In 1837, Sarah Josepha Hale became a writer and later editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book, a post she held until 1877. Its wide readership made her one of the most influential voices in the USA throughout most of the 19th century. [1]
Sarah Josepha Hale was born Sarah Josepha Buell on 24 October 1788, in Newport, New Hampshire, USA, and grew up in a home that valued learning. Her father, Captain Gordon Buell, was a Revolutionary War veteran, and her mother, Martha Buell, along with her older brother, Horatio, provided her with an education at home. This early schooling sparked a love of reading and writing that would shape her future.
As a young woman, Sarah worked as a local schoolteacher, showing an early dedication to education. In 1811, her father opened a tavern called The Rising Sun, where Sarah met David Hale, a lawyer. They married on 23 October 1813 when Sarah was 25 and had five children together. Tragically, David passed away in 1822, and Sarah wore black for the rest of her life in mourning for him.
Determined to support her family, Sarah began writing seriously, publishing her first novel, Northwood, in 1827. She later became the editor of Ladies’ Magazine in 1828, a position that would serve as a springboard for her influential role in American media. When Ladies’ Magazine merged with Godey’s Lady’s Book, Sarah became the editor of what would become one of the most influential magazines of the 19th century.
Sarah is also remembered for penning the beloved nursery rhyme Mary Had a Little Lamb. Written in 1830, the poem was inspired by a real-life event involving the daughter of a friend, who had a pet lamb. The charming story quickly became a favourite among children and remains one of the most famous nursery rhymes in history.
Throughout her career, Sarah Hale was a passionate advocate for women’s education and rights, deeply believing in the importance of women’s contributions to society. She used her platform to promote social change and is perhaps most famous for her efforts to establish Thanksgiving as a national US holiday.
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