Was Your New Hampshire Ancestor a Suffragist?

I remember my grandmother proudly speaking about the day that she had the right to vote. In 1920 when she first could, she was forty-one years of age, married and would within the next few years give birth to her 12th child.

I never asked her if she was a suffragist. I suspect she was, but probably not an activist–she would have been too busy taking care of all her household of children.  My mother was only a year old in 1920.

But where would you discover your family’s involvement in the suffrage movement? Look to National, State and local records of meetings and conferences, booklets and pamplets published between 1866 and 1920. Free sources such as the Internet Archive and the Hathi Trust are both a good source along with notices that appeared in local and national newspapers, and historical society scrap books. I found a few photographs at the U.S. Library of Congress.

I have looked at various sources in New Hampshire for a list of names (men and women) who were active in New Hampshire to promote suffrage.  I will try to list them here, with details if possible.  Links on their names will go to either a story I have written about them, or to additional biography. [An asterisk indicates a photograph is available, ‘SEE STORY ‘means that I’ve written a detailed story about this person, so follow on the link to read same]. Additions from my readers are always welcome. [Many additional names added in August of 2020 for the 100th anniversary of U.S. women’s suffrage.]

=== NEW HAMPSHIRE SUFFRAGE SUPPORTERS ===

Frances Matilda Abbott*, Concord – member Concord Equal Suffrage League [see bio] [see two photographs and more info at find-a-grave] [She is my 4th cousin 5x removed]

Mrs. [Almira Shattuck] Chester E. Albee, Claremont – VP of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn., 1885.

Dr. Ella Blaylock Atherton*, Nashua, — member of New Hampshire Woman Suffrage Assocation. [SEE STORY]

Walter Smith Baker*, Concord — merchant tailor; Member, Concord Equal Suffrage League [see bio and photo]

Mrs. Susan C. Bancroft* — Concord NH. Past President of the NH Federation of Women’s Clubs. In November of 1918 she was part of a letter writing campaign promoting suffrage and urging votes to elect a pro-suffrage candidate [Brattleboro Daily Reformer newspaper 2 Nov 1918 page 4. Headline: Women Join Fight]. [SEE STORY]

Dr. Sarah J. Barney* — Grafton NH and Franklin NH the World Suffrage Association held its 17th annual meeting in 1914, she was among the executive committee from New Hampshire [SEE STORY].

Henry W. Blair* — Honorary VP, NH Woman Suffrage Association. VP of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn., 1885 [SEE STORY]

Hon. Oliver E. Branch* — Manchester NH; the World Suffrage Association held its 17th annual meeting in 1914, he was among elected vice president(s) from New Hampshire. [SEE STORY]

Dr. Marion Louise Bugbee*, Concord — member of Concord Equal Suffrage League.  [see bio and photo]

Sherman E. Burroughs*, Manchester; Auditor of NH Woman’s Suffrage Association in 1901; the World Suffrage Association held its 17th annual meeting in 1914, he was among the executive committee from New Hampshire. [SEE STORY]

Witter Bynner*, Cornish ; the World Suffrage Association held its 17th annual meeting in 1914, he was among the executive committee from New Hampshire. [SEE STORY]

Clarence E. Carr*, Andover NH; the World Suffrage Association held its 17th annual meeting in 1914, he was among elected vice president(s) from New Hampshire. [SEE STORY]

Levin Joynes Chase*, Concord — advocate of equal suffrage, gave his support while serving in NH legislature. [bio and photo]

Mary N. Chase*; the World Suffrage Association held its 17th annual meeting in 1914, she was among elected vice president(s) from New Hampshire. In 1901 she was president of the NH Woman’s Suffrage Association. In 1903 she was asked to preside of the NH Constitutional Convention, being the first woman to do so.  [SEE STORY]

Mrs. Winston [Mabel Harlakenden (Hall)] Churchill*, Cornish NH and Windsor VT — 1913  Mem. Ex. Com (NH). Also lecturer, parades, publicist. Treasurer of Cornish Suffrage League in 1912. [SEE STORY]

Sargent Orison Clark, Claremont and Concord, clergyman, member Concord Equal Suffrage League [bio and photo]

Mrs. Olive (Rand) Clarke, Warner and Manchester – Delegate to the National Suffrage Convention from New Hampshire.

