Sarah Josepha Hale

Sarah Josepha Hale dove head first into the literary world, as it became the only way for her to provide for herself and her five children after the sudden death of her husband, David Hale in 1822.

            Even though she was already 34 years old when she began, she quickly made a name for herself.

            Hale is the author of the iconic nursery rhyme, “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” As if that is not a claim to fame, she also campaigned for the creation of the beloved American holiday, Thanksgiving. Finally, Hale is also known for her involvement in the Bunker Hill Monument.

            Jennifer Monahan’s article states that Hale’s first major contribution to the field of journalism was her novel, Northwood: a Tale of New England (1827), the first novel to be published by an American woman. Within the same year, Hale was invited by clergyman, John L. Blake to edit Ladies’ Magazine.

            Even when Ladies’ Magazine changed owners and became Godey’s Lady’s Book, Hale stayed with the magazine and raised the circulation from 25,000 to 150,000 readers. Monahan expressed that due to Hale’s determination and work ethic, she is considered the first of the significant “lady editors” of the journalism world.

             Through her column “Editor’s Table,” Hale discussed social concerns and personal philosophy. Additionally she devoted much of the magazine to discussing a women’s role in society. Hale’s concern towards health issues led her to support women’s integration into medical training as well as college education.

Hale enriched the field of journalism because besides holding many prominent roles, she was not afraid to show her colors on sensitive subjects such as women’s involvement in society.

 Therefore, in modern society, Sarah Josepha Hale is considered the most prominent American woman to be involved in literary profession during the mid-nineteenth century.