Mrs. Sarah M. Edgerly Battels, a pioneer among women and catalyst for social action, was active in serving her local community, Ohio and the nation.
Born in Hudson, Ohio, Battels used her wealth and social status to influence people. She worked tirelessly to organize the Buckley Post of the Women’s Relief Corps (W. R. C.) and served as its first president. The W. R. C. offered aid to Civil War veterans. She also served as a trustee for the Xenia Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphans’ Home until her death in 1906.
Battels resigned her local position with the W. R. C. and became the president of the state chapter. While with that organization, Battels represented Ohio at national conventions and was well received on every level.
On Jan. 16, 1858, she was married to Benjamin F. Battels, a well-known photographer in the Akron area. A member of the First Congregational Church in Akron, Battels also belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star in Cleveland.
Women from all over the state were saddened at her death. The May 4, 1906 issue of the Akron Beacon Journal said of her “…no one ever went to her in misfortune but what some help was given.”
Photo courtesy of the Beacon Journal
–Penny Fox