This is a transcription of the Sarah (White) Cheney biography from New Hampshire Women: A Collection of Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Daughters and Residents of the Granite State, Who are Worthy Representatives of their Sex in the Various Walks and Conditions of Life, The New Hampshire Publishing Co., Concord, NH, 1895, page 65.
Sarah (White) Cheney
SARAH WHITE CHENEY, the accomplished wife of ex-Governor, and ex-U. S. Senator, Person Colby Cheney of Manchester, late U. S. Minister to Switzerland, is a representative New Hampshire woman of old Colonial stock, her family having been in this country since 1636. She is a daughter of Jonathan White and Sarah Bathrick Goss, born in Amherst, having five lineal ancestors serving in the War of the Revolution. She is Honorary Regent for New Hampshire for the society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and a member of the Colonial Dames. Her father was one of the earliest manufacturers in Lowell, Mass., removing there when Mrs. Cheney was three years of age. She was a graduate of the Lowell High School, and completed her education at the New Hampton Literary and Scientific Institution. She was married to Mr. Cheney in May, 1859. She is a woman of great executive ability, superior qualities, fine conversational powers, and has been much in public life, always leading, and graciously extending hospitalities incidental to the various public positions to which her husband has been called. Modest in her nature, yet of commanding presence, she manifests a warm devotion for home life, yet has been her husband’s adviser and helpmeet in political and business life. Her sympathies and charities are wide and far reaching, though unostentatious. She has been for many years President of the Woman’s Aid and Relief Society of Manchester. Her fondness for architecture has led her to give much time in planning various improvements, not only in her own home, but also in connection with her husband’s affairs. She has a large circle of distinguished friends, both at home and in Europe, whom she often visits. Governor and Mrs. Cheney have one daughter, Agnes, the wife of Mr. Charles H. Fish; and Mrs. Cheney’s chief delight is in her two little grand-daughters. The three generations are members of one household, contributing to the social pleasure of Manchester, in their hospitable home.