Elisabeth Gilman facts for kids
Elisabeth Coit Gilman (born December 25, 1867 – died December 14, 1950) was an American woman who believed in socialism and fought for people's rights. She worked hard to make society fairer for everyone.
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Elisabeth's Early Life
Elisabeth Coit Gilman was born on December 25, 1867, in New Haven, Connecticut. Her parents were Daniel Coit Gilman and Mary Ketcham Gilman. Elisabeth had an older sister named Alice. Sadly, their mother, Mary, passed away in 1869. After this, Elisabeth and Alice were cared for by their aunt, Louise.
When Elisabeth was seven years old, her father became the first president of Johns Hopkins University. This meant the family moved to Baltimore, Maryland. A governess helped care for Elisabeth until her father married again. In 1877, her father married Elisabeth Dwight Woolsey. Elisabeth Gilman grew very close to her stepmother.
Elisabeth went to Miss Hall's School until she was eleven. She had some eye problems, so she was taught at home by her governess for a while. When her eyes got better, Elisabeth attended the Springside School in Philadelphia at age seventeen. She had plans to go to Bryn Mawr College.
Becoming a Political Activist
Instead of going to Bryn Mawr College, Elisabeth Gilman traveled to France. She worked there for the National Committee on Surgical Dressings. She also helped out with the YMCA. During this time, she learned about new ideas like Socialism.
When Elisabeth returned to the United States at age twenty, she started working in social services. Her father had encouraged her to do this. Later, in 1921, she earned her degree from Johns Hopkins University.
Joining the Socialist Party
Elisabeth officially joined the Socialist Party of America on March 1, 1929. She was 62 years old when she ran for Governor of Maryland in 1930. After this, she traveled to Russia in 1931 to learn about the Soviet system.
When she came back, she continued her political work. She ran for the United States Senate in 1934 and again in 1938. She also ran for Mayor of Baltimore in 1935 and Sheriff of Baltimore in 1942.
Fighting for Rights
Elisabeth Gilman supported many important causes. She was most involved in fighting for workers' rights, people's basic rights, and equal rights for all races.
In 1921, Elisabeth helped create The Maryland Civil Liberties Committee. This group later became the Maryland Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). In 1931, the ACLU officially started its Maryland branch. The very first meeting was held at Elisabeth Gilman's home.
Promoting Equality
Elisabeth also hosted the first public dinner in Baltimore where both Black and white people ate together. This happened at her home in 1928. Local hotels had refused to allow the dinner on their property because of racial segregation.
Gilman was also a key member of the National Mooney-Billings Committee. This group worked to help Thomas J. Mooney and Warren K. Billings. These two men were serving life sentences in California prisons, and many believed they were unfairly accused.
Later Life and Legacy
Elisabeth Gilman passed away on December 14, 1950, at the age of 82. She is buried at Druid Ridge Cemetery in Pikesville, Maryland. Her work helped make society more fair and equal for many people.
