Sarah Josepha Hale

Sarah Josepha Hale was a 19th-century American writer and abolitionist, best known for her poem "Mary Had a Little Lamb." Born in 1788, she was a strong advocate for women's education and played a significant role in promoting Thanksgiving as a national holiday. Hale wrote extensively for magazines, including "Godey's Lady's Book," where she encouraged women’s roles in society and championed various social causes. Her persistent lobbying efforts helped persuade President Abraham Lincoln to declare Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, emphasizing unity during the Civil War. Hale's legacy is one of influence and advocacy for women and American culture.