Sarah Gibson Humphreys facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sarah Gibson Humphreys
"A Woman of the Century"
Born	Sarah Thompson Gibson May 17, 1830 Warren County, Mississippi, U.S.
Died	May 31, 1907 (aged 77) Lexington, Kentucky, U.S.
Resting place	Lexington Cemetery, Lexington, Kentucky
Occupation	Author, suffragist
Language	English
Nationality	American
Notable works	"Man and Woman in the Bible and in Nature"
Spouse	Joseph A. Humphreys ​ ​ (m. 1853; died 1863)​
Relatives	Randall L. Gibson (uncle)

Sarah Gibson Humphreys (born Sarah Thompson Gibson; May 17, 1830 – May 31, 1907) was an American writer and a supporter of women's rights. She was a very unique woman for her time. Sarah was the only woman in the United States ever chosen to be on the board of directors for a public road company. This means she helped make big decisions for the road. She was also likely the only woman elected to speak publicly for a group called an Alliance lodge. In Kentucky, she was also known for her amazing cooking and how she set her dinner tables. Sarah Gibson Humphreys passed away in 1907.

Early Life and Education

Sarah Thompson Gibson was born in Warren County, Mississippi, on May 17, 1830. Her father was Tobias Gibson. Her mother was Louisiana Breckenridge Hart, who was from Kentucky. Sarah was also the niece of Randall L. Gibson, who was a Senator for Louisiana.

When Sarah was young, her parents oversaw her schooling. They hired the best teachers to teach her at home. At age 14, she went to a school run by Miss Margaret Mercer in Loudoun County, Virginia. After that, she studied for three years at a French school in Philadelphia.

Soon after she finished school, her mother died. Sarah then took on many big responsibilities. She managed her father's summer home in Lexington, Kentucky. She also managed their winter home in Louisiana. She took care of her six younger brothers and her baby sister.

Career and Women's Rights

In 1853, Sarah married Joseph Alexander Humphreys from Kentucky. Sadly, he died on February 15, 1863. This left Sarah to raise their young children and manage a large property all by herself.

As her children grew older, Sarah had more time. She was then able to follow her passion for writing. She also became very involved in the cause of women's equality. When she was only 13, she wrote her first novel, but it was never published. For at least ten years, she wrote many stories, essays, and letters. These were published in different magazines and newspapers. She always used a pen name so people wouldn't know it was her.

One of Sarah's most important writings was an article she read to the Kentucky Equal Rights Association. It was called "Man and Woman in the Bible and in Nature." In this article, she shared her ideas about how God and all creatures were spiritual from the beginning. Because of her strong beliefs and the challenges she faced as a wife, mother, and widow, the word "Liberty" became very important to her.

Sarah Gibson Humphreys was a true pioneer. She was the only woman in the United States to be voted onto the board of directors of a public road. She also was likely the only woman elected to give public speeches for an Alliance lodge. These achievements showed her dedication to making a difference.

Death

Sarah Gibson Humphreys died in 1907.