; m. Julia Champion Dem-
ing. May 10, 1859.

48 The Shermans in America

xii. Robert Taylor, b. Mar. 31, 1834; d. Sept. 14, 1891,
at Elizabeth, N. J.; m. Maria Augusta Hewitt,
Jan. 15, 1866.
xiii. Roger, b. Apr. 5, 1837; d. Aug. 10, 1846.
xiv. William Watt, b. Aug. 30, 1839; unm.; d. Dec. 3,

1875, at Chicago, 111.
XV. Walter, b. July 9, 1843; unm.; d. Feb. 22, 1880,
at Wilmette, 111.

Maj. Charles Sherman served in the Connecticut
Militia during the War of 1812. The records in the Ad-
jutant General's office at Washington, D. C, show that he
was Major in the ist Battalion of Artillery, June 11-13,
1813; in Col. Elihu Sanford's Regiment, Sept. 8, to Oct. 21,
1814; and in Maj. Noah S. Barnum's Command, Nov. 9, to
Dec. 15, 1814.

For many years he was engaged in the Dry Goods
business in New Haven, being the senior member in the
firm of Sherman & Street. Sometime before 1821 he
established his residence in Suffield and was Deacon in
the Congregational Church there throughout his life time.

His youngest two sons served in the Civil War; Wil-
liam Watt Sherman in the 62nd Regt., N. Y. Volunteers,
and Walter Sherman in Battalion ' B,' Light Artillery,
Illinois.

His will dated, March 6, 1844; proved, March 26, 1844,
Suffield, Conn.; proved Apr. 25, 1844, in New York City.

Gives to son, Charles A. Sherman, the portrait
of his grandfather, Roger Sherman, and the picture
of the Signers of the Declaration of Indepen-
dence.

To son, Henry Sherman, the portraits of Prince
Albert and Queen Victoria.

Property in Wisconsin Territory, consisting of
a Farm lying in the County of Milwaukee, given

The Shermans in America 49

to son, Charles A. Sherman, and son-in-law, Wil-
liam Watt, to be held in trust for purposes which
he has explained to them.

Remainder of the estate unto the following
children, to be divided equally among them, viz.:
Margaret (wife of William Watt), James T., An-
drew T., Jane T., Harriet, Eliza T., Jennett T.,
John T., Robert T., Roger, William Watt and
Walter Sherman.

Executors directed to make the division when
the youngest child shall have attained the age
of 21 yrs.

Son, Charles A. Sherman, and son-in-law, Wil-
liam Watt, appointed executors.

Charles Sherman.

Witnesses: Shadrack Trumbull, Albert
Jones, and Thomas C. Austin.

A Codicil, dated March 6, 1844, is added. It
gives explicit directions about the Farm in Wis-
consin, which is eventually to go to sons Henry
and Andrew T. Sherman "whenever they can
hold said property without its being taken from
them for past debts incurred before they removed
to Wisconsin."

XIII.(7) JOHN TAYLOR SHERMAN, son of Maj.
Charles and Jennet (Taylor) Sherman; born, Nov. 10, 1831,
at Suffield, Conn.; died. Mar. 10, 1906, at Brooklyn, N. Y. ;
married, May 10, 1859, at Brooklyn, Julia Champion
Deming, daughter of Frederick and Mary (Gleason) Dem-
ing, who was born. Mar, 7, 1836, at Brooklyn, and died,
Aug. 8, 1888, at Brooklyn.

Children : Brooklyn.

i. Louise Deming(8), b. May 24, i860; d. May 26,

1862.
ii. Charles Austin, b. June 24, 1862; m. Leila Morse

Willis, Nov. 24, 1897. ,j,^^j gg

50 The Shermans in America

iii. Alice, b. Apr. 28, 1864; d. Sept. 22, 1901; m.
Charles Adams, Oct. 21, 1890.

iv. Henry Deming, b. Jan. 7, 1866; d. Sept. 28, 1866.

V. Gertrude Mary, b. May 5, 1867; m. Alexander
Buel Trowbridge, Aug. 17, 1896.

vi. Helen Deming, b. Oct. 21, 1869; m. George Du-
pont Pratt, Feb. 2, 1897.

vii. Frederick Deming, b. Feb. 23, 1872; Yale, 1895;
d. Apr. 30, 1914; m. Leslie Whitman, Jan. 30,
1900.

viii. Jessie Taylor, b. Jan. 5, 1882; m. James Dominick
Hackett, Nov. 7, 1914.

John Taylor Sherman attended school at Derry,
N. H., until 1847 when he came to New York City and
entered the business house of Watt, Dunning & Graham,
dealers in White Goods. The leading member of this
firm, William Watt, was his brother-in-law. Mr. Sherman
was admitted into partnership about 1859 and remained
in the business until his death, the house becoming
Sherman & Sons Company, and being continued by his
sons, Charles Austin Sherman, as President, and Frederick
Deming Sherman, as Vice-President and Treasurer.

