The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

THE ORAL HISTORY OF MY FAMILY INCLUDES THE TALE OF
MY GRANDFATHER'S ARRIVAL AT ELLIS ISLAND, IN THE
EARLY TWENTIETH CENTURY. HE HAD BEEN A STOW-AWAY AND
WAS THEREFORE RELUCTANT TO GIVE HIS NAME TO THE
IMMIGRATION OFFICIAL PROCESSING HIM. HE ASKED THE
OFFICER TO SELECT A NEW NAME FOR HIM, AN AMERICAN
NAME. THE NAME "SHERMAN" WAS CHOSEN FROM THE
SIGNATURE OF ROGER SHERMAN ON THE DECLARATION OF
INDEPENDENCE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK ; OAKLAND COUNTY

Date learned: 00-00-1983