Elsie Hill facts for kids
Elsie Hill (September 23, 1883 – August 6, 1970) was an important American leader who worked hard to get women the right to vote. Her sisters, Clara and Helena Hill, also supported this cause. Elsie spent her life fighting for women's rights and equality.
Quick facts for kids
Elsie Hill
|
|
|---|---|
Elsie M. Hill at a Congressional Union picket at the gate of the White House.
|
|
| Born |
Elsie Mary Hill
September 23, 1883 |
| Died | August 6, 1970 (aged 86) |
| Occupation | Community organizer |
| Known for | American suffragist |
| Spouse(s) |
Albert Levitt
(m. 1921) |
Contents
Early Life and Education
Elsie Hill was born in Norwalk, Connecticut. Her father, Ebenezer J. Hill, was a Congressman. Elsie went to Vassar College and graduated in 1906. After college, she taught French at a high school in Washington, D.C.
Joining the Fight for Women's Rights
In 1913, Elsie became involved with the D.C. Branch of the College Equal Suffrage League. This group worked to give women the right to vote. She joined other important leaders like Alice Paul and Lucy Burns. By 1914, she was part of the group's leadership team.
Working for the Right to Vote
Elsie Hill dedicated her life to women's rights. She strongly supported the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. This important law gave women across the U.S. the right to vote in 1920.
Supporting Equal Rights
After women won the right to vote, Elsie continued her work. She then supported the Equal Rights Amendment. This amendment was proposed in 1921. It aimed to make sure all people had equal rights, no matter their gender. However, it has not yet become a law.
Key Events in the Suffrage Movement
Elsie Hill helped plan the Woman Suffrage Parade of 1913. This was a very large march in Washington, D.C., to support women's voting rights. She also made sure to include African American students in the planning.
From 1914 to 1915, Elsie joined the executive committee of the Congressional Union of Woman Suffrage. This group worked to get a national amendment for women's suffrage. She helped set up branches of the group in South Carolina and Virginia. In 1916, she spoke at a meeting in Minnesota. She convinced a political party to support women's right to vote. Alice Paul also sent Elsie on tours to campaign for women's suffrage.
Facing Challenges for Activism
Elsie Hill was arrested for speaking at a meeting in Lafayette Square in August 1918. She was also arrested in Boston in February 1919. This happened when she was protesting President Woodrow Wilson's return from Europe. These arrests showed her strong commitment to the cause.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1921, Elsie married Albert Levitt. She chose to keep her own last name, which was noted in the New York Times. That same year, she led the convention for the National Woman's Party. She was the chairwoman of the Party's National Council from 1921 to 1925. In 1924, Elsie and other members of the Party met with President Calvin Coolidge. They asked him to support the Equal Rights Amendment.
The papers and records of Elsie M. Hill are kept at the Archives and Special Collections Library at Vassar College. These documents help us learn more about her important work.
