Other Mercer Maid Links

Mercer Maids
The Voyage West
Asa Mercer's letter to the New York Times
Josie & Georgia Pearson
Sarah Jane Gallagher
Elizabeth Ordway
Antoinette Josephine Baker
Asa Shinn Mercer
Peri's Home Page

Sarah Cheney

------------------------------------------------------

Sarah E. Cheney was born May 27, 1841 to John Lorenzo and Cynthia (Cram)Cheney. The Cheney family was very well known in New Hampshire coming from Essex, England about 1635. Sarah's grandfather, John Cheney had been a saddler and harness maker in Briston, New Hampshire and her father John Lorenzo worked with his father until the age of 18 when he entered the cotton mills. He went to Lowell where he was employed by Merrimack Co. as an overseer and superintendent for 25 years. He became a prominent business man in Lowell, manufacturing spools and bobbins. He was also on the school board and held other positions of trust in Lowell.
Sarah graduated at the head of her class at Lowell High School and attended Maplewood Institute in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. After her arrival in Seattle she was engaged to teach art and music at the University. She became greatly discouraged having only three puplis. Hearing that there was a need for teachers in Pt. Townsend, WA she applied and was hired at once.
At a dance at the military post in Pt Townsend Sarah was introduced to Captain Charles Willoughby, a widower with a 3-year old son. They were married Oct 5, 1865.
Four children were born this union;
Adeline Willoughby born Sept. 28, 1871
John E. Willoughby born Aug. 7, 1874
Joseph K. Willoughby born Oct. 1876
Frederick Willoughby born Oct. 1878
Sarah died in Pt. Townsend, Wasington Nov. 7, 1913. Services were held at the St. Paul Episcopal Church where Sarah had been the organist for over 50 years.