Sarah Colby, originally from Waterville, Maine, established her millinery shop in Charlestown with the assistance of the First Baptist Church after her husband lost his fortune during the War of 1812. Renting a room from Timothy Thompson, she built a thriving business, showcasing her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Colby’s son, Gardner Colby, became a prominent Boston dry goods dealer, ship-owner, and philanthropist. Gardner donated $50,000 to Colby University in Waterville, Maine, which was renamed Colby College in his honor. By 1875, the property was owned by the heirs of Benjamin Thompson, and by 1885, it was owned by members of the related-by-marriage Thompson and Sawyer families.
