Sarah Jane Plant (maiden name: Wafer) was born on February 7, 1828, in Illinois to James Wafer. Her father was a farmer who owned $1,200 of real estate by 1850. She grew up in Bond County, Illinois, and she married Williamson Plant on March 31, 1853. They had at least six children: Emma, born around 1854; William, born around 1856; Ida, born around 1857; Elizabeth, born around 1860; Sallie, born around 1862; and Ada, born around 1867. They lived in Greenville, Illinois, and her husband worked as a farmer. By 1860, they owned $16,000 of real estate and $6,000 of personal property. A decade later, they owned $41,050 of real estate and $13,650 of personal property. Her husband died on February 11, 1887. She remained in Greenville, living with her daughter Ida until at least 1910. She died in Greenville on February 27, 1914.

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