He was a member of the Hamilton Club, of Brooklyn;
the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club, at Oyster Bay;
and The New England Society.

Residence: Brooklyn, N. Y.

His will dated, Nov. 18, 1892; proved, Mar. 24, 1906.

Leaves his entire estate to his children, share
and share alike.

Son, Charles A. Sherman, and daughter, Alice
S. Adams, appointed executors.

John T. Sherm.^n.

Witnesses: Aaron L. Reid, Jr., and Robert P.

DODD.

The Shermans in America 51

XIV.(8) CHARLES AUSTIN SHERMAN, son
of John Taylor and Julia Champion (Deming) Sherman;
born, June 24, 1862, at Brooklyn, N. Y.; married, Nov. 24,
1897, at New York City, Leila Morse Willis, daughter of
Charles Ellmaker and Sarah Townsend (Minor) Willis,
who was born, Oct. 25, 1876, at Oyster Bay, N. Y.

Children: Brooklyn.

i. Charles Austin, Jr. (9), b. Sept. 29, 1898;
ii. Leila Willis, b. Dec. 5, 1903;

Charles Austin Sherman was educated at the Brook-
lyn Collegiate and Polytechnic Institute, and entered at
once upon a business career. He is President of Sherman
& Sons Company, (Inc.), and a Director in the So-Luminum
Company, New York City.

For several years he has been actively interested in the
Navy Y. M. C. A., being Chairman of the Committee on
Management of the Brooklyn branch. He is a Trustee of
the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club and for a long
time has been active on the Race and other standing com-
mittees.

He is a member of the following clubs: Union, Racquet
and Tennis (New York), Travellers (Paris), Seawanhaka
Corinthian Yacht, Piping Rock, Nassau Country, and
National Golf Links of America; also of the Sons of the
Revolution, Navy League, and National Security League.

Residences: Oyster Bay, and Flushing, N. Y.

52 The Shermans in America

XIV.(8) ALICE SHERMAN, daughter of John Tay-
lor and Julia Champion (Deming) Sherman; born, April
28, 1864, at Brooklyn, N. Y.; died, Sept. 22, 1901, at
Brooklyn; married, Oct. 21, 1890, at Brooklyn, Charles
Adams, son of Joseph Hinman and Emeline Ann (McKee)
Adams, who was born. May 7, 1864, at Terryville, Conn.;
A. B., Yale, 1887.

No children.

Charles Adams is a broker. He is a member of the
Psi Upsilon Society, Wolf's Head (Yale), and Sons of the
Revolution.

The Shermans in America 53

XIV.(8) GERTRUDE MARY SHERMAN, daugh-
ter of John Taylor and Julia Champion (Deming) Sher-
man; born, May 5, 1867, at Brooklyn, N. Y,; married, Aug.
17, 1896, at Great Neck, L. I., Alexander Buel Trow-
bridge, son of Maj. Gen. Luther Stephen and Julia Maria
(Buel) Trowbridge, who was born, Sept. 3, 1868, at Detroit,
Mich.; B. S., in Architecture, Cornell, 1890.

Children {Trowbridge): i, Detroit, ii, iii, Ithaca, N. Y.
iv, Sands Point, L. I.

i. Sherman (9), b. May 23, 1897;
ii. Alexander Buel, Jr., b. Dec. 19, 1899;
iii. Alice (twin), b. Dec. 19, 1899;
iv. Stephen Van Rensselaer, b. Aug. 15, 1907; d. Apr.
28, 1914.

Alexander Buel Trowbridge studied Architecture at
Cornell University and the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris.
From 1897 to 1902 he was Dean and Director of the
School of Architecture at Cornell. Since 1904 he has
practiced as an architect in New York.

He is a member of the Kappa Alpha Society, American
Institute of Architects, Society of Beaux Arts Architects,
and the Architectural League; also of the following clubs:
Century, Cornell University (New York), Flushing Country
(Long Island), Nassau (Princeton), and University (De-
troit).'

Residence: Flushing, Long Island.

54 The Shermans in America

XIV.(8) HELEN DEMING SHERMAN, daughter
of John Taylor and Julia Champion (Deming) Sherman;
born, Oct. 21, 1869, at Brooklyn, N. Y.; married, Feb. 2,
1897, at Brooklyn, George Dupont Pratt, son of Charles
and Mary Helen (Richardson) Pratt, who was born Aug.
16, 1869, at Brooklyn; A. B., Amherst, 1893.

Children {Pratt): i, ii, v, Brooklyn, iii, iv. Glen Cove,
L. I.

i. George Dupont, Jr.(9), b. May i, 1898;

ii. Sherman, b. Mar. 22, 1900;
iii. Eliot Deming, b. Aug. 25, 1903;
iv. Constance, b. June 2, 1906; d. Aug. 4, 1906.

