Search this site

Hannah Francisco Babbitt (1850–1931) Hannah was born in Canada. Her husband was a minister at the Gorham Presbyterian Church and Hannah was active in church affairs until her death. Hannah, along with her daughter and daughter in law, were members of the Ontario County League of Women Voters in 1919. If you know more about her, you can help us tell her story. Please use our Add a Suffragist form to submit your information. Gorham Cemetery ​ Route 245, Gorham, NY 14561 Ontario County Learn More

Lucretia A. Freeman (1866–1946) Lucretia was consistently involved in civic and community affairs, primarily supporting black women. In 1913 she was a delegate to the Empire State Federation of Women's Clubs. 1921 found her as the director of the Red Cross Women's Auxiliary for Harlem Hospital, a hospital she had been employed by. A few years later, she was named a deaconess of her church, Nazarene Congregationalist. In 1931, she was elected vice president of the Northeast Federation of Women's Clubs. Ten years later, she represented the Brooklyn's Mother's Club at the annual convention of the New York Federation of Colored Women's Club. Examples of their work include caring for Harriet Tubman until the time of her death in 1913. This group corresponded with presidents Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Harry Truman on civil rights topics such as unequal treatment of black Americans in the Armed Forces and housing discrimination. Lucretia did her part to have her community be a place where children could thrive. Saint Michael's Cemetery Section 13, Plot 20, Grave 11 7202 Astoria Boulevard, East Elmhurst, NY 11370 Queens County Learn More

Harriett Newell Austin, MD (1829–1891) Harriett graduated from Mary Gove Nichols American Hydropathic Institute in 1851. Because mainstream medical schools did not admit women, she and the other women physicians of the era had to seek training at such irregular institutions. Harriett and her contemporaries saw the water cure as the basis for a larger reform movement. They were attempting to expand the role of women in society and improve their status in the public sphere by bolstering their health, through hygienic regimens and reformed modes of dress that minimized restriction of movement for women. At Our Home, female patients wore an American costume that Austin designed: a tunic or shortened dress, with hem landing at the knee, worn over loose pants. It was called American costume as a rhetorical contrast with the fashionable, restrictive French costume that the dress reform movement sought to eradicate. The garments were designed to minimize restrictions on women's movement and promote health and hygiene. Green Mountain Cemetery Jackson lot 10071 Greenmount Avenue, Dansville, NY 14437 Livingston County Learn More

Martha Matilda Harper (1857–1950) Martha was born in Canada and immigrated to the US as a domestic servant. Though not well educated and without wealth, Martha became a successful entrepreneur and created the first business franchise system in the United States. With a "secret" hair tonic recipe she most likely obtained from her late Canadian employer, a doctor and herbalist, Martha opened the Harper Method Shop in the Powers Building in downtown Rochester. Susan B. Anthony was a customer of Harper's. Susan B. Anthony was known to praise Martha as an example of women's success in business. Martha offered her beauty shop model to help poor women rise up and become entrepreneurs. In time, there were 350 sites worldwide, including hair dressing schools, laboratories, factories for hair products and make up, as well as hair salons. Both Calvin Coolidge and Woodrow Wilson were customers. In the 1920s, Martha married James McBain and joined in a partnership with him. Martha retained the name of her business and her position as president. In the 1940s, Martha was a generous donor to the Susan B. Anthony House project. Riverside Cemetery ​ 2650 Lake Avenue, Rochester, NY 14612 Monroe County Learn More

Catherine (Kate) Swift Thompson (1842–1925) Catherine ("Kate") was inspired by Lillie D. Blake calling on women to organize for the suffrage cause. Kate served as the first secretary of the Chautauqua County Political Equity Club; the first such organization in New York State. She went on to serve as the treasurer of the New York State Suffrage Association from 1895-1897. Kate’s husband Norman R Thompson was an educator, school superintendent and held office in Jamestown. By 1900, the couple became residents of Albany where he held a government job. Kate does not have an occupation noted but it is easy to imagine she would be active in this cause during this time. Lake View Cemetery ​ 907 Lakeview Ave, Jamestown, NY 14701 Chautauqua County Learn More

