From Farm Wife to Community Builder: Sarah’s Story

Sarah Grant Petersen (1863–1940) – A Granger Pioneer

Sarah Grant Petersen, born April 8, 1863, in Railway Terrace, Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire, England, was the daughter of John Grant and Hannah Eames. Tragically, her mother passed away shortly after Sarah’s birth, and she was taken in by her grandmother and cared for by her aunt Emma Eames. Despite these early hardships, Sarah enjoyed a happy and loving childhood in a large extended family of thirteen children, where she was especially cherished for her sweet and cheerful nature.

From an early age, Sarah was educated at home by her grandmother and later attended a Ladies School. Her family embraced the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with her father joining in 1866 and Sarah and her grandmother baptized in London in 1867. This conversion brought hardship as her father lost his railroad job, but the family remained committed to their faith and prepared to emigrate to Utah.

At the age of ten, Sarah and her family left England on June 18, 1873, traveling aboard the ship Nevada. They arrived in Salt Lake City on July 9, 1873, and initially stayed with George Crismon and later rented rooms from Joseph F. Smith while he served on a mission. Over the years, Sarah attended school in various Salt Lake City wards, including the 14th and Sugar House Wards, where she forged lifelong friendships and developed a love for music. Her beautiful voice became well known in the community, and she often sang at funerals alongside friends, earning the title “songbird of Sugar House Ward.”

Sarah met Niels Peder Petersen while living in Sugar House. Both young pioneers had emigrated to the United States at age ten—Sarah from England, Niels from Denmark—and shared the values of hard work, faith, and perseverance. They were married in the Logan Temple on March 4, 1885, beginning a life together characterized by industriousness and devotion.

The first years of their marriage were humble. They lived in small homes in Parleys Canyon and Granger, with Niels building their furniture by hand. In 1887, they purchased forty acres in Granger, where they began farming and gradually built a comfortable home. Sarah played an essential role in managing the household, caring for their children, and supporting Niels as he worked on canals and other community projects. Despite the demands of pioneer life, Sarah’s home was always welcoming, and she maintained warmth, hospitality, and a spirit of generosity for all who visited.

Sarah and Niels had thirteen children: six sons—Calvin, Arthur, Leroy, Albert, Alfred, and Raymond—and seven daughters—Mabel, Lillie, Ella, Katie, Enid, Stella, and Bessie. She guided them with patience, instilling strong values of work ethic, faith, and family devotion. Sarah endured profound losses, including the deaths of three of her children and later her husband in 1931, yet she faced each trial with resilience and unwavering faith.

A dedicated member of her community, Sarah served for many years as a Relief Society Block Teacher alongside Sister Tanner. Though her service often took place quietly and behind the scenes, her impact was deeply felt by neighbors, friends, and fellow church members. Her daughter Katie recalled the sweetness of Sarah’s voice as she sang while rocking her younger siblings to sleep—a small but cherished detail that exemplified her love and devotion.

Sarah Grant Petersen passed away on December 3, 1940, at the home of her daughter Stella in Granger, Utah, at the age of 77. She was buried in Taylorsville Cemetery. Her life remains a testament to the pioneer spirit: enduring hardships with grace, dedicating herself to family and community, and leaving a legacy of faith, kindness, and perseverance that continues through her descendants.