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- Anna Mowry Holmes
Anna Mowry Holmes (1809–1875) Anna and her husband, Henry Holmes, were abolitionists who allowed their house in Washington County, NY to be used as part of the route along the Underground Railroad. She was elected to the Advisory Counsel for the Fourth Judicial District from Greenwich, NY, serving alongside Susan B. Anthony. If you know more about her, you can help us tell her story. Please use our Add a Suffragist form to submit your information. Greenwich Cemetery Plot D104 16 County Road 52, Greenwich, NY 12834 Washington County Learn More
- Oreola Williams Haskell
Oreola Williams Haskell (1875–1953) Oreola was an American activist for suffrage, author, and poet in the early twentieth century. Devoted to the suffrage cause, she worked alongside famous suffragists such as Carrie Chapman Catt and Mary Garrett Hay. Ida Husted Harper, who wrote the introduction to Banner Bearers, commended Oreola for her modesty and lack of interest in the limelight, which was very much in line with the self-sacrificing attitude that Haskell attributed to suffragists in her works. Her quiet, efficient, hardworking attitude was also noted in an interview she had with the Brooklyn Daily Eagle in 1915, as a prime example of the faceless army of diligent suffragists who worked behind the scenes. Alongside her suffrage activism and high society work (predominantly philanthropy), Oreola was an auditor and recording secretary of the New York Federation for Women's Clubs. Though her contributions to the suffrage movement in New York have not garnered much attention from historians, her plethora of appearances in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle newspaper suggest that she was a well-known and respected figure of the time. Green-Wood Cemetery Lot 8862 Section 33 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232 Kings County Learn More
- Susan Hunt Dixwell Miller
Susan Hunt Dixwell Miller (1845–1924) Susan began her activism as a founding member of the Banks Brigade when she was still a teenager. Founded in 1861, the Banks Brigade was a group of daughters from elite Cambridge and Boston families who met weekly to sew clothing and bandages for Union soldiers. After the Civil War, the group continued their social and charitable activities renaming the club The Bee. In 1867, Susan Dixwell married Gerrit Smith Miller, grandson of abolitionist Gerrit Smith, first cousin to Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Susan, through her social activism, was an active participant of the women's suffrage movement. Peterboro Cemetery Peterboro Road, Peterboro, NY 13134 Madison County Learn More
- Edmonia Goodelle Highgate
Edmonia Goodelle Highgate (1844–1870) Edmonia died young, at 26. She did a lot in her young life with the American Abolition Society and spoke at conventions headed by Frederick Douglass. Upon introducing her Douglass was "alarmed by reactions of men in the Syracuse streets" but "urged the convention to follow the thoughts of Miss Highgate declaring that what they were doing "gives offense to none but the sordid haters of our race". Edmonia was in the first class at Syracuse High School and graduated with honors as the only African American in 1861. If you know more about Edmonia Goodelle Highgate you can help us tell her story. Please use our Add a Suffragist form to submit your information. Oakwood Cemetery Section 6, Lot 89 Comstock Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210 Onondaga County Learn More
- Henry Rogers Selden
Henry Rogers Selden (1805–1885) Henry is best known as the lawyer who defended Susan B Anthony after she voted in the election of 1872. Born in Connecticut, Henry moved to Rochester where he studied law, set up a private practice, and became a community advocate. He served as a trustee to the Industrial School, established to support homeless children. Along with Hiram Sibley and others, he participated in establishing a company that became Western Union. Henry served as the Reporter for the New York State Court of Appeals, and was later appointed an Associate Judge to this court. He also ran for elected positions serving in the New York State Legislature and as Lt Governor. Henry Selden advised Susan B. Anthony to vote after examining her extensive research on the topic. He paid her bail when she was arrested. At Susan B. Anthony's trial in June, 1873, Henry argued his case before a pre-ordained judge and jury. The outcome is well known. Mount Hope Cemetery Section C, Lot 108 1133 Mount Hope Ave, Rochester, NY 14620 Monroe County Learn More
- Amanda Sanford Hickey, MD
Amanda Sanford Hickey, MD (1838–1894) Amanda is one of the female physicians listed in the History of Woman Suffrage. A prominent physician in Auburn, NY, she helped form the Auburn Political Equality Club. Amanda also organized the Cayuga County Political Equality Club, whose members consorted with the likes of outspoken suffragists such as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Amelia Bloomer. Amanda's obituary declared her, “an ardent believer and earnest worker in the cause of universal suffrage.” Her dedication to the advancements of women’s health and her advocacy for equality were important and will continue to inspire those headed down the same path. Evergreen Cemetery Union Springs, Cayuga, NY 13160 Cayuga County Learn More
