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A Presidential Connection in Our Family Tree: Meet My Cousin Gwen Sharp and Her Link to FDR

I recently discovered an exciting Presidential connection in our extended family tree—and it all began with a DNA match! About a month ago, I connected with my “new cousin,” Gwen Sharp, through genetic genealogy. While we haven’t yet pinpointed our shared ancestor, we’ve confirmed we’re genetically related, likely as 4th to 8th cousins.

As we've been exchanging family history and research, Gwen shared the remarkable story of her mother, Wilma Maxine Sharp, whose life journey includes resilience, historical significance, and even a personal encounter with President Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR).

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Wilma Sharp: A Childhood Marked by Strength

Wilma was born on January 30, 1932, in Morley, Michigan, the third of nine children to Earl Richard Sharp and Marvis Hollenbeck. The Sharp family operated a dairy farm in Mecosta County, Michigan. Tragically, at just 3 years old, Wilma contracted polio, a devastating disease that primarily affected children before vaccines became widespread.

Wilma spent seven years at the Mary Free Bed rehabilitation facility in Grand Rapids, MI, operated by the March of Dimes. Imagine spending your entire childhood away from home, fighting to walk again—yet Wilma’s story is one of triumph. She not only survived polio but went on to become a skilled typesetter and a devoted single mother to Gwen.

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A Chance Meeting with President Franklin D. Roosevelt

During her recovery, Wilma's story was covered by local newspapers, and her fight against polio gained community recognition. Then came a once-in-a-lifetime moment: President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited Grand Rapids. When people learned that young Wilma shared both FDR’s birthday (January 30) and his battle with polio, she was invited to a special celebration at the Pantlind Hotel—where she personally met the President.

At the time, neither Wilma nor FDR knew that they were 6th cousins! Thanks to modern genealogical research, we now know this incredible Presidential connection exists in our shared family tree. And since FDR was not only related to Theodore Roosevelt, but also married to his distant cousin Eleanor Roosevelt, the historical web only grows more fascinating.

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From DNA to History: Why Genealogy Matters

Gwen and I continued to search for our common ancestor to validate our shared DNA test results.  Over the years that Gwen and I communicated, we continued to discuss our shared histories and look for that elusive common relative. Finally, after years of searching, we found our common relative! Our connection took us all the way back to 1602 to Francis Stiles, my 10th great uncle. It's amazing, but even after over 400 years, Gwen and I matched on our DNA tests. During the years that Gwen and I have communicated, sharing our love of family history, we have helped each other discover a treasure trove of historical family members all while keeping our shared desire to piece together a puzzle that has spanned a millennia. Our shared story definitely proves the old adage "never stop looking and never give up".

Who said that family history was boring?