Sarah Ann Haynsworth Gayle

Sarah Ann Haynsworth Gayle (, Haynsworth or Haynesworth; 1804–1835) was a 19th-century diarist of the Romantic era. Living in the American South, she kept a journal during the period of 1827 to 1835. According to the Encyclopedia of Alabama, "Her journal is unique as the only surviving account of early Alabama life written by a woman." In 2016, she was inducted into the Alabama Women's Hall of Fame.

Early life and education Sarah Ann Haynsworth was born January 18, 1804, in Sumter County, South Carolina. Her parents were Richard and Ann (Pringle) Haynsworth, the former born in Sumter District, South Carolina, removed to Mount Vernon, Alabama, later to Claiborne, Alabama, where he lived on his plantation "Sheldon" on the Alabama River in Clarke County, and where he died. She was the granddaughter of Henry and Sarah (Furman) Haynsworth; great-granddaughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Hesse) Haynsworth, the former of Virginia and English descent, the latter a native of Basel, Switzerland, and of Judge Wood and Rachel (Brodhead) Furman. Amelia's son, William C. Gorgas, became Surgeon General of the U.S. Army.

Death and legacy Sarah Ann Haynsworth Gayle died July 30, 1835, in Tuscaloosa, her death occurring as a result of lockjaw, caused by a dental operation.

Awards and honors 2016, Alabama Women's Hall of Fame