Everett S. Sherman was born in 1831 in Delaware County, Ohio. He learned the bridge building trade from his family. In 1867, Sherman got his first bridge building contract. His bridges used the Childs Truss, which was invented by Horace Childs. He chose that truss because the patent had expired, which meant that no royalties had to be paid. He revived the outdated Childs Truss by improving the design. Sherman's bridges are believed to be the only Child Truss Bridges ever built in the United States. Sherman later moved to Eaton, Ohio and opened a bridge yard. He built numerous bridges throughout Preble County during his career. Everett S. Sherman died on July 16, 1897 at 66 years of age.