Cheney (Ednah Dow) is born in Boston.

The daughter of Sargent and Ednah (Dow) Littlehale, she grows up on Beacon Hill, attends private schools, becomes acquainted with Emerson and Bronson Alcott, and is greatly influenced by Margret Filer’s “Conversations.”  She marries Seth Wells Cheney in 1853, and after his death three years later, becomes an abolitionist, women’s rights advocate, and philanthropist.  She becomes president of a number of women’s clubs, and the author of a number of books, including memoirs and books for children.  She moves to 117 Forest Hills Street in 1864, and lives there until her death in 2004.