Sarah Read Adamson Dolley, MD (1829–1909) Dr. Sarah was a woman of rare distinction. In 1847, one year prior to the first Woman’s Rights convention in Seneca Falls, she was already breaking gender barriers. In that year, she began her studies for a medical degree at Central Medical College in Syracuse, NY. She became the second woman in America to become a doctor and the first woman to complete a hospital internship. After graduation, she became Rochester’s first female physician. It was there that she became friends with Susan B. Anthony. When Susan voted illegally in the 1872 federal election, Sarah and 13 other women voted illegally alongside her. In 1881, Dr. Sarah was president of the “Ignorance Club," a group of prominent women who met to learn about issues of interest to them. More than just a social club, these women intended to learn about and agitate for social reform on important matters. They advocated for inclusion of women on the boards of Rochester’s schools and the Western New York House of Refuge. They also sought the appointment of a woman as matron for the Rochester City Jail. These reforms were enacted due to their efforts. In 1893, Dr. Sarah became a founding member of the Women’s Educational and Industrial Union, an organization whose mission was to address women’s unique needs for better working conditions in factories, job training, education, nutritional support, and legal advocacy. That organization is still active today and is known as the Rochester Legal Aid Society. Mount Hope Cemetery Section I, Lot 107 1133 Mount Hope Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620 Monroe County Learn More

Beulah Bailey Thull (1891–1975) Beulah campaigned for women's suffrage and later was a member of the Democratic State Committee. She was a founding member of the League of Women Voters of New York State, and was the first President of the League of Women Voters of Rensselaer County. Oakwood Cemetery Section U1 50 101st Street, Troy, NY 12182 Rensselaer County Learn More

Minnie G. Brown (1872–1956) During her time as the lead soprano soloist at St. Mark's M.E. church, Minnie was dubbed the "human mockingbird." The Empire State Federation (Suffragist) Member sang "By The Waters of Babylon" to eulogize the death of Harriet Tubman. Minnie founded the Musical School Settlement for Colored Children in Harlem and helped organize black musicians, serving as the president of the local musicians' branch of the National Association of Negro Musicians. Maple Grove New Cemetery (also known as New Maple Grove Cemetery) ​ 210 Main Street, Hoosick Falls, NY 12090 Rensselaer County Learn More

Emeline Smith Hicks (1816–1903) As a member of the Rensselaer County Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, Emeline Hicks took on several leadership roles and served as president of her local Lansingburgh union. Her temperance work connected her to the suffrage movement with many activists devoted to both issues, and Emeline is listed as president of the New York Woman Suffrage Association’s Lansingburgh club in a report dated 1894. In 1896, as a widow in her 80s, Emeline lacked the resources to make a monetary contribution, so she chose to sew a quilt and donate it to the association. She requested that the quilt be given directly to Susan B. Anthony to help raise money for the cause. In the letter that accompanied the quilt, Emeline wrote: “I hope that showers of blessings may rest upon the quilt in its meanderings to and fro, and that it bless you with a handsome sum for helping lift the burden from the State Suffrage association. When its meanderings are over, and it is nestled quietly in its own home, I would like to know the result.” June 13, 1903 Th[e] Matron of the Home for the Friendless, Lansingburg, N.Y. Dear Friend,– I had a letter addressed to Mrs. Emeline S. Hicks returned to me today saying she was dead. I send it to you that you may see that I always thought a great deal of her. She was faithful to the cause of Woman Suffrage. She frequently wrote me letters, and a few years ago made a quilt that was struck off for $60 or $70, to help the cause. If you would write a word with regard to her I would be greatly obliged to you. Sincerely Yours, Susan B. Anthony Oakwood Cemetery Section F, Lot 142, Grave 2 50 101st Street, Troy, NY, 12182 Rensselaer County Learn More

Clara Loew Neymann (1840–1931) Clara was a prominent member of the German reform community in the United States. She spoke at the first convention of the Deutscher Frauenstimmrechtsverein in New York in 1872, which had been established with the help of her sister-in-law, Mathilde Neymann Wendt. In 1882, Clara was a speaker at the Suffrage Convention for New York State Women. That same year, she traveled with Susan B. Anthony to Nebraska to support the Nebraska Woman Suffrage Society's campaign. Clara aided in uniting large numbers of new immigrants who could be reached in the German language. While the German-American women's rights movement operated parallel and, at times, in opposition to the larger US movement, Clara frequently served as a messenger between the groups. Green-Wood Cemetery Lot 24565, Section 202 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232 Kings County Learn More