Marion Weston Cottle*, Intervale — a lawyer. Lecturer on law and suffrage. [see photo and bio]

Benjamin W. Couch*, Concord; the World Suffrage Association held its 17th annual meeting in 1914, he was among the executive committee from New Hampshire. [SEE STORY]

Mrs. Emma Alvina (Woodbury) Crammer, In October 1914 rode in the parade float (150th anniversary of incorporation of town) representing the League, was then Secretary of the League. She was the daughter of Benjamin Woodbury, born 23 Aug 1845 in Boxford MA. She married 10 June 1866 in Lawrence MA to Christopher Crammer. died 27 May 1924 in Claremont NH. He was a master mechanic for a paper mill. She is buried in Claremont NH.

Frank Cressy*, Bradford and Concord — ardent equal suffragist. [see photo and bio].

Kate Cora “Katie” (Lee) Cushman, member of Claremont Suffrage League in 1913, acted as hostess, and her home was used to renew the allegiance of “Votes for Women” 1913. She was born abt 1851 in Tunbridge VT, daughter of Michael & Mary Ann “Stacy” (Cunningham) Lee. Widow of Charles B. “Carlos” Cushman by the 1910 US Census (She married 1 April 1865 in Royalton VT). Child: Earl Percey Cushman. Kate died 26 Dec 1916 in Claremont NH.

Jessie Edith (Rice) Donahue, Jaffrey and Manchester — Vice President Manchester Equal Suffrage League [see bio]

Mrs. Mary (Handerson) Ela, Keene — corresponding secretary of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn., 1885.

Mrs. Christopher C. (Dorothy S. Flanders) Fellows, Centre Sandwich. On Executive Committee of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn., 1885.

Mrs E.W. Eustis, Colebrook – VP of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn., 1885.

Bristol New Hampshire’s Tailor, Stock and Dairy Farmer, Activist, Suffragist: Mary Ann (Powers) Filley (1821-1910) [SEE STORY]

Miss Caroline Foster, Canterbury — On Executive Committee of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn, 1885.

Henry Hollis French, Concord — lawyer, U.S. Senator.  Advocate of equal suffrage [see bio]

Dr. J.H. Gallinger *; the World Suffrage Association held its 17th annual meeting in 1914, he was among elected vice president(s) from New Hampshire. Also on Executive Committee of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn., 1885. [SEE STORY]

Homer Saint Gaudens, member of Cornish NH Suffrage League, 1912. [Biography]

Mrs. Eliza Jane (Cooley) Gilbert, Keene – President of the [then] newly re-organized New Hampshire Woman’s Suffrage Association, 1885-1887, also on Executive Committee 1885.

Mrs. Lidia [Lydia True (Means) [wife of William Parker Graves] Graves – Delegate to the National Suffrage Convention from New Hampshire

Mrs. Margaret L. Griffin, Keene — On Executive Committee of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn., 1885.

Rev. Angelo Hall, Andover – Treasurer of NH Woman’s Suffrage Association in 1901.

Josephine B. (Weeks) Hall [wife of Rev. Charles Elliott Hall] – continued with the work of the NH Woman’s Suffrage Association from 1895 to 1897 when the association moved from Concord to Nashua NH.

Alice F. Harriman, Laconia NH – President of NH Federal of Women’s Clubs. In November of 1918 she was part of a letter writing campaign promoting suffrage and urging votes to elect a pro-suffrage candidate [Brattleboro Daily Reformer newspaper 2 Nov 1918 page 4. Headline: Women Join Fight].

Mrs. Alfred Haven, Portsmouth — VP of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn., 1885.

Mrs. A.W. Hobbs, Concord – Treasurer of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn., 1885.

Mrs. R. Holden, West Concord. On Executive Committee of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn., 1885.

