Friday, February 28, 2014

Ancestors of the Week--the Suffragettes


March is Women's History Month here in the United States. And a lot has been accomplished over the last 150 years. One of the notable accomplishments is the passage of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution, which gave women the right to vote in 1920. Women at the forefront include Susan B. Anthony (Aunt Susan to many!), Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Alice Paul, Carrie Chapman Catt, to name of few. But, many unnamed women also fought for their right to vote.

This photo is of the Minnesota suffragettes. Four of the women in this photo are amongst my ancestors. First row and third from left is only identified by her last name, Dallowitz. Her grandmother, Clara, married my great-great grandfather John P. Wombacher. Also on the first row, fourth from right, is my great-grandmother Louisa Wombacher. Two of Louisa's daughters, Marie and Katie appear in the second row. Marie is at the right-end of row 2, and Katie is 4th in from the right.

A couple of things to note--there are three men in the photo! And notice the signs--several are holding a sign with the letter M--perhaps for Minnesota? But, one woman has hers upside down so that it shows the letter W. Perhaps for women? And one woman holds a sign that says "love man". 

So--my question to all of you: what significant or unique accomplishments were your female ancestors involved with? 
P.S. My great-great grandmother Clara was also a midwife, licensed by the state of Illinois! I'm proud of these women!!





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