Katharine Bowden Cunningham

(1890–1972) At just 23 years old, Katharine reforms the dormant Political Equality Club of Glens Falls in 1914, and is elected President. She is then elected Vice Leader of Warren County Suffrage under Susan M. Bain, former president and co-founder of the original PECGF. In 1915, Katherine was vice president, and served on the finance committee. Meetings were often held at the Bowden family home on Maple Street, where her mother, Margaret McEchron Bowden was also active in the cause.

Under Katharine’s leadership, the club participated in the June 1914 Suffrage Parade in Albany. “The Political Equality Club of Glens Falls had the largest delegation in line in the big suffrage procession in Albany Saturday. The local suffragettes led by Miss Catharine Bowden, president of the club, made a fine showing. More than 500 women marched in the parade, the first of its kind in the Capital district, and later a mass meeting was held in Odd Fellows’ hall, during which addresses were delivered by Mrs. [Gertrude] Brown, president of the New York Suffragette [sic] association; Miss Elsie Lincoln Vandergift, of Colorado, Mrs. [Harriet Burton] Laidlaw, George Foster Peabody, James Less Laidlaw, president of the National Men’s League; and Miss Florence Roberts. Mrs. Katherine H. Gavit presided.” Post-Star (Glens Falls, NY Warren County). June 8, 1914. P.5. Bio by Tisha Dolton.