Sarah Hallam Worthen was the daughter of William and Esther Holland Hallam. She was born September 14, 1825, in Stockport, Cheshire, England. She, with her parents, joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in England in 1841, and emigrated to America, February 5, 1842.
She heard the Prophet Joseph Smith preach his last sermon, saw him as he left for Carthage jail, and saw him when he was brought back after being martyred. She was married to Samuel Worthen in Nauvoo, Illinois, in 1844. She and Samuel received their endowments in the Nauvoo temple on February 6, 1846, one of the last days the Nauvoo temple was able to be used before the saints were driven out of Nauvoo.
Her oldest son, Joseph Smith, was born in Nauvoo, October 2, 1845, and her father, William Hallam, died in Nauvoo from cold and exposure while on guard at the time of the troubles of the Prophet Joseph.
They arrived in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1847. There Sarah's mother, Esther Holland, died. Two children, William H. and Sarah Jane were born in St. Louis, on December 24, 1847 and November 14, 1849 respectively. Their journey was then continued across the plains.
After many trials and hardships they arrived in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1850 and built a home. They also owned a farm in Centerville and were comfortable financially. While her husband worked in the Gilbert and Parish stores, Sarah was laundress for the store, and she also sewed sacks for the store as well.
Six more children were born in Salt Lake City:
Samuel H, December 24, 1851
Mary Ann, November 11, 1853
Charles R. November 30, 1855
Esther Louise, January 14, 1858
George W. January 10, 1860
Hyrum S. October 11, 1862.
Her surroundings were pleasurable, and she had many friends. After journeying so long she felt she was permanently settled, but in 1862, they were called as pioneers to the Dixie Mission. After disposing of their property and home at a sacrifice, they came to Dixie, arriving in St. George in 1862. A home was again made. Three children were born in St. George:
Alice, December 11, 1864
Heber, October 16, 1866
Harriet, November 17, 1869
Sarah was counselor in the Relief Society for many years, and was public spirited. At the opening of the St. George Temple in 1877, she was called as a worker which she remained until her death on August 19, 1897.
Her aim in life was to rear her family true Latter-day Saints doing all she could to relieve the suffering of others. She always felt that example was better than precept and led a life worthy of imitation. She was the mother of 12 children. Her daughter, Sarah Jane, died at the age of eleven; her son, Hyrum died when he was one; and her son Heber was stillborn.
The Worthen family was quite musically inclined. The father Samuel Worthen played the drums in the band, and his son George carried this on. Joseph Smith Worthen was noted for his violin playing.