Sarah Fell facts for kids
Sarah Fell (1642–1714) was an English Quaker who worked as an accountant and writer. She lived at Swarthmore Hall. Sarah was the daughter of Margaret Fell and Thomas Fell. Later, she became the stepdaughter of George Fox.
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Sarah's Life and Family
Sarah Fell was born in 1642 in Lancashire, England. Her home was Swarthmore Hall. She was the fourth daughter of Judge Thomas Fell and Margaret Fell. Her mother, Margaret, was very important in the Quaker movement and was even called the "Mother of Quakerism."
After her father died in 1658, her mother Margaret married George Fox. This made George Fox Sarah's stepfather. Sarah had many brothers and sisters: Margaret, Bridget, George, Isabel Yeamans, Mary, Susannah, and Rachel. In June 1681, Sarah married William Meade. They had one son named Nathaniel Meade.
Her Work and Contributions
Sarah Fell was a busy and important person. She worked as an accountant for the farm at Swarthmore. She also helped manage the Lancashire Women Quarterly Meeting. This was a gathering for Quaker women.
One of her most famous works is the household account book of Swarthmore Hall. She wrote in this book between 1672 and 1678. The book recorded all the money spent by her family. It also showed how the Quakers at Swarthmore helped others.
At that time, women often helped with their husbands' businesses. Sarah's account book included details about her family's income and spending. She even recorded information about 198 women who had connections with her family.
Sarah also invested in iron making with her mother and sisters. She wrote down some of the money they earned from this business. From 1664 to 1668, Sarah took charge of the farm. This was while her mother, Margaret, was held in Lancaster Castle.
Sarah was also a community leader. She helped start a town bank and a grammar school in Ulverston. She even became a banker for her Quaker friends and neighbors. She offered them loans and managed their payments.
Helping Others
Sarah was known for her kindness and fairness. In 1676, she loaned money to many of her workers and servants at Swarthmore. She was fair when lending money. She also gave money to people who could not pay her back. People who borrowed from the Fell family usually repaid their debts.
Her Quaker Faith
Sarah was deeply involved in the Quaker community. She helped run the Swarthmoor Hall Quaker Women Quarterly Meeting. She also wrote a special letter, called an epistle, for Quaker women's meetings everywhere.
Even though her father was not a Quaker, he allowed her mother and other Quakers to use Swarthmoor Hall for their meetings. Today, a room at Friends House in London, UK, is named the Sarah Fell room in her honor.
Later Life
Sarah Fell passed away on June 9, 1714. She died in Gooseyes, Essex, England.
