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Ida Craft
IdaCraft-face-1904.jpeg
The "Colonel"
Born 1861 (1861)
New York
Died September 15, 1947(1947-09-15) (aged 85–86)
Rockland County, New York
Nationality American
Occupation Suffragist, Social Activist, Prohibitionist

Ida A. Craft (1861-1947) was an American woman who worked hard for women's rights. She was a leading suffragist, which means she believed women should have the right to vote. Ida Craft became famous for taking part in long walks called "suffrage hikes" to spread her message.

Who Was Ida Craft?

Ida A. Craft was born in New York in 1861. She was a strong supporter of women's right to vote, also known as women's suffrage. People often called her "the Colonel" because of her determined and organized nature. She dedicated much of her life to social activism and the temperance movement, which aimed to stop the sale of alcohol.

Early Life and Activism

Ida Craft grew up in New York. From a young age, she was interested in making society better. She joined movements that fought for important changes. Her work as a suffragist became her most well-known effort. She believed that giving women the right to vote was a crucial step for equality.

Fighting for the Vote

Jessie Belle Hardy Stubbs MacKaye, Ida Craft, and Rosalie Jones
Mrs. J. Hardy Stubbs, Miss Ida Craft, Miss Rosalie Jones circa 1912-1913

In the early 1900s, many women like Ida Craft were actively campaigning for suffrage. They used different methods to get attention. These included speeches, parades, and even long marches. Ida Craft was especially known for her part in these "suffrage hikes." These were long walks where suffragists traveled many miles. They would stop in towns along the way to talk about why women should vote.

The Suffrage Hikes

Ida Craft took part in several important suffrage hikes between 1912 and 1914. These hikes were a powerful way to raise awareness. Women would walk for days, sometimes in difficult weather. They carried banners and handed out leaflets. Their goal was to convince people, especially men, to support women's voting rights. These hikes showed the public how dedicated suffragists were. They helped to change public opinion over time.

Political Involvement

Ida Craft's commitment to social change went beyond just suffrage. In 1914, she ran for a political position in New York. She was elected as a Delegate at Large to the Constitutional Convention. This was a special meeting to discuss and change the state's constitution. She ran as a member of the Prohibition Party. This party focused on banning alcohol. Her election showed her influence and dedication to her beliefs.

Later Life

Ida Craft continued her work as an activist throughout her life. She saw many changes in American society. Women finally gained the right to vote across the United States in 1920. This was a huge victory for suffragists like her. Ida Craft passed away in Rockland County, New York, on September 15, 1947. She is remembered for her strong spirit and her important role in the fight for women's rights.

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