- Emma J. Skiff Becker
Emma J. Skiff Becker (1859–1937) Emma was a proud member of the Easton Political Equality Club, the first suffrage club in Washington County. From 1891 to 1917 the Easton Political Equality Club had a mission- to prove to people that women, as citizens of the United States of America, deserved the right to vote. Like the "good wives" they were, Lucy Allen, Chloe Sisson, Emma J. Skiff Becker and the ladies of the Easton PEC used their influence as wives & mothers, neighbors & friends, to convince many men in the area to vote in favor of female suffrage. This tireless effort culminated on November 6, 1917 when male voters all across New York approved the measure guaranteeing the right to vote to citizens of the state regardless of sex. The measure passed statewide by about 80,000 votes, in Washington County by 188 votes & in Easton by 18 votes. It would be another 3 years before the 19th Amendment would be ratified. The women of the Easton PEC continued to serve their communities through the library, the grange, the school board, and a book club. Emma was superintendent of press work for the EPEC for a number of years. Woodlands Cemetery Possibly Sec F 75-77 7 Cemetery Avenue, Cambridge, NY 12816 Washington County Learn More
- Rachel Schenck Martin
Rachel Schenck Martin (1844—1937) Rachel served as the Vice President of the New York Chapter of Women Suffragists, as established at an 1869 Convention in Saratoga. Evergreen Cemetery Possibly Jackson Lot 296 Martin Road, Fonda, NY 12068 Montgomery County Learn More
- Betty Friedan
Betty Friedan (1921–2006) Dubbed the “mother” of the modern women’s movement, Betty Friedan was an American feminist writer, activist, and complicated force to be reckoned with. A leading figure in the women’s movement in the United States, she spent five years conducting interviews with women across the country, charting white, middle-class women’s metamorphosis from the independent, career-minded New Woman of the 1920s and 1930s to the housewives of the postwar era who were expected to find total fulfillment as wives and mothers. Published in 1963, The Feminine Mystique hit a nerve, becoming an instant best-seller that continues to be regarded as one of the most influential nonfiction books of the 20th century, often credited with sparking the “second wave “of American feminism. In 1966, Friedan co-founded and was elected the first president of the National Organization for Women (NOW), which aimed to bring women into the mainstream of American society now [in] fully equal partnership with men. In 1970, after stepping down as NOW's first president, Friedan organized the nationwide Women’s Strike for Equality on August 26, the 50th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution granting women the right to vote. The national strike was successful beyond expectations in broadening the feminist movement; the march led by Friedan in New York City alone attracted over 50,000 people. In 1971, Friedan joined other leading feminists to establish the National Women’s Political Caucus. Friedan was also a strong supporter of the proposed Equal Rights Amendment to the United States Constitution that passed the United States House of Representatives (by a vote of 35 - 24) and Senate (84 - 8) following intense pressure by women’s groups led by NOW in the early 1970s. Following Congressional passage of the amendment, Friedan advocated for ratification of the amendment in the states and supported other women’s rights reforms. As more diverse voices emerged within the women’s movement, Friedan not only struggled to retain her leadership but was criticized by other feminists for focusing on issues facing primarily white, middle-class, educated, heterosexual women. Radical feminists also blasted Friedan for referring to lesbian women in the movement as the “lavender menace,” and for Friedan’s willingness to cooperate with men. Ever politically expedient, Friedan believed the only hope for change was by retaining the movement’s mainstream ties and veneer. This alienated her from younger, radical, and visionary feminists who were increasingly becoming the vanguard of the movement. Friedan nonetheless remained a visible, ardent, and important advocate for women’s rights. Sag Harbor Jewish Cemetery (AKA Independent Jewish Cemetery) NY-114, Sag Harbor, NY 11963 Suffolk County Learn More
- Sarah Lamb Cushing, MD
Sarah Lamb Cushing, MD (1818–1919) Dr. Sarah was the first woman doctor in Western New York. She voted at a school meeting of the first district of Lockport, NY, following the passage of the bill to prevent disfranchisement in 1885. Dr. Sarah also endowed the Cushing Fund on Dec. 31, 1910, providing Lockport City Hospital with the income "for the benefit of poor and deserving women, young and old, who are residents of Niagara County who shall be in need of hospital care." Cold Springs Cemetery Section K. Lot 19 4849 Cold Springs Road, Lockport, NY 14094 Niagara County Learn More
- Mary Otis Gay Wilcox
