According to traditional sources, Sarah Stevenson was born in September 1772. She was the daughter of John and Magdalena Douw Stevenson. She grew up in an impressive urban home located on Albany's main street. Her father was a prominent and well-connected businessman. Her mother was the daughter of a former mayor of the city. Her childhood was complicated by her father's decision to remain loyal to the King of England during the American Revolution.

In September 1793, twenty-one-year-old Sarah married thirty-two-year-old newcomer Dudley Walsh. The marriage produced a number of children who were baptized in Albany churches.

Following the wedding, she became mistress of his large house on North Market Street. Walsh was a merchant, entrepreneur, and real estate trader. His enterprises included wide-ranging connections. Sometimes Sarah was listed as co-principal in his land transactions. Domestic servants were a constant in their Albany household.

Dudley Walsh died in May 1816. Sarah Stevenson Walsh may have died at the same time!

Sources: The life of Sarah Walsh has not yet been assigned a CAP biography number. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.