Jennie Curtis Cannon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jennie Curtis Cannon
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Cannon in her decorated automobile
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| Born |
Jennie Olive Curtis
October 15, 1851 |
| Died | September 8, 1929 (aged 77) At sea
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| Resting place | Delhi, New York |
| Other names | Mrs. Henry W. Cannon |
| Occupation | Suffragist |
| Spouse(s) |
Henry White Cannon
(m. 1879) |
| Children | 2 |
Jennie Olive Curtis Cannon (born October 15, 1851, died September 8, 1929) was an important American woman. She worked hard to get women the right to vote. People who fight for voting rights for women are called suffragists.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Jennie was born on October 15, 1851, in Peterboro, New York. Her parents were Mary Abigail Curtis and Gold Tompkins Curtis.
Her father was a lawyer. He stopped working as a lawyer during the American Civil War to lead a group of soldiers. This group was called the 5th Minnesota Volunteers. He sadly died in 1862 while serving his country. Jennie also had a younger brother named Gold Tompkins Curtis Jr.
Fighting for Women's Rights
Jennie Cannon was a well-known suffragist. She strongly believed that women should have the right to vote. She was a member of the New York State Equal Suffrage Association. First, she was a district director. Later, she became the third vice president. She then became the Vice President of the National American Woman Suffrage Association.
Jennie was known for her strong and skilled speaking. She was very active in her local area. She managed the suffrage campaign headquarters in Delhi, New York. In 1914, Jennie organized a big Equal Suffrage Convention in Delhi. A famous speaker named Carrie Chapman Catt spoke at this event. In 1915, Jennie also organized a large suffrage meeting in Hancock, New York.
She also helped the cause by driving around Delaware County in her car. Her car was specially decorated to support women's voting rights.
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Mrs. Cannon's Equal Suffrage Car, side view
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Mrs. Cannon's Equal Suffrage Car, back view
Jennie's Personal Life
On November 20, 1879, Jennie married Henry White Cannon (1850–1934). They were married in Washington, D.C.. Henry Cannon held an important government job. He was the United States Comptroller of the Currency from 1884 to 1886. This job involves overseeing national banks. He also became the president of Chase National Bank from 1886 to 1904.
Jennie and Henry had two children:
- George Curtis Cannon (1882–1956): He went to Harvard University. He loved collecting old cars and designing special fast boats called hydroplanes.
- Henry White Cannon Jr. (1887–1966): He was an artist.
Jennie Cannon passed away at sea on September 8, 1929. She was on a ship called The Majestic. Her husband, Henry, passed away later in 1934 in Daytona Beach, Florida. He was also buried in Delhi, New York.
Jennie Cannon's Legacy
Today, Jennie Cannon's former home in Delhi is home to the Town of Delhi Historical Society. Her collection of newspaper clippings and photos about her suffrage work is very important. This collection is called the "Jennie Curtis Cannon Collection." You can find it at the Delaware County Historical Association and the New York Heritage Digital Collection. These collections help us remember her important work for women's rights.
