Josephine Shaw Lowell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Josephine Shaw Lowell
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From a Crayon Portrait 1869
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Josephine Shaw
December 16, 1843 |
| Died | October 12, 1905 (aged 61) New York City
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| Spouse(s) | Charles Russell Lowell |
| Children | Carlotta Russell Lowell |
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Josephine Shaw Lowell (December 16, 1843 – October 12, 1905) was an important leader in the Progressive movement in the United States. This movement worked to solve social problems in the late 1800s and early 1900s. She is best known for starting the New York Consumers League in 1890. This group worked to improve conditions for workers.
One writer called her the "grand dame of the social reformers." This means she was a very important and respected figure among people working for social change.
Contents
Josephine Shaw Lowell's Life Story
Early Life and Family
Josephine Shaw was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts, in 1843. Her family was wealthy and lived in New England. Her parents, Francis George and Sarah Blake (Sturgis) Shaw, were Unitarian and cared deeply about helping others. They encouraged their five children to learn and get involved in their communities.
The family lived in France and Italy for some years. Later, they settled on Staten Island in New York. Josephine was known as 'Effie' when she was a child. Her brother, Robert Gould Shaw, became a famous officer in the American Civil War.
In 1863, Josephine Shaw married Charles Russell Lowell, who was a businessman. She went with him to Virginia when he joined the army during the Civil War. Josephine helped wounded soldiers on the battlefield. She also sent care packages to soldiers through the United States Sanitary Commission. Charles died in battle less than a year after they married. Their daughter, Carlotta, was born just one month later.
Becoming a Progressive Leader
After her husband's death, Josephine moved back to Staten Island with her baby, Carlotta. They lived with Josephine's parents. Later, after her father passed away, she moved to New York City with her mother and daughter. She became involved in business and social reform.
Lowell was active in the American Anti-Imperialist League. This group opposed the United States taking control of other countries. She served as Vice-President of the League from 1901 to 1905. She strongly supported Philippine independence.
Josephine Shaw Lowell was very dedicated to making society fairer and helping people. She wanted to end poverty. She once said, "If the working people had all they ought to have, we should not have the paupers and criminals." She believed it was better to help people before they faced serious problems.
In 