Jane Taylour facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jane E. Taylour
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Jane Taylour, 1871
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| Born | 1827 Stranraer, Scotland
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| Died | 1905 (aged 77–78) Saffron Walden, England
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| Known for | Campaigner for women's suffrage |
Jane E. Taylour (born around 1827, died 1905) was an important Scottish woman. She fought for women's rights, especially for their right to vote. She was one of the very first women to give public speeches. Jane traveled all over Scotland and northern England. She spoke about women's suffrage, which means the right for women to vote. She helped many people learn about this important cause. Her work inspired others to join the National Society for Women's Suffrage.
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Jane Taylour's Early Life
Jane Taylour was born in Scotland, in a place called Stranraer, around 1827 or 1828. Her parents were Maria Angus and Nathaniel Taylor. She later moved to Saffron Walden in England in 1861. Jane had inherited some money. This money allowed her to travel and work for the National Society for Women's Suffrage. She could dedicate her time to helping women gain the right to vote.
Jane Taylour passed away in Saffron Walden on February 25, 1905. She was buried in a special place for the Society of Friends, also known as Quakers.
Fighting for Women's Right to Vote
Jane Taylour spoke to many people about women's suffrage. She gave speeches in London, northern England, and all over Scotland.
In 1869, another activist named Clementia Taylor asked Jane to go on a speaking tour. Starting in 1870, Jane gave public talks. She traveled across Scotland and Northeast England. She campaigned for women to have equal rights, including the right to vote. She was also the honorary secretary for the Galloway Branch of the National Society for Women's Suffrage.
Jane's Public Speeches
In just one year, Jane Taylour gave 41 speeches without pay. This was shared by Priscilla Bright McLaren at a conference in London. Important local leaders often led these meetings. After the talks, people would sign petitions. These petitions asked the British Parliament to give women the right to vote.
Jane also sent a petition to support a bill by Jacob Bright. This bill aimed to remove rules that stopped women from voting. Women's rights activist Clementia Taylor called Jane "the energetic little woman from Stranraer." Jane believed women were not trying to be better than men. Instead, she wanted women to be treated fairly. She felt women could lose their rights, for example, after getting married.
She once said:
We want to do our part in making the world better. We want to help with a woman's strength, in a woman's way. We want to bring wisdom, kindness, and goodness to society.
Her speech in Kirkwall was very powerful. The person leading the meeting, Provost Bain, changed his mind. He had thought Parliament would protect women's interests without them voting. But after hearing Jane, he said his belief was "considerably shaken." He thanked Jane for her clear and convincing way of speaking.
By 1873, Jane had given more than 150 speeches in Scotland. Her campaigns helped create new women's suffrage groups. These groups started in many towns across the Highlands and Moray regions, such as Tain, Dingwall, Forres, Elgin, Banff, Invergordon, Nairn and Dunkeld.
Key Arguments for Women's Suffrage
In one speech in Edinburgh in 1873, Jane Taylour used several strong arguments.
- She argued it was simply fair and just.
- She pointed out that women had voted more than men in some local elections.
- She said that if people paid taxes, they should have a say in government. This is known as "no taxation without representation."
- She noted that not being educated did not stop men from voting. So, it should not stop women either.
- She also mentioned that a queen ruled the country (Queen Victoria). Therefore, women should not be kept out of public life.
- She explained that religious objections were based on narrow interpretations of faith.
After her lecture, a resolution was passed. It stressed that paying taxes should mean having the right to vote.
Impact of Jane's Speeches
Jane was sometimes joined by other campaigners like Mary Hill Burton and Agnes McLaren. They traveled to northern Scotland. They felt that much work had already been done in Edinburgh. People there had already voted, signed petitions, and even the Town Council supported women's votes.
Jane's meetings were very popular. Sometimes, so many people came that some had to be turned away. Newspapers widely covered her lectures. The Orkney Herald printed her speeches in full. The Shetland Times also fully reported her speech in Lerwick in Shetland on September 12, 1873.
Her arguments were always clear and logical. She often said:
- Women should have the right to vote because it is fair and makes sense.
- Parliament collects taxes from everyone. So, women who pay taxes should also be able to vote for those in Parliament.
The Women's Suffrage Journal praised Jane's speaking skills. They said she was an excellent public speaker. They noted her elegant words, clear voice, and charming style.
Jane also gave many lectures in Gainsborough, England. On March 12, 1885, she spoke at the Temperance Hall with other activists like Florence Balgarnie, Jessie Tod, and Ann Radford McCormick. She returned two years later on January 18, 1887, to talk about women's political and social equality. She also spoke about women and politics at a local association on May 31, 1885.
Important Roles and Leadership
Jane Taylour held several important positions. From 1870 to 1872, she was the first Honorary Secretary of the Galloway branch. This was part of the National Society for Women's Suffrage.
Later, from 1873 to 1876, she was a joint Secretary for the Edinburgh National Society for Women's Suffrage. This was one of the first groups in Britain to fight for women's votes. She also served on the main committee of the national Society. By 1901, she became a vice-president of the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies.
In her hometown of Saffron Walden, Jane was also active. In 1895, she was Secretary of the local British Women's Temperance Association. She also helped women get appointed to the local Board of Guardians. This group helped manage local public services.
Remembering Jane Taylour
People recognized Jane Taylour for her hard work. She volunteered so much for women's suffrage in Scotland. She received jewelry and 150 guineas (a type of old British money) as a thank you.
Her story is still remembered today. The Workers' Education Association features her on their website about Scottish suffragists. In 2018, which was 100 years after some women first got the right to vote in the UK, Jane Taylour was highlighted. The Glasgow Women's Library created an animated video about her. It showed her impact as one of the first women to speak publicly. The University of Edinburgh also mentioned her in their celebration of 100 years of women's votes. Jane Taylour is even included in educational materials for Scottish schools. These materials teach students about important activists like her.
See also
In Spanish: Jane Taylour para niños
