A Montgomery County, Texas, firefighter and his wife are expecting a baby girl, the first female to be born in his family’s line since 1917.

Michael Sherman and wife Joacquia Sherman found out the happy news Sunday about their baby, expected to arrive in March. That’ll break the 109-year streak of only boys.

Mr. Sherman told Houston’s KRIV, “I never thought this day would come — to be the first girl dad in more than a century is humbling and exciting.”

The last girl born into the family was Orah Belle Sherman, Mr. Sherman’s great-great aunt, the firefighter said. Every baby since that 1917 birth was a boy, including Mr. Sherman’s 5-year-old son, Mekhai.

“She was a trailblazer in Atlanta. She dealt with the civil rights during the civil rights time. She met a lot of civil rights leaders, and she made an impact in Atlanta,” Mr. Sherman told Houston’s KTRK-TV.

Ms. Sherman told KRIV, “This is so much bigger than us. Our daughter will always know she’s part of something extraordinary, and we’re just grateful for this blessing.”

The Sherman family is checking with Guinness World Records to see if the 108-year streak counts as a world record, according to KTRK.

• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.