Mary Otis Gay Wilcox (1861–1933) Mary was Borough Chairman for Staten Island (then referred to as Richmond) of the City Party led by Carrie Chapman Catt in 1915, when the suffrage amendment appeared on the New York State ballot. As part of that campaign, according to a 1915 New York Tribune article, she and Mrs. James Lees Laidlaw led a feminine column of representatives from New York City, through Binghamton, to Rochester for the final Suffrage Party convention before the 1915 ballot initiative. The City Party organized mass meetings, canvassed homes and businesses, and attempted to reach nearly 600,000 voters, ultimately enrolling 60,000 new members to the Party. Mary lectured broadly on women's suffrage, for example, the New York Age reports to an African Methodist Episcopal congregation in Bayonne, NJ. By 1919 Mary became active in the League of Women Voters, the independent, non-partisan group aimed at enhancing women's political power, educating voters, and constraining partisan corruption. She chaired the League's Richmond chapter. *courtesy alexanderstreet.com Moravian Cemetery 2205 Richmond Road, New Dorp, NY 10306 Richmond County Learn More
- Lucy Maynard Salmon
Lucy Maynard Salmon (1853–1927) An American historian, Lucy taught at Vassar College from 1889-1927. She studied at Bryn Mawr under the future President Woodrow Wilson. At Vassar College she established the History department. Lucy taught her students to use critical thinking instead of rote memorization. She served on the National College Equal Suffrage League and on the Executive Advisory Council of the Congressional Union for Woman Suffrage. Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery Section H, Lot 36 342 South Avenue, Poughkeepsie , NY 12602-0977 Dutchess County Learn More
- Mariane Willets Wright Chapman
Mariane Willets Wright Chapman (1843–1907) In 1884, Mariane attended her first women's suffrage convention held by the Woman Suffrage Association of Brooklyn. At the time, Lucy Stone was president. Shortly after, Mariane became a member of the association and went on to become president herself. Later, from 1897 to 1902, Mariane was president of the New York State Woman's Suffrage Association. Throughout her time leading these organizations, Mariane was frequently in contact with other well-known activists such as Susan B. Anthony and Carrie Chapman Catt. Westbury Friends Cemetery 550 Post Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 Nassau County Learn More
- Clemence Sophia Harned Lozier, MD
Clemence Sophia Harned Lozier, MD (1813–1888) As New York State barred women as physicians in hospitals, in 1863 Dr. Clemence Lozier founded a medical school exclusively for female students, the New York Medical College and Hospital for Women, which was staffed and supervised by the College’s male faculty. In 1860, prior to opening the school, Dr. Clemence began a series of lectures from her home on anatomy, physiology, and hygiene as these topics were regularly neglected in women’s education. Seeing high demand for the lectures and tired of seeing qualified women get turned away from medical school, Dr. Clemence, with the help of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, was able to persuade the New York State legislature to grant her a charter for a women’s medical college. In 1863, the New York Medical College for Women opened with seven female students in the inaugural class, and a faculty of eight doctors, four men and four women. Over the next twenty-five years, the school grew and placed more than 200 female graduates in medical practice throughout the U.S. and abroad. The school’s hospital was the first place in New York where doctors of their own gender could treat women, and its clinic attracted up to 2,000 female patients each year. Dr. Clemence was President of New York Woman’s Suffrage Society from 1873-1886, and very active in other suffrage organizations. She gave the commencement address at the medical school’s 25th graduation ceremony in 1888 and passed away two days later at the age of 74. Green-Wood Cemetery Section 152, Lot 19173 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232 Kings County Learn More
- Stella Phelps Bell
Stella Phelps Bell (1870–1925) Stella was an active member of the Political Equality Club of Glens Falls. She was appointed to the club’s finance committee in 1914. If you know more about her, you can help us tell her story. Please use our Add a Suffragist form to submit your information. Glens Falls Cemetery 38 Ogden Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801 Warren County Learn More
- Guelma Penn Anthony McLean
Guelma Penn Anthony McLean Although there is no record that she participated in the women's rights movement or other social reforms, Guelma was in complete sympathy with Susan's activism. In November, 1872, though very ill, she left her sickbed and walked with her sisters Susan, Hannah Anthony Mosher, and Mary Anthony to the voter registration site to register to vote. Four days later, she again walked to the polls to cast her ballot. At the conclusion of Susan's trial for voting, the United States v. Susan B. Anthony, Susan spent the rest of that summer and fall of 1873 at Guelma's bedside, taking complete charge of her nursing care. By all accounts, she was a superb nurse and was determined to make her beloved sister's final days as comfortable as possible. Mount Hope Cemetery Section C, Plot 93 1133 Mount Hope Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620 Monroe County Learn More
