Emily Manwaring (maiden name: Steel) was born around 1839 in Connecticut to Emri and Laura Steel. Her father was a brass founder. She grew up and attended school in New Britain, Connecticut. She moved to Michigan sometime in the 1850s. She married William Manwaring on December 14, 1858, and their son William was born around 1863. Her husband served in the Union army, and he died in the Andersonville prison camp on August 1, 1864. She died a month later, on September 1, 1864.