Horace H. Holton, Lancaster – VP of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn., 1885.

Portsmouth New Hampshire’s Charity Worker and Suffragist: Sarah Whittier “Sallie” Hovey (1872-1932) [SEE Story]

Dr. Jane Elizabeth (Hoyt) Stevens* – Member of the New Hampshire Woman Suffrage Association; physician. [see photo and bio]

Alice Caroline Humphrey*, Concord — Educator and poet, member Concord Suffrage League [see photo and bio]

Mrs. Elizabeth “Bessie” (Bisbee) Hunt [Mrs. Nathan Parker Hunt], Manchester — VP of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn., 1885, 1901.

M.O.A. Hunt, M.D., Manchester – On Executive Committee of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn., 1885.

Miss Clara L. Hunton, Claremont — At 43rd annual convention, offers thanks to various people for use of locations and services. In 1904 president of Claremont Equal Suffrage League, active also at state level. She attended the National Convention on Suffrage at Louisville KY in 1912, as a delegate.l [see]

Harriet Lane Huntress*, Meredith — Educator. On Advisory board of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn. [SEE STORY].

Susan A. Whiting Ines – Life member NH Suffrage Association

Mrs. Agnes M. Jenks * – Delegate to the National Suffrage Convention from New Hampshire, made donation to the national suffrage organization, Corresponding Secretary in 1912 for the NH Woman Suffrage Society, living at 23 Merrimack Street, Concord NH. [SEE STORY]

Martha Evalina Johnson*, Laconia –tax collector, member Laconia Suffrage League. [see photo and bio].

Rev. Virgil Victor Johnson, delegate to the National Suffrage Convention in Portland, Oregon, 1905. In October 1914 rode in the parade float (150th anniversary of incorporation of town) representing the League, was then Treasurer. In 1907 moved to Concord NH where he was pastor of the First Baptist Church (in 1911). He was born 16 March 1876 in Concord NH, son of John Wesley & Helen E. (Adams) Johnson. He married 4 Aug 1908 in Nashua NH to Marion Louise Bolster, daughter of William H. & Marilla N. (Noyes) Bolster. In 1917 living in Philadelphia PA, a Social Worker for Traveler’s Aid Society. He was an alumnus of Harvard College.

Mrs. B.F. Kinsley, Manchester NH – VP of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn., 1885

Miss Martha S. Kimball* (Portsmouth NH)  – Delegate to the National Suffrage Convention from New Hampshire; the World Suffrage Association held its 17th annual meeting in 1914, she was among elected vice president(s) from New Hampshire. In November of 1918 she was part of a letter writing campaign promoting suffrage and urging votes to elect a pro-suffrage candidate [Brattleboro Daily Reformer newspaper 2 Nov 1918 page 4. Headline: Women Join Fight].  [SEE STORY].

Northwood New Hampshire Teacher and Attorney, Ella Louise Knowles (1860-1911)

Mrs. N.H. Knox, Littleton — On Executive Committee of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn., 1885.

Mrs. George O. [Pamelia C. Gardner] Little, Keene — On Executive Committee of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn., 1885.

Mr. and Mrs. (Marion Morse) Percy Mackaye – playwright; members of Cornish (NH) Suffrage League in 1912. [Information from 1912 interview with Mabel H. (Allen) Churchill]. [see his bio and photo]

H.H. Metcalf*, Concord NH – ; the World Suffrage Association held its 17th annual meeting in 1914, he was among elected vice president(s) from New Hampshire. [SEE STORY]

Mrs. Eliza A. (Huse) Morrill, Concord, NH; VP of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn., 1885

Miss Millicent S. Morse* – Delegate to the National Suffrage Convention from New Hampshire [SEE STORY].

Dover New Hampshire Suffragist and UNH Administrator: Carmita Aileen (Cameron) Murphy (1925-2003) [SEE STORY]

Mary Donker Musgrove*, Bristol NH — newspaper editor, member of Bristol (NH) Suffrage Assn. [SEE STORY]

Bertha Niles,  Concord NH — member Equal Suffrage League. [see bio]

Mrs. [Frances Jeanette Smith] “Jennie” Niven [Mrs. John L.], Manchester – Delegate to the National Suffrage Convention from New Hampshire.