- Lula May Loomis
Lula May Loomis (1883–1948) Lula May was born in Port Leyden, where she lived her entire life. There she married J. Clark Loomis in 1905, and continued to be active in several community organizations. She was a member of the Port Leyden Woman’s Suffrage Club, often hosting meetings in her home. In 1915, the club proposed starting a “melting pot” for the suffrage cause, encouraging members to donate odd pieces of gold, silver, or other metals. If you know more about Lula May, you can help us tell her story. Please use our Add a Suffragist form to submit your information. Port Leyden Cemetery Pearl Street, Port Leyden, NY 13433 Lewis County Learn More
- Gussie Mable (Narcissa) Cox Vanderlip
Gussie Mable (Narcissa) Cox Vanderlip (1880–1966) Gussie was a leading New York suffragist and a co-founder of the New York State League of Women Voters. She was Chairman of the 24 and 25 Congressional Districts of the New York State League of Women Voters in 1918-1919. In 1919, Gussie was elected as State Chairman of the NYS League of Women Voters. She also recruited Eleanor Roosevelt to join the League of Women Voters board of directors, having previously worked with her on wartime relief projects; they were friends. Gussie helped found the Scarborough School, the the first Montessori school in the U.S., with her husband, Frank Arthur Vanderlip. During World War I, Gussie served as Chairman of the War Service Committee of the NYS Woman Suffrage Party. Sleepy Hollow Cemetery Lot 3413, Section 65 Lebanon 540 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591 Westchester County Learn More
- Lucy Burns
Lucy Burns (1879–1966) Lucy was raised in Brooklyn, New York to parents who were in unconventionally in favor of educating all of their children, including their daughters so Lucy received the best possible schooling, graduating from Vassar in 1902 and attending Yale graduate school. From 1906-08, Lucy studied in Germany, returning to teach in the Brooklyn Public School system. Three years later she went to England to resume study at Oxford University and became involved with the militant activism for the women’s suffrage movement that was gaining popularity in Europe. Her dedication was such that she was given an award from the Parkhurst’s Women’s Social and Political union. While in England, Lucy met with fellow American and suffragist Alice Paul and they both returned to the United States together to fight for the women’s right to vote in America. In 1912 the women began their battle by actively organizing protests and speaking out to the press about the right for women to vote. In 1913 they formed the Congressional Union for Woman Suffrage, which organized a 5,000-woman march in Washington on the inaugural day of President Woodrow Wilson. By 1915 the women had branched off and formed their own group - the National Women’s Party - and continued the fight for the vote. Burns spent time in various courthouses and jails during her career, but her most famous stint was that which occurred after picketing the White House in 1917 that got her and her party members (including Paul) locked up in the Occoquan Workhouse. Paul and Stone organized a 19-day hunger strike. Both women endured beatings and force feedings but stayed the course and served their sentence. With six arrests and numerous detainments, Lucy Burns spent more time in jail for the women’s suffrage than any other woman at the time. Alice Paul spoke of her tireless dedication by describing her friend as “a thousand times more valiant than I." Lucy was considered the literary power behind the group and edited the “Suffragette” newspaper and along with Paul made speeches that forced even those who opposed them to listen. In her book “Jailed for Freedom” a biography of the movement for women’s suffrage, author Doris Stevens writes, "Her talent as an orator is of the kind that makes for instant intimacy with her audience." After the women’s right to vote was granted in 1920 Lucy retired from the political activism scene and moved back to Brooklyn to live with her family. Brooklyn’s “Lucy Burns Activist Award” is given annually in her honor to those who continue to make a difference in the world of Women’s rights. Dubbed along with Paul and several other members of the NWP as an "Iron Jawed Angel" her character was portrayed in the HBO production of the same name. (Bio excerpted from: R. Digati) Holy Cross Cemetery St. Augustine, System CEM, Section AUGU, Row 33, Plot 4 3620 Tilden Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203 Kings County Learn More
- Gertrude B. (Gertie) Ferguson
Gertrude B. (Gertie) Ferguson (1871–1964) Gertrude "Gertie" was very active in her native Glens Falls community as Librarian, and later Director, at Crandall Free Library. She was a member of Study Club, Social Worker’s Club, and Glens Falls Garden Club. In 1914 Gertie was present at the official reformation of the Political Equality Club of Glens Falls, and was elected corresponding and recording Secretary. Gertie also represented the club at the 46th annual convention of the New York State Woman Suffrage Association in Rochester in 1914. Bio by Tisha Dolton. Glens Falls Cemetery Plot 11, Lot 10 38 Ogden Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801 Warren County Learn More
















