Sarah Moore Qrimke (November 26, 1792 - December 23, 1873) was born in South Carolina, the daughter of a plantation owner who was a firm believer in both slavery and the subordinate status of women. He was also an attorney and a judge in South Carolina. Forbidden from receiving a formal education in spite of her own desire to become an attorney, Sarah educated herself. She also illegally taught her personal slave how to read.
In 1821 with her father deceased, Sarah Grimke moved to Philadelphia, where she had previously visited, and became a Quaker. She returned to Charleston, South Carolina a few years later and convinced her sister, Angelina Grimke, to convert to the Quaker faith. Angelina joined her sister in Philadelphia in 1829. Their initial attempts to attack slavery caused them difficulties in the Quaker community, but they persisted in their efforts, learning that they had to gain rights for women before they would be able to fight for the abolition of slavery. They continued to be attacked, even by abolitionists who thought their position was too extreme. In 1836 Sarah published Epistle to the clergy of the southern states.
In 1838 Angelina married Theodore Weld, a like-minded individual, and she retired to the background of the movement while being a wife and mother. Sarah Grimke continued unabated in the abolitionist movement.
During the Civil War, Sarah wrote and lectured in support of President Abraham Lincoln.
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Last updated: 05-07-2005 05:04:43
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