Sarah M. Gilmore, of York, New York, married Solon O. Thacher on Septmeber 11, 1856. She graduated from Alfred Academy in New York. Her husband also graduate from Alfred Academy then went on to Uniorn College and the Albany Law School.

By 1858 they moved to Lawrence, Kansas Territory, where Solon became one of the owners of the newspaper Lawrence Republican,judge, and senator, and practiced law. The Thachers had two daughters, Mary H., who married Peter E. Emery, and Nellie G., who married Stuart Henry. Sarah was a member of the "Friends in Council."