Miss Pearl Lawson Niven, [later Mrs. George Herbert Peach] Manchester – Delegate to the National Suffrage Convention from New Hampshire.

Mrs. C.N. Nutter, Exeter NH — VP of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn., 1885.

Mr. George O’Neil, Auditor, Claremont (NH) Equal Suffrage League, 1904. He married Marion F. “Maria Frances” Davis, dau of Charles F. & Francis (George) Davis. George O’Neil was born in Brechin, Scotland, son of Branard & Jane (Greve) O’Neil. In 1912 they moved to Salem, Oregon. Children: Paul G. O’Neil of Idaho, Charles F. and Virgil G O’Neil of Salem Oregon. He was a painter and interior decorator in Claremont, and for 38 years in Salem Oregon.

Mrs. Marion D. O’Neil, Secretary of Claremont (NH) Equal Suffrage League in 1912, moved to Salem, Oregon. [wife of George O’Neil listed above]. She was Marion F. “Maria Frances” Davis, dau of Charles F. & Francis (George) Davis, born 29 May 1871 in Bradford NH, married 5 September 1894 in Bradford NH.

Etta (Haley) Osgood, [born Chatham NH] —  Member Portland Maine State and National Woman’s Suffrage Assn. [see bio]

Mrs. Marian/Marion Wood (Powers) Palmer, rode in place of the VP Mrs. Elvira L. Reed, In October 1914 rode in the parade float (150th anniversary of incorporation of town) representing the League. She was born 3 Dec 1838 and d. 20 June 1926, daughter of Capt. Obed & Cynthia (Cummings) Powers. She married Charles Myron Palmer. Buried Cornish, Sullivan Co. NH

Miss Anne Parrish = Member of Cornish (NH) Suffrage League in 1912. [Information from 1912 interview with Mabel H. (Allen) Churchill.]

Mr. & Mrs. Maxfield Parrish – Members of Cornish (NH) Suffrage League in 1912. [Information from 1912 interview with Mabel H. (Allen) Churchill.] [See his bio]

Miss Mary Elizabeth Partridge, a devoted member of Claremont NH Equal Suffrage League, brought greetings from the State W.C.T.U. Woman’s Christian Temperance Union) to the State Convention when it was held in Claremont. She was b abt 1853 in Chelsea Massachusetts, daughter of Edward A. & Mary E. (Cooke) Partridge. She died 10 June 1931 in Claremont NH. Buried Union Cemetery, Claremont NH.

Abby (Hutchinson) Patton*, Milford NH; singer, musician, writer; supporter of women’s suffrage. [SEE STORY]

Mary Quimby Philbrick, Epsom NH; the World Suffrage Association held its 17th annual meeting in 1914, she was among the executive committee from New Hampshire.

Sarah Hall (Sargent) Pillsbury, Concord NH; VP of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn., 1885.

Sarah Spofford (Adams) Piper, Concord NH; Wrote the call for the first convention of the NH Woman’s Suffrage League in 1868 by Mrs. Sarah Piper of Concord [along with Mrs. Armenia White]

Mrs. E.S. Preston, New Ipswich — VP of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn., 1885.

Miss Mary E. Quimby, Concord [later Mrs. Walter Jackson Philbrick] – Secretary of NH Woman’s Suffrage Association in 1901

Mr. & Mrs. Henry R. Quinby*, Lakeport NH ; the World Suffrage Association held its 17th annual meeting in 1914, they were among elected vice president(s) from New Hampshire [SEE STORY]

Mrs. Elvira L. (Bryant) Reed, Vice-President Claremont (NH) Equal Suffrage League, 1904, 1913 renewed allegiance to “votes for women.” In October 1914 rode in the parade float (150th anniversary of the incorporation of town) representing the League, was then President. [She was the daughter of Joseph & Sala (Cummings) Bryant, born 16 Nov 1838 Cornish NH, married 28 Sep 1865 in Woodstock VT to Edwin Reed].

