Belle Squire facts for kids

"Would you rather have a vote than a husband? yes says Belle Squire"

Belle Squire (1870-1939) was an important woman who fought for women's right to vote. She was a leading suffragist from Illinois. Belle Squire helped start the Alpha Suffrage Club with Ida B. Wells. This club was special because it was for African American women. Belle Squire was also known for refusing to pay taxes. She believed it was unfair to pay taxes if women could not vote. This idea is called "taxation without representation."

Fighting for Women's Vote

Belle Squire was a very active member of the Alpha Suffrage Club. She worked closely with the famous suffragist Ida B. Wells. A suffragist is someone who supports women's right to vote. The Alpha Suffrage Club began in 1913. It was the first group for African American women who wanted the right to vote.

• Both Belle Squire and Ida B. Wells worked hard for voting rights.
• They were connected to the bigger national movement for women's suffrage.
• In 1913, Belle Squire signed a telegram to President Wilson.
• The telegram asked him to let British suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst into the country.
• Many women from Chicago, including Jane Addams, signed this letter.
• They wanted America to keep its promise of freedom and free speech.

The 1913 Suffrage March in Washington

In 1913, Belle Squire joined a big march in Washington, D.C. This march was organized by suffragists Alice Paul and Lucy Burns. Ida B. Wells also marched in this event. She insisted on marching with the Illinois group, not a separate group for black women.

• Wells and Squire marched together with the Illinois group.
• Belle Squire wore a special sash that said "no vote no tax."
• This sash showed her strong belief against unfair taxes.
• After the march, Ida B. Wells was honored for her bravery.
• Belle Squire spoke at a reception for Wells.

Wells & Squire marching in 1913

Why Belle Opposed Taxes

Belle Squire publicly protested against unfair taxes for women. She believed women should not pay taxes if they could not vote. This was a big part of her fight for equal rights.

• In 1910, she refused to pay taxes on her property in Illinois.
• That same year, she started the "No Vote, No Tax League."
• This group inspired many women to refuse paying taxes.
• About 5,000 women in Cook County joined her protest.
• In 1912, she led the No Vote No Tax League of Illinois.
• She worked with Miss Margaret Haley to organize tax-resisting women.
• Belle Squire once said she would not pay taxes until women were seen as full adults.
• She wanted women to have the same political rights and duties as men.
• She promised to pay her share cheerfully once women could vote.

Belle Squire's Life

Belle Squire was born in 1870 in Lima, Ohio. She was not married, but she always wanted to be called "Mrs. Belle Squire." In 1913, newspapers wrote about her unique protest. She believed women should not have to show their marital status.

• She thought men did not have to show if they were married or single.
• She felt women should have the same choice.
• Belle Squire worked as a music teacher.

Later Years

In 1924, Belle Squire moved to France. She lived there for ten years. She passed away in 1939 at the age of 69. She is buried in Forest Park, Illinois.