Sarah Owens was born to John Owens and Sarah Collins Beard, they were both widowed. They married in the Parish of Holyhead, Wales Jan. 19, 1834.

In the 1841 Census, they are living on Stanley Crescent John age 40, Mother Sarah 35 Richard Beard age 13 and little Sarah age 4. John is listed as a Publican, who manages or works in a Pub.

In the 1851 Census, Sarah age 14 is living with her mother Sarah 49(Head of Household), half-brother Richard Beard 23, John age 5, and Mother's brother John Collin's age 27 (a mariner). The mother Sarah's occupation is Keeping the White Lion Tavern. The family lives on Harp St. in the same neighborhood as James Walker at age 16.

James Walker is already listed as Mason in the 1851 Census

and living on Morton Terrace. He and his dad, James might have been stopping in at the White Lion Tavern.

It was not until Dec. 3, 1858, that they would wed at the Parish Church. One of the witnesses was a Joseph Collins, possibly an Uncle of Sarah's. The couple took up residence on Harp St. near Sarah's Mom. That is where we find them in the 1861 Census, just before the birth of son, John Robert.

The next we see them is in the East Lyme, CT. Census of 1870. The family was brought over by John Beattie to work in the Niantic Quarry. Salina (Celina), James's sister came to help with the children.

The Niantic Quarry closed, and the family was moved to the Leete's Island location. James died June 9, 1871 at age 35, after just 13 years of marriage and a relocation to a foreign land.

Sarah must have been devastated and still nursing 10-month-old David! Six children, a foreign land and no husband to provide for them! John Robert became useful as a water boy, William James age 12 would have had a job to do, as well.

Sarah fixed lunches for the Quarrymen and sold them and took them in for meals. I am guessing she did their laundry, too. Her boys would eventually get employed by Mr. Beattie full time and a new house would be built for her. John Robert would become a Foreman at a young age and have a house next door to his mother's. By age 72, she is living in his home. The children would take good care of a Mom that managed to bring them to a new world and raise them under outrageous odds! Sarah never remarried.

I love the story, my great Aunt Grace told of Sarah quieting the baby by putting molasses on his fingers and giving him a feather.

Quite the inventive woman! She was a strong Matriarch. When asked if I could have a chance to spend time with someone who has passed, Sarah Owens Walker would be my choice.

Sarah died Apr. 7, 1917, after a brief illness. On my side of the family, it was said she had stomach cancer.

It is often that the men's stories are told, in the building of this country. In my family history, the Matriarch is what holds everything together! She was a Guilford citizen for 48 years.