Maud Malone (1873–1951) Maud was an ardent believer in equal rights and is best known for her aggressive campaign tactics. In 1905, she organized the Harlem Equal Rights League. She believed in interrupting speakers by yelling “what about votes for women?” At one point, Maud was arrested and spent a night in jail for heckling President Woodrow Wilson during one of his speeches. She also advocated for provocative street corner speeches, which others rejected as inappropriate. Maud was a member of the Progressive Woman Suffrage Union, but resigned over their unwillingness to embrace members from all races, colors, or creeds. Maud Malone worked for the New York Public Library and was a founding member and spokesperson of the Library Employees' Union. Her ongoing advocacy for “equal pay for equal work” irritated the public library management, so they dismissed her from her job. Later in life she worked as librarian for the newspaper The Daily Worker. Calvary Cemetery ​ 49-02 Laurel Hill Boulevard, Woodside, NY 11377-7396 Queens County Learn More

Edith Wheeler Johnson (1878–1956) Little is documented about Edith's suffrage activities beyond being involved in the Bristol Woman's Club, where she was one of the speakers who spoke on the topic of suffrage. If you know more about her, you can help us tell her story. Please use our Add a Suffragist form to submit your information. Evergreen Cemetery AKA Baptist Hill Cemetery ​ 3812 Co Road 2, Bloomfield, NY 14469 Ontario County Learn More

Catherine Mary Douge Hicks Williams (1832-1884) Catherine Mary was born in Albany, NY to activist parents, Susan and Michael Douge, who were dedicated to improving the status for the African Americans in their community. Catherine, also referred to as Mary, followed their example. After completing her education, she taught at the Wilburforce School for African American children. At a young age Mary lost her husband (Henry Hicks) and first child to illnesses. She herself contracted tuberculosis but continued to serve others. After the Civil War she spent several years teaching formerly enslaved adults and children in Virginia and South Carolina. Returning to Albany, Mary, now remarried to Andrew Williams, became involved in the suffrage movement. When NY passed the School Suffrage Law in 1880, she and her mother worked to have women of color register to vote. They proudly voted in the school commissioner election in April of that year. Mary was elected Vice President of the Albany Woman Suffrage Society. It was one of the few organizations that did not separate women of color from white. Mary addressed the statewide Woman Suffrage Convention in October, 1881. Her contributions to equality and social justice were noted in her obituary. Mary is included (under the name C. Mary Williams) in the 1998 book "Refusing Ignorance; The Struggle to Educate Black Children in Albany, New York 1816-1873" by Marian I. Hughes. Albany Rural Cemetery Sec. 99 Lot 3 123-125 Menand Road, Menands, NY 12211 Albany County Learn More

Martha Tiffany Henderson (1839–1903) Few records exist of Martha's contribution to suffrage, though she served in various leadership positions including Vice-President-at-Large at the 1891 Convention in Auburn, NY and was a program organizer at the Chicago Columbian Exhibition 1893 Women's Pavilion. If you know more about her, you can help us tell her story. Please use our Add a Suffragist form to submit your information. Lake View Cemetery Section FOA, Lot 20, Row WT, Grave 2NE 907 Lakeview Avenue, Jamestown, NY 14701 Chautauqua County Learn More

Caroline (Carrie) Gilkey Rogers (1837–1899) Caroline often hosted suffrage meetings at her home, including prominent suffragists like Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Mary Seymour Howell, and others. Her home was nicknamed the “Equal Rights Hotel” because of the warm and generous hospitality of Caroline and her husband. Mrs. Rogers was a good orator and was an active member of the women's suffrage movement in the 19th century. She often participated in debates on women's suffrage and was very critical of the fact that ignorant and illiterate men were making laws for women. Caroline became the Corresponding Secretary of the Political Equality Club of Albany and worked tirelessly for the political freedom of women. She attended and addressed state and national suffrage conventions. In 1885 Caroline visited the polling place in the fourth election district of Lansingburg and attempted to vote by making Constitutional arguments to the polling inspectors as to why they should accept her vote. Though her name had been previously registered, Caroline's vote was refused. *courtesy alexanderstreet.com Oakwood Cemetery Section D, Lot 211, Grave 12 50 101st Street, Troy, NY 12180 Rensselaer County Learn More

