Tracing 19th Century Women & Sally Ann (?) Darling.

Tracing women in early 19th century history can often be a difficult process. Women often didn’t exist except in the context of their wifely status. Such is the case of Sally Ann (unknown) Darling.  She is only mentioned in a couple documents that I have found, so far. I first encountered her name when I found the obituary of her son, Rufus Holton Darling, which mentioned that he is the son of Abner and Sally Darling. I also traced her husband, Abner Darling. That search yielded his will, which made Sally Ann the executrix.  It mentions nothing other than her name. It doesn’t even mention the names of their children.  In court, men attested to the validity of the will and it doesn’t appear that she ever addressed the court. The 1840 Census shows that Rufus H Darling is living at the same location (based on neighbors) that Abner Darling lived at before. Living with him was an older woman that I presume is Rufus’s mother – Abner’s wife – Sally Ann. Sadly, that is about the extent of what I have learned about Sally Ann.

1780 – Birth – The 1840 Census infers that she was 50-59 years old suggesting a birth year of 1780-1790. The 1830 Census infers that she was 40-49 years old also.

1820 – Appears to be living with husband, Abner Darling, and 7 children in Paris, New York.[i]

1830 – Appears to be living with husband, Abner Darling, and 8 children in Clarkson, New York.[ii]

1839 – Sally’s husband Abner dies. She is made executrix of the will and inherits everything. She is living in Clarkson, New York.[iii]

1840 – Apparently living with son, Rufus H Darling, and four other children in Clarkson, New York. [iv] 

I have been unable to find Sally in the 1850 Census.