Following in the footsteps of the Spaldings, Presbyterian missionary sisters Sue (1830-1893) and Kate McBeth (1832-1915) arrived at Lapwai in 1873 and 1879 respectively to work among the Nez Perce. Sue McBeth, the first unaccompanied female missionary in Idaho Territory, established a successful theological seminary for Nez Perce men. She was proficient in the Nez Perce language and collected and organized a Nez Perce/English dictionary. Her sister, Kate McBeth, educated Nez Perce women and directed the Sabbath School and First Women’s Missionary Society.
Kate McBeth (back row, second from right) with the first Women’s Missionary Society in Lapwai, January 8, 1891. [Image ID: 744]
First page from a diary written by Sue McBeth, April 11, 1860, while a missionary to the Choctaws. Read the full diary on Pearl.
Detail of a Nez Perce beaded bag which belonged to Sue McBeth. Click for full image.
Detail of a Nez Perce beaded bag which belonged to Sue McBeth. Click for full image.
Sewing box and needle which belonged to Sue McBeth. Click for full image.