Sara Galbraith Beemer

Who was Sara Galbraith Beemer?

Sara Galbraith Beemer was a philanthropist from Upper Canada.

Sara Beemer was educated in Hamilton and married John Calder, a prominent businessman. His social position was her entry into the various organizations and philanthropies which would occupy her life outside the home.

She was a granddaughter of James Gage whose farm, which he owned with his uncle, was the site of the Battle of Stoney Creek during the War of 1812. The work that she put into raising a lasting monument at this site was her most well known endeavour. Her numerous charities and causes exemplified the changing role of women in an evolving urban society.

Sara Calder would not have been considered a feminist. She did, however, show a strength of character that won her important male allies. Men such as John Morison Gibson and John Strathearn Hendrie helped her achieve some of her important goals.