Sarah McKim facts for kids

Sarah McKim (born Sarah Speakman) was an important American woman. She worked to end slavery in the United States. She lived from 1813 to 1891.

Sarah's Early Years

Sarah Allibone Speakman was born on March 1, 1813. Her hometown was Concordville, Pennsylvania. She was the youngest child of Micajah and Phoebe Speakman. Sarah grew up in a Quaker family. Quakers are a religious group known for their peaceful beliefs. In 1826, her family moved to Highland Farm. This farm was in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Fighting Against Slavery

Sarah McKim was a member of the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society. This group worked to end slavery. Sarah and her husband, James McKim, strongly believed slavery was wrong. They worked hard to help enslaved people gain freedom.

They were big supporters of the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network of safe houses and routes. It helped enslaved people escape to freedom. The McKims also helped in court cases. These cases came up after the Fugitive Slave Law was passed. This law made it harder for enslaved people to escape.

In 1859, Sarah and James helped Mary Brown. She was the wife of John Brown. John Brown was an abolitionist who tried to start a slave revolt. His plan failed at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. The McKims helped Mary Brown travel to Virginia after this event.

Family Life

In June 1838, Sarah announced her engagement. She was going to marry James Miller McKim. He was also a strong abolitionist and a minister. They got married on October 1, 1840. After her marriage, Sarah was no longer part of her Quaker assembly. But she still thought of herself as a Quaker.

The McKims first lived in Philadelphia. Then, in 1855, they moved to Germantown, Philadelphia. Sarah and James had two children. Their son was Charles Follen McKim (1847-1909). Their daughter was Lucy McKim Garrison (1842-1877). In 1866, Sarah and James moved to Llewellyn Park, New Jersey. They shared a home with Lucy and her husband, Wendell Phillips Garrison.

Later Life and Death

Sarah McKim passed away on January 9, 1891. She died in Llewellyn Park, New Jersey.