Patty Bartlett Sessions

Patty Bartlett Sessions

Patty Bartlett Sessions (February 4, 1795 – December 14, 1892) was a prominent midwife and early member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). She is best known for her extensive diaries, particularly for her detailed accounts of pioneer life and her role in the early Mormon migration to Utah. Sessions' contributions to midwifery and the history of the LDS Church have made her a significant figure in both medical and religious history.

Early Life

Patty Bartlett was born in Bethel, Maine, to David Bartlett and Susannah Merrill. Little is known about her early life before her conversion to the LDS Church. In 1812, she married David Sessions, a farmer, and they became early converts to Mormonism after meeting missionaries from the church.

Migration to Utah

In 1846, Patty Bartlett Sessions and her family joined the Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young in their westward migration to the Salt Lake Valley. During this arduous journey, Sessions served as a midwife, caring for the women and delivering babies under challenging conditions. Her diaries provide a vivid account of the pioneer experience and the establishment of the Mormon community in Utah.

Midwifery and Contributions

Sessions was a skilled midwife who had received informal training before her conversion to Mormonism. After settling in Utah, she became one of the territory's most sought-after midwives. Over her career, she is credited with delivering thousands of babies, earning her the nickname "Mother Sessions." Her diaries not only document her midwifery practices but also offer insights into the health challenges and medical practices of the time.

In addition to her work as a midwife, Sessions played a significant role in the early social and religious life of the LDS Church community in Utah. She participated in the establishment of the Relief Society, a women's organization within the church, and was involved in charitable works and community building.

Legacy

Patty Bartlett Sessions' diaries have been an invaluable resource for historians studying the American West, the Mormon migration, and women's history. Her detailed accounts provide a unique perspective on the challenges and experiences of pioneer life. Sessions is remembered not only for her contributions to midwifery and the LDS Church but also as a symbol of the pioneering spirit of the American West.

Death

Patty Bartlett Sessions passed away on December 14, 1892, in Bountiful, Utah, at the age of 97. Her legacy continues through her diaries and the generations of families she helped bring into the world.