Week 4:
The theme for Week 4 is “Overlooked.” It’s close to impossible to research everyone equally. Who is someone in your family tree who you haven’t researched very much? You could also consider those ancestors for whom it feels like you are the only person in the world searching for them.

This week I chose to feature someone who I need to look into some more. Sarah Smith a grandmother of Celestia Woodard featured in week 3. I chose her because I know very little about her and by featuring her here hope to make myself learn as much as I can about her, my 4th great grandmother.

The Life of Sarah Smith

Sarah Smith was born on May 9, 1832, in Georgia, USA, to John Austin Smith (1805–1874) and Mary Mollie Hall (1809–1881). As the daughter of John and Mary, Sarah grew up in a household rooted in the traditions of the rural South. Her early years were spent amidst the landscapes of Ware County, Georgia, where her family likely worked the land and fostered a sense of resilience and resourcefulness that would shape her life.

Early Life and Marriage

At the age of 20, in 1852, Sarah married Jesse Butler (1830–1902). The couple began their life together in Ware County, where they would build a family and navigate the challenges of 19th-century rural Georgia.

Family and Motherhood

Sarah and Jesse were blessed with six children, each of whom contributed to the family’s legacy:

• Elizabeth Butler (1853–1912): The eldest, who likely helped Sarah care for her younger siblings and maintain the household.
• Nancy Smith (1854–): A daughter whose life details remain sparse, but who was undoubtedly part of the family’s close-knit dynamic.
• William Columbus Butler (1856–1920): A son who lived into the 20th century, witnessing the profound changes of the era.
• James Butler (1859–1883): A son whose life was tragically cut short at just 24 years of age.
• Mary M. Butler (1860–1947): A daughter who lived a long life, spanning nearly a century.
• Francis Lee Butler (1862–1883): Another child lost too soon, passing away at 21, likely leaving a mark of sorrow on the family.

Life in Ware County

By 1860, Sarah and her family were living in Ware County. The Civil War loomed on the horizon, bringing uncertainty and hardship to the South. Sarah, then 28, focused on raising her children and supporting her husband as they managed their farm and household.

In 1870, the family lived near the Glenmore post office, a small but vital center of communication for the area. Despite the challenges of the Reconstruction era, Sarah and Jesse worked tirelessly to maintain stability for their growing family.

Later Years in Waycross

By 1880, the family had relocated to Waycross, a burgeoning town in Ware County that would later become a key railroad hub. At 48, Sarah was likely overseeing a household that included her adult children while continuing her role as a guiding presence in the family.

As Sarah aged, she witnessed her children marry, build families of their own, and carry forward the values she had instilled in them. By 1900, at the age of 68, Sarah was still living in Waycross, surrounded by the family and community she had helped nurture.

Final Years and Legacy

Sarah Smith Butler passed away before 1910. She was buried in Waycross, Ware County, Georgia, alongside her loved ones, yet no headstone survives.

Sarah’s life reflects the quiet strength of a woman who dedicated herself to her family and community. She endured the trials of the Civil War, Reconstruction, and personal losses, yet her resilience left an enduring legacy through her children and descendants. Her story is one of love, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to family, a testament to the values that shaped her life.