Eliza Ritchie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eliza Ritchie
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| Born | 20 May 1856 Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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| Died | 5 September 1933 (aged 77) Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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| Nationality | Canadian |
| Alma mater | Dalhousie University, Cornell University |
| Occupation | Educator, Suffragist |
Dr. Eliza Ritchie (born May 20, 1856 – died September 5, 1933) was an important leader in the movement for women's right to vote in Nova Scotia, Canada. She was a smart and determined woman who helped change things for women in her time.
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Eliza Ritchie's Early Life and Education
Eliza Ritchie was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia on May 20, 1856. Her parents were John William Ritchie and Amelia Almon. Eliza was very dedicated to her studies.
She went to Dalhousie University and later earned a special degree called a doctorate (PhD) in German philosophy from Cornell University in 1889. This was a big deal because she was one of the first Canadian women to ever get a PhD! To learn even more, she traveled to Leipzig, Germany, and Oxford, England.
Teaching and Coming Home
After finishing her studies, Eliza taught at different universities in the United States. She returned to Canada in 1899. In 1901, she started teaching philosophy at Dalhousie University.
Fighting for Women's Rights
Eliza Ritchie didn't just teach; she also worked hard to make society better. She joined her sisters, Ella Almon and Mary Walcot, in social activism in Halifax.
She was part of the leadership team for the Local Council of Women of Halifax. This group worked to improve life for women and children. She also served on the Board of the Victoria School of Art.
Working for the Right to Vote
Eliza Ritchie was a strong supporter of women's suffrage. This was the movement to give women the right to vote in elections. She worked with other important women like Agnes Dennis and Edith Archibald to help this cause move forward. They believed that women should have an equal say in how their country was run.
Eliza Ritchie's Writings and Achievements
Eliza Ritchie was also a writer. She wrote a book called The Problem of Personality in 1889. Later, in 1931, she wrote Songs of the Maritimes.
She became the president of the Dalhousie Alumnae Association, which is a group for women who graduated from Dalhousie University. In 1919, she made history again when she was chosen to be on the Dalhousie Board of Governors. She was the very first woman to ever serve on this important board!
In 1927, Dalhousie University gave her an honorary degree. This was a special award to recognize her achievements, and she was the first woman to receive it from the university.
Eliza Ritchie never married. She passed away on September 5, 1933, in Halifax.
Eliza Ritchie's Lasting Impact
Eliza Ritchie left a lasting mark. A student residence at Dalhousie University, Eliza Ritchie Hall, was named after her. Though the building was taken down in 2015, her name lives on.
There is also a beautiful stained glass window in St. Paul's Church (Halifax) dedicated to Eliza and her sisters. This window helps remember their important contributions to their community.
Images for kids
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The Ritchie Sisters Window at St. Paul's Church in Halifax.
