(Gwynne) Wesley, Sarah (1726–1822)

Born Oct. 12, 1726 to Marmaduke Gwynne and Sarah (Evans) Gwynne, in Garth, Brecknockshire, Sarah ('Sally') first met CW in Aug. 1747. Although there was nearly twenty years difference in their ages, the two were quickly drawn to one another. The bigger obstacle to their marriage proved to be convincing Sarah's family (particularly her mother) that CW would be able to provide her with financial security. The couple was finally joined on April 8, 1749. They settled in Bristol, where Sarah bore eight children. Their family happiness was marred mainly by the loss of five of these children in infancy, and Sarah nearly dying of smallpox. In the 1770s the family moved from Bristol to London, in support of the musical careers of their sons Charles and Samuel. It was here that CW would die in 1788, and Sarah would live as a widow for thirty-four years. See ODNB.