Hale’s most significant contribution, however, began in 1827. She petitioned for the creation of a national holiday of giving thanks through five administrations: Zachary Taylor, Millard Filmore, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan and Abraham Lincoln.

Born in 1788 in Newport, New Hampshire, Hale obtained her education from her mother and brother, Horatio…

…Hale published her first book, “The Genius of Oblivion and Other Original Poems.”

Encouraged by the success of her first volume, Hale left the millinery business and began her writing career. A collaboration with Lowell Mason, a composer and music educator, prompted a second book “Poems for Our Children.” This book contained the now very well-known childhood standard, “Mary Had a Little Lamb” originally published under the title “Mary’s Lamb.”

…Hale then penned a fictitious novel, “Northwood: A Tale of New England.” It established Hale as one of the first American women novelists. It also was the first novel to tackle the issue of slavery…

…Hale’s most significant contribution, however, began in 1827. She petitioned for the creation of a national holiday of giving thanks through five administrations: Zachary Taylor, Millard Filmore, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan and Abraham Lincoln.

Lincoln was the president who saw the possible beneficial healing of a torn nation by establishing a national holiday of Thanksgiving. In the year 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the final Thursday in November as national Thanksgiving Day. It was observed as a national holiday for the first time that same year.

Read More: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2602445/sarah_josepha_hale_the_mother_of_thanksgiving.html?cat=37

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