McDonough ILGenWeb

Sarah Elizabeth Bowen was born 27 July 1848 in Missouri. She was the daughter of Robert and Eliza (Hutcheon) Bowen. Sarah was a young girl when her father died. This event brought many changes for her and her sister Laura. Her mother relocated her family to Emmet Twp., McDonough Co., IL. Eventually, her mother remarried to William Twitchell and two daughters are born into this union. In 1863, Sarah and her sister's attended school in Emmet. Like many girls of her day Sarah helped her mother with the household chores. Her mother taught her sewing, cooking, gardening, and nursing. These skills would prepare her for when she was a wife and mother.

As Sarah grew into womanhood, she fell in love with Kinsey Cahill. On June 5, 1870 Sarah and Kinsey were married; they would share fifty-six years together. As time passed Sarah gave birth to her first child. Her joy quickly turned to grief at the death of their son Frankie. The Lord and the comfort of family help Sarah through this difficult time. In 1872, she was a busy wife and mother.

In 1873, Sarah followed her husband to Oregon. The Cahill family settled in Silverton, which is in Marion Co. As the years passed Sarah gave birth to six more children, only four would survive. Her daily activities kept her busy. However, two of her sister's also settled nearby, giving Sarah time for social pleasure.

On January 2, 1926 at the age of 77 years Sarah Bowen Cahill died at her home on Union Street in Salem, Oregon. She was survived by her husband and children; Mrs. Ada B. Wright, Mrs. Minnie Lemmon, George and Kinsey Elton Cahill. Sarah's body was laid to rest at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, but her spirit is with her Heavenly Father.

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Source: Written and contributed by great-granddaughter Joyce Cahill-Chambers nutmeg@iname.com