V. Dorothy Deming, b. Nov. i, 1909;

George Dupont Pratt was appointed by Governor
Whitman, in 191 5, Conservation Commissioner of the
State of New York. He is an officer in many institutions
and organizations: Trustee and Treasurer of Pratt In-
stitute, Brooklyn, founded by his father; Vice-President
of the Brooklyn Art Museum; Treasurer of the Boy Scouts
of America; President of the Camp Fire Club; and
Chairman of the Physical Department, Y. M. C. A., of
Brooklyn. He is also a member of the Mayor's Com-
mission on Public Recreation, New York City.

He is a hunter of big game; an expert photographer
of wild life; an enthusiastic collector of Flemish paintings,

The Shermans in America 55

Chinese porcelains, Persian potteries and Greek glass;
and has done some interesting work as a sculptor.

He is a member of the following clubs: Century,
University, New York Yacht, Piping Rock, Mid-day, Aero,
Automobile, Boone and Crockett, and Wild Life Pro-
tective; also of the New York Zoological Society.

Mrs. Pratt possesses a unique portrait of her great-
great-grandfather, Hon. Roger Sherman. It is almost a
miniature in size, and evidently was done from life when
the Signer was advanced in years. She has also some
ivory miniatures of her grandfather, Maj. Charles Sherman,
and members of his family.

Residences: New York City, and " Killenworth," Glen
Cove, Long Island.

56 The Shermans in America

XIV.(8) FREDERICK DEMING SHERMAN, son
of John Taylor and Julia Champion (Deming) Sherman;
born, Feb. 23, 1872, at Brooklyn, N. Y.; B. S., Sheffield
Scientific School, Yale, 1895; died, April 30, 1914, at
Brooklyn; married, Jan. 30, 1900, at Brooklyn, Leslie
Whitman, daughter of Isaac Allen and Cecilia Augusta
(Robinson) Whitman, who was born. May 2, 1868, at
Brooklyn.

Children: i, ii, Brooklyn, iii. Short Hills, N. J.

i. Elizabeth \Vhitman(9), b. Apr. 10, 1901;
ii. John Taylor, b. May 27, 1903;
iii. Frederick Deming, Jr., b. May 9, 1906;

Frederick Deming Sherman was Vice-President and
Treasurer of Sherman 1^ Sons Company, (Inc.), New York
City.

He was a member of the following clubs: Yale (New
York), Hamilton (Brooklyn), Nassau Country, and Dyker
Meadow Golf.

Residences: Brooklyn, and "Breeze Bluff," Sands
Point, L. I.

The Shermans in America 57

XIV. (8) JESSIE TAYLOR SHERMAN, daughter
of John Taylor and Julia Champion (Deming) Sherman;
born, Jan. 5, 1882, at Brooklyn, N. Y.; married, Nov. 7,
1914, at Glen Cove, N. Y., James Dominick Hackett, son
of Dr. John Byrne and Bridget (Doheny) Hackett, who
was born, April 14, 1877, at Kilkenny, Ireland.

Children {Hackett): New York City.

i. John Dominick Sherman(9), b. Aug. 17, 191 5;

James Dominick Hackett was educated at Clongowes
Wood College, Ireland, and is a Licentiate of the Phar-
maceutical Society of Ireland. He came to the United
States in 1904, associating himself with the Nichols Copper
Company of which, until 191 5, he was Welfare Manager.

He has contributed to the press articles on Irish
Pedigrees and Surnames, and on Heraldry, besides writing
for technical journals on Factory Hygiene, Accident
Prevention, Factory Efficiency, Labor Employment and
Safety Organization.

He is a member of the Irish Text Society, of London;
Society of Genealogists, of London; Gaelic League, of
Dublin; Louth Archaeological Society; Cork Archaeolog-
ical Society; and Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, New York.

Residence: New York City.

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References and Authorities

Probate Records:

England — Genealogical Gleanings, by Waters.

Researches of Thomas Townsend Sherman.
VVatertown, and Stoughton, Mass.
New Haven, and Suffield, Conn.
New York City.

Parish, Church and Cemetery Records:

England — Researches of Thomas Townsend Sherman.

Dedham, and Woburn, Mass.

New Milford, New Haven, and Suflfield, Conn.

Court Records:

England — Researches of Thomas Townsend Sherman.
Watertown, Mass.
New Haven, Conn.

Vital Records and Court Records:

Watertown, Charlestown, Newtown, Stoughton, and

Dedham, Mass.
New Milford, and New Haven, Conn.

War and Pension Records:

War Department: Adjutant General's Of^ce.
Interior Department: Pension Bureau.

Histories and Genealogies:

About one hundred volumes.

Family Papers, Bibles, etc.:

Thomas Townsend Sherman.
John Taylor Sherman.

Miscellaneous:

Yale Biographies, by Dexter.
Diary of Rev. Ezra Stiles, by Dexter.
Life of Roger Sherman, by Boutell.
New Haven Historical Society Papers.

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