Blanche Culbertson French

(1870–1924) Blanche is best known for marrying a man against her father’s wishes even when she would be cut out of his considerable inheritance. Such an action was scandalous at the time and widely reported in the newspapers. Most women would have accepted the tenets of the will, but Blanche sued for her right to the inheritance and won a compromise settlement. Her fight for personal rights led to her advocacy for women’s rights.

Blanche was President of the Equal Franchise League of New Rochelle, New York. Equal Franchise Societies were being formed in cities and states throughout the country. These societies were led by wealthy women who planned to use their influence and means to support women’s suffrage.

She was also a member of the National Woman’s Suffrage Association. She attended the 1912 Westchester Women’s Suffrage Association and read a report from The Equal Franchise League of New Rochelle, New York.