Marion I. (Dot) Parkhurst (1885–1975) Born in Plattsburgh, NY, Marian Inman Parkhurst, always known as “Dot,” appears in the Clinton County Suffrage History in early 1914 as corresponding secretary of the Clinton County Equal Suffrage Club. Her role in the movement was, among other things, to provide articles for the Plattsburgh Daily Press. These articles attacked the anti-suffragists and drew attention to the writings of the famous Alice Duer Miller and included Miller’s piece on "Why women should not travel on trains." In October of the 1915, Dot marched as a star in the “living flag” during the suffragist parade in New York City. In December of 1915, she and longtime County suffrage supporter Helen Boomhower attended the annual convention of the New York State Women’s Suffrage Association. Dot went on to become the first female head of the Balance of Supply Division for the War Department in Washington. In 1918 she was involved with the Women’s Division of the Republican National Committee. In 1920 she toured abroad studying economic conditions of women and returned to become a Washington lobbyist for the Bill for Education and Child Labor. In 1924 she was President of the New York State Women’s Federated Clubs, Congressional secretary for the National Committee for a Department of Education, and Congressional secretary for the League of Women Voters. An admirer of Carrie Chapman Catt, Dot was known to quote one of Catt’s favorite slogans, “And I wouldn’t subscribe to that." Later Dot’s niece Bea remembered that shortly after World War I, she and Aunt Dot attended a Thanksgiving dinner at Catt’s New Rochelle home where many of the leading feminists were present. Catt later came to Plattsburgh to appoint her Marian ("Dot") as President of the Clinton County League of Women Voters. Riverside Cemetery ​ 30 Steltzer Road, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 Clinton County Learn More

Anna Babbitt Sidman (1877–1956) Anna was an educator and an active member of the Gorham Presbyterian Church. Along with her mother, Hannah and sister-in-law, Maud, she became involved in local and county efforts to support women. Anna was a member of the Ontario County Political Equity Club. This organization of men and women discussed local issues as well as women's rights. From 1919-1920, Anna is listed as a member of the Ontario County League of Women Voters. If you know more about her, you can help us tell her story. Please use our Add a Suffragist form to submit your information. Gorham Cemetery ​ Route 245, Gorham, NY 14561 Ontario County Learn More

Harriet Pratt (1853–1938) Harriet was an educator and active in civic affairs in Manchester and the surrounding area. She was a member of the Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist Church, and a lead member of the Shortsville Political Equity Club (established in 1915). They hosted the well-attended Ontario County Political Association Convention. While her exact contributions were not documented, it appears that Harriet dedicated herself to suffrage and serving her community. If you know more about her, you can help us tell her story. Please use our Add a Suffragist form to submit your information. Manchester Village Cemetery ​ 64 South Main Street, Manchester, NY 14504 Ontario County Learn More

Eliza Miller McDonald (1845–1937) Described as a community activist and philanthropist, Eliza helped organize the Flushing Equal Franchise Association in 1909 and served as its president in 1913. By 1915 she was involved with the New York Woman Suffrage Party but left the Queens County division of the organization to form a separate Queens-based group, the Woman's Suffrage Central Campaign Committee; they also elected her its president. By 1916, the two groups had been reunited, the president of the other rival Queens organization had been voted out, and Eliza was elected to serve as the Vice President of the united Queens Borough branch. One of the most noteworthy successes of this branch that year was its “Better Baby Campaign” which recruited 4 volunteer nurses and 7 physicians and gathered over 300 children across Queens who did not otherwise have access to health care to receive free vaccinations and physicals. In 1917 she returned to serve as the branch's director. Also in 1917, Eliza worked as a member of the War Service Committee of the Woman Suffrage Party of New York City. After the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment, the Women's Civic Club presented her with an engraved silver gavel, “To our beloved pioneer, Eliza MacDonald, Suffrage Victory 1920.” *courtesy of alexanderstreet.com Flushing Cemetery ​ 163-6 46th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11358 Queens County Learn More

Roxana Bradley Burrows (1853–1922) Roxana assumed the presidency of the Lucy Stone Club and in 1904 was elected vice president of the Allegany County Political Equality Club, a county-wide organization devoted to the passage of woman suffrage and affiliated with the New York State Woman Suffrage Association (NYSWSA). In 1907 Roxana was elected president of the Political Equality Club and would lead the county suffrage organization until the passage of the suffrage amendment in 1917. She served as recording secretary and Chair of the Legislative Committee for NYSWSA in 1910 and 1911. Roxana became the Assembly District Leader covering all of Allegany County when the Political Equality Club reorganized into the Allegany County Woman Suffrage Party (ACWSP) before the 1915 state-wide woman suffrage referendum. In June 1917, she announced at the annual ACWSP convention that there was a chairman in each election district and an enrollment of 5,000 women in force of suffrage in the county, an impressive number given that there were a little over 40,000 inhabitants in the county at the time. Roxana was a member of the Andover Baptist Church, the Andover Hawthorne Club and active in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. She also served on the Allegany County Republican General Committee from 1920 until her death. *courtesy alexanderstreet.com Valley Brook Cemetery ​ NY-RT 417, Andover, NY 14806 Allegany County Learn More