GRIMKE SISTERS, THE, Smut Moms (1792-1873) and ANGELINA EMILY ( I805-79). American abolitionists, and advocates of woman's rights; sisters of Thomas Smith (q.v.). They were born in Charleston, S. C., where their father, John Faucheraud Grimke, was a promi nent lawyer and large slaveholder. After his death the two sisters freed their slaves and re moved to Philadelphia. Sarah going first in 1821, and Angelina following in 1828. Both joined the Society of Friends, and devoted themselves for several years to agitating the anti-slavery ques tion in that city. In 1836 they removed to New York, where they Were intimately associated with the leading spirits of the American Anti-Slavery Society, and during the subsequent winter they attracted considerable attention by delivering public lectures on slavery. At this time Sarah wrote an Epistle to the Clergy of the Southern Stales, which, like Angelina's previously pub lished Appeal to the Christian Women of the South, was addressed to their old neighbors. In
1337 they went to Boston. where Sarah lectured on woman's rights, a subject which had begun' to interest her in New York. and published in the :Vele England Spectator a series of letters on The Prorinee of Woman. The next year Angelina married Theodore D. Weld (q.v.). one of the leaders of the Anti-Slavery Society, and, accom panied by Sarah. they went to live at Belleville, N. .T.. where they remained until 1854. when they established a large coeducational institute at Eagleswood. near Perth Amboy. N. J.. which be came noted for the independent and enlightened spirit pervading it Both of the sisters died at. Hyde Park. near Boston. Consult !limey, The Grhnke Sisters. Sarah and Angelina. Grimke (Boston. 1885).