Nofeembar 1842, McClernand wuxuu guursaday Sarah Dunlap oo ka soo jeeda Jacksonville, Illinois, saaxiib dhow oo Mary Todd Lincoln. Sarah waxay ahayd gabadhii James Dunlap, oo u shaqeeyay sidii sarkaal ka tirsan ciidanka Midowga intii lagu jiray Dagaalkii Sokeeye, ugu dambeyntii waxaa loo magacaabay darajada sarkaal sare oo sarsare. Wiilkii John iyo Sarah, Edward John McClernand, wuxuu caan ku ahaa inuu ahaa brigadier general oo ka tirsan ciidanka Mareykanka dagaalladii Hindiya iyo markii dambe Filibiin
Waxaad Geeridii Sarah ka dib, McClernand wuxuu guursaday walaasheed, Minerva Dunlap.