Listen to this article
JANUARY 17—Today marks the 179th anniversary of the birth of Catherine Mumford Booth, the wife of General William Booth, and co-founder of The Salvation Army. Strong in spirit and determination—and committed to ministry to the poor and equal rights in ministry for women—she was well-matched to Booth, whom she married in 1852.
Together, they answered God’s call and Catherine carried out her vital role in furthering the work of the Army as an equal partner with William. She bore eight children: Bramwell, Ballington, Kate, Emma, Herbert, Marie, Evangeline, and Lucy. Two—Bramwell and Evangeline—became Generals of The Salvation Army.
She died at age 61 on October 4, 1890.
