Augusta Lewis Troup facts for kids
Augusta "Gussie" Lewis Troup (born 1848 – died 1920) was a brave woman who fought for important rights. She was a journalist and an activist for women's rights. Augusta believed women should get equal pay for equal work. She also wanted better working conditions and the right for women to vote. In 2013, she was honored in the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame.
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About Augusta Lewis Troup
Her Early Life
Augusta Lewis was born in New York City in 1848. She became an orphan when she was a baby. Isaac Gager, a rich businessman from Wall Street, adopted her. Augusta had a private education. She later went to the Brooklyn Heights Seminary.
Working as a Journalist
After the American Civil War, Augusta Lewis started writing for newspapers. She wrote for many papers in New York, like the New York Tribune. She also wrote for The Revolution. This newspaper supported women's right to vote. It was run by famous activists Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
While writing, Augusta learned how to be a typesetter. Typesetters arrange letters and words for printing. She saw that women typesetters were paid less than men. In 1867, male typesetters went on strike. Women were hired to replace them for lower pay. When the strike ended, the men returned, and the women lost their jobs.
Starting a Union for Women
In 1868, Augusta Lewis decided to take action. She started the Women's Typographical Union (WTU) in New York City. A union is a group of workers who join together. They work to improve their jobs and pay. Augusta wanted to fight for better working conditions and fair pay for women.
She used her connections at The Revolution to get the word out. Many women joined the union quickly. In 1869, Augusta represented the WTU at a big meeting. This was the International Typographical Union conference in Albany, New York. She convinced them to let the WTU join their larger union. In 1870, she became the corresponding secretary of the ITU. She was the first woman to hold an important job in this union.
Her Adult Life and Family
Augusta Lewis married Alexander Troup in 1872. He was also a well-known leader for workers' rights. After they married, they moved to New Haven, Connecticut. There, they started a newspaper called the New Haven Union. This paper supported women's right to vote. It also focused on workers' unions and the rights of women and other groups. Augusta and Alexander had seven children together.
Augusta Lewis Troup also started teaching in New Haven schools. She joined the Board of Education. This allowed her to speak up for teachers' rights. In 1911, she created the New Haven Teachers' League. She worked hard to get the state to provide pensions for public school teachers. A pension is money paid regularly to someone after they retire.
Her Death and Lasting Impact
Augusta Lewis Troup passed away on September 14, 1920. In 1926, the city of New Haven honored her. They named a school the Augusta Lewis Troup school. It was re-dedicated on October 19, 2008. Inside the school, there is a special plaque. It says:
We affectionately called her "Little Mother of the Italian Colony." Her broad sympathies and unfailing kindness helped us greatly when we most needed wise counsel and loyal friendship. Her liberal spirit and noble example lead us far along the road to a better understanding of American ideals and citizenship.
