Sarah Granger Kimball facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sarah Melissa Granger Kimball
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| Born | December 29, 1818 |
| Died | December 1, 1898 (aged 79) Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
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| Resting place | Salt Lake City Cemetery |
| Known for | Women's Rights Advocate Relief Society Leader |
| Spouse(s) | Hiram Kimball (1806–1863) |
| Children | 6 |
| Parent(s) | Oliver Granger and Lydia Dibble |
Sarah Melissa Granger Kimball (born December 29, 1818 – died December 1, 1898) was an important leader in the 1800s. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sarah worked hard to support women's rights. She was also an early leader in a group called the Relief Society. Her work helped create the Relief Society for women. She also joined the national movement for women to have the right to vote.
Contents
Sarah's Early Life and Faith
Sarah Granger was the daughter of Oliver Granger and Lydia Dibble. She was born in Phelps, New York. Her family was well-known and followed the Puritan faith.
In 1830, Sarah's father got a copy of the Book of Mormon. He said he had a special vision. He saw an ancient prophet named Moroni. Moroni told him the book was true.
Soon after, Sarah's family joined the Church of Christ. This church was started by Joseph Smith. Three years later, her family moved to Kirtland, Ohio. They moved with other church members.
While a teenager in Kirtland, Sarah went to Smith's School of the Prophets. This school taught both religious and regular subjects. Later, Sarah and her family moved to Commerce, Illinois. This town later became Nauvoo.
Family Life in Nauvoo
In Nauvoo, Sarah met Hiram S. Kimball. He was a merchant who was not a member of her church. They got married in 1840. Their first child was born in 1841.
Sarah and Hiram had six children. Three of their children were adopted. When their first son was born, church members were building the Nauvoo Temple. Sarah wanted to help with the building. But she felt unsure because Hiram was not a church member.
After they talked about it, Hiram donated land for the temple. He was later baptized into the church in 1843.
Starting the Relief Society
The first meeting to plan the Relief Society happened at the Kimball home. About twelve women from the church gathered there. They hoped to form a "Ladies Society" for service projects.
Eliza R. Snow helped write the rules for the group. She prepared them for Joseph Smith's approval. On March 17, 1842, the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo was officially started. Joseph Smith and the priesthood guided its creation. By 1844, the Nauvoo Relief Society had 1,341 members.
Moving West
The Kimball family moved west with the Mormon pioneers. They settled in Salt Lake City in 1851. Sarah made the first journey alone with her children. Hiram had to stay in New York for his business.
When Hiram finally joined his family out west, he had little money. He was also in poor health. To support her family, Sarah taught children in school.
Leading the Relief Society
In 1857, Sarah was asked to be the Relief Society president. This was for the 15th Ward in Salt Lake City. But some events, like the Utah War, stopped the group's activities. They paused until 1867.
During those ten years, Sarah's mother and Hiram both passed away. Hiram drowned in a steamship accident. He was traveling to Hawaii for a church mission. In 1867, the Relief Society started up again. Sarah went back to her duties as president. She served in that role for 42 years, until she died.
Building a Community Hall
On November 13, 1868, Sarah helped lay the first stone for the church's first Relief Society building. The women used this building as a shop. They sold handmade items there.
The money they earned was used for many good things. They bought items for the hall and helped buy an organ. They also built a granary and filled it with grain. They gave money to help people move west. They also helped build the Salt Lake and Logan temples. They even helped a hospital called Deseret Hospital. They bought carpet for their meetinghouse. They also set up a knitting machine and a tailoring business.
The goal of building the 15th Ward Relief Society Hall was to inspire other women. Soon, Relief Societies in other places built their own halls. By the late 1800s, Relief Societies owned property worth $95,000. Halls were built in Idaho, Arizona, Canada, and Mexico.
General Relief Society Leadership
Sarah also served in a bigger role. In 1880, she became the general secretary of the Relief Society. This was after Eliza R. Snow became the leader. Sarah served as secretary for 12 years. Then she became a counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency. She held both her ward and general Relief Society roles until her death.
Fighting for Women's Right to Vote
In Utah
Kimball was part of the 1882 Utah State Constitutional Convention. This group helped write Utah's constitution. By 1890, Kimball was the first president of the Utah Women's Suffrage Association. This group worked for women's right to vote. She was also a leader in the national movement for voting rights.
Nationally
Sarah was good friends with Susan B. Anthony. Susan B. Anthony was a famous women's rights activist. Sarah worked closely with her to help women gain the right to vote.
Sarah's Legacy
Sarah Kimball died in Salt Lake City on December 1, 1898. Her headstone has a special message. It says, "Strong-Minded and Warm-Hearted." This describes her well. She was a strong leader who cared deeply about others.
See also
- Phrenology and the Latter Day Saint Movement
- Women's suffrage in Utah
