Emma Sansom was born on 2 June 1847 to Micajah and Levina Vann Sansom, one of twelve children.  In 1852, the family moved to a farm near Gadsden, Alabama, where her father died in 1858.

On 2 May 1863, Federal troops under the command of Abel D. Streight and on a mission to destroy the area’s Confederate railroad crossed Black Creek near Emma Sansom’s home and set fire to the bridge in order to prevent General Nathan Bedford Forrest and his troops from crossing.  Emma’s brother, a Confederate soldier who had been wounded in battle, was recuperating at home at this time.  He was taken prisoner by the Federals.  When Forrest arrived, fifteen-year-old Emma volunteered to guide him to a nearby ford.  While escorting the General, they faced enemy fire that ceased after the Federals discovered that they had been firing upon a teenage girl.  Forrest’s forces crossed the river at the ford, caught the Union forces and captured them thus saving the railroad.

By assisting the Confederate general, Emma risked possible retribution for herself and her family.  They could have faced imprisonment or even death if arrested by the Federals.

Whenever General Forrest gave a report of his actions, he always gave credit to Emma Sansom for her bravery, the capture of the Union forces and saving the railroad.  He wrote a note to Emma which read:

Hed Quarters in Sadie

May 2 1863

My highest regardes to miss Emma Sansom for hir Gallant conduct while my posse was skirmishing with the Federals across Black Creek near Gadsden Allabama.

N. B. Forrest

Brig Genl Comding N. Ala

In 1864 Emma married Christopher B. Johnson.  They moved to Upshur County, Texas, in 1868.  The remainder of her life was spent there.  The couple had seven children.  Johnson died in 1887, and Emma never remarried.  Her descendants have stated that she rarely spoke of her wartime experiences.

Emma Sansom died on 9 August 1900 and was buried in Little Mound Cemetery near Gilmer, Upshur County, Texas.