Mrs. Mary (Pendleton) Remick, wife of Judge James W. Remick of Concord.  In November of 1918 she was part of a letter-writing campaign promoting suffrage and urging voters to elect a pro-suffrage candidate [Brattleboro Daily Reformer newspaper 2 Nov 1918 page 4.  Headline: Women Join Fight]. [see photo and bio]

Mrs. Ellen (Ruddick) Richardson*, Concord NH; state president of the NH Women’s Christian Temperance Union. In November of 1918 she was part of a letter-writing campaign promoting suffrage and urging voters to elect a pro-suffrage candidate [Brattleboro Daily Reformer newspaper 2 Nov 1918 page 4. Headline: Women Join Fight]. [see bio and photo]

Mrs. M.W. Richardson, Amherst – VP of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn., 1885.

Marilla M. Ricker*, Life Member, NH Woman Suffrage Association.  “New Durham New Hampshire’s Educator, Lawyer, Suffragist, Humanitarian and Author: Marilla Marks (Young) Ricker (1840-1920)”[SEE STORY]

Joseph Henry Robbins, Concord — clergyman, member Concord Equal Suffrage League [see photo and bio]

Maude (Gordon) Roby of Bristol, New Hampshire – lecturer, singer, musician, poet and pro-suffrage advocate.  [see story].

Henry Pearson Rolfe, Concord NH. Lawyer. VP of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn., 1885.

Mrs. George (Juliet Barrett) Rublee, Cornish NH. President of Cornish Suffrage League in 1912. Represented NY in suffrage parade in 1911, along with Mabel H. (Allen) Churchill.  Information from 1912 interview with Mabel H. (Allen) Churchill. [See biography and burial location] [Pioneer Film Maker]

Agnes Ryan*, Durham — suffragist, pacifist [link to NHHS book]

Mr. Homer Saint Gaudens — member Cornish (NH) Suffrage League 1912. [Information from 1912 interview with Mabel H. (Allen) Churchill]. [See bio and burial location]

Rev. Edmund Ring Sanborn – secretary of the NH Woman’s Suffrage Association in 1870.

Mr. Robert Sanders, Auditor, Claremont (NH) Equal Suffrage League, 1904. He was b 16 July 1878 and d. 2 Aug 1961, son of Henry C. & E. Francis (Morgan) Sanders. Buried Claremont NH.

Rev. William Thomas Savage, Franklin NH — among the earliest delegates from New Hampshire to help form the American Woman’s Suffrage Association in 1869.

Lois (Warren) Shaw*, New Hampshire representative to the National Woman’s Party; suffragist; jailed in 1919 during protest. [SEE STORY]

Lillian Adelaide (Tourtelotte) Sherman*, Warner —  writer, member of Suffrage Club. [see photo and bio]

Newport New Hampshire Teacher, Suffragist, Civic & Club Leader, Business Woman: Mary Matilda (Putnam) Sibley (1860-1927) [SEE STORY]

Katherine (Call) Simonds*, Franklin — musician, dramatic soprano, author and composer.. Equal Suffragist, member Franklin Equal Suffrage Club.  [see photo and bio]

Mrs. Addie M. (Kimball) Stevens, member and first secretary, Claremont NH Equal Suffrage League. She was born 1843 in Glover VT, daughter of Augustus & Hannah (Vance) Kimball. She married Walter H. Stevens (as his 3rd wife), son of Josiah & Hannah (Pillsbury) Stevens. He was b abt 1814 in Wentworth NH and d. 16 Aug 1886 in Claremont NH. She d. 26 March 1908 in Claremont NH.

Mrs. [Mary Abbie Berry] C.W. [Charles W.] Talpey, Farmington — On Executive Committee of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn., 1885.

Mrs. [Julia Ball] Edward C. Thayer*, Keene — VP of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn., 1885, also on Executive Committee same year. In 1887 VP of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn. [SEE Story]

Mrs. Helen Chadwick Rand Thayer, of Portsmouth. In November of 1918 she was part of a letter writing campaign promoting suffrage and urging votes to elect a pro-suffrage candidate [Brattleboro Daily Reformer newspaper 2 Nov 1918 page 4. Headline: Women Join Fight]. [see bio]

Arthur Thompson*, Warner NH ; the World Suffrage Association held its 17th annual meeting in 1914, he was among elected vice president(s) from New Hampshire [SEE STORY]

Minnie Eliza (James) Thompson [Mrs. Edwin Payson Thompson].  President of the NH League of Women Voters in 1925.

Mary Gordon (Nichols) Thorne*, Concord. Member Concord Equal Suffrage League [see photo and bio]

Mary A. (Goward) Towle, delegate to the New England meeting of Suffrage Leagues in Boston in 1905, in 1913 renewed allegiance of “votes for women.” Occupation: capitalist (1900 US Census) She was born 20 March 1844 in NH, daughter of Ruel/Raul & Mary Lavinia (Foss) Goward of Cornish NH. She married George Henry Towle. She was a widow by the 1900 U.S. Census.

Rev Edward Arthur Tuck*, Milford and Concord — clergyman. Member Concord Equal Suffrage League. [see bio and photo]

Helen Lorraine (Benedict) Remick, Concord. Member Equal Suffrage League. [See bio]

Fred Tilton Wadleigh*, Sanbornton and Milford — clothing merchant. NH House of Representatives. In 1912 member of NH Constitutional convention and member of minority committee on woman’s suffrage and signed the report in favor of the amendment. [see bio and photo]

Miss Caroline R. Wendell*, Dover ; the World Suffrage Association held its 17th annual meeting in 1914, she was among elected vice president(s) from New Hampshire. On Executive Committee of NH Woman’s Suffrage Assn. in 1885. Member of local and State Suffrage Associations. Auditor of NH Woman’s Suffrage Association in 1901.  [See photo and bio]

Armenia S. White – first president and life member of the NH Woman Suffrage Association; Honorary Vice President. In 1885 on Executive Committee. In Nashua Telegraph 1914, New England W.S.A.; ; the World Suffrage Association held its 17th annual meeting in 1914, she was among elected vice president(s) from New Hampshire. “New Hampshire’s Leading Suffragist, Human Rights Proponent and Philanthropist: Armenia S. (Aldrich) White (1817-1916)”[SEE STORY]

Nathaniel White [spouse of Armenia S. White] — works of philanthropy and reform including suffrage. [See story here]

Sarah Jane (Messer) Whitney [Mrs. Henry I. Whitney], Greenville NH — “a faithful worker and generous contributor to the support of the [NH Women’s Suffrage] association.

Mary I. Wood* – Portsmouth NH; the World Suffrage Association held its 17th annual meeting in 1914, she was among elected vice president(s) from New Hampshire. [SEE STORY].  Her biography in “1000 New Hampshire Notables, 1919” adds: “member and vice-president N.H. Woman Suffrage Ass’n; has written and spoken extensively in behalf of the various causes in which she is engaged, particularly for woman suffrage, of which she has long been an ardent advocate.”  In November of 1918 she was part of a letter writing campaign promoting suffrage and urging votes to elect a pro-suffrage candidate [Brattleboro Daily Reformer newspaper 2 Nov 1918 page 4. WOMEN JOIN FIGHT]. [SEE STORY]

Susan Jones (Wentworth) Woodward*, Concord — member Concord Equal Suffrage Assn. [see photo and bio]

Mrs. Nellie F. Woodward, Nashua — Past President of the NH Federation of Women’s Clubs. In November of 1918 she was part of a letter writing campaign promoting suffrage and urging votes to elect a pro-suffrage candidate [Brattleboro Daily Reformer newspaper 2 Nov 1918 page 4. Headline: Women Join Fight].  — SEE STORY: New Hampshire Civic Leader, Woman’s Club Promoter, Suffragist: Nellie Fostina (Tupper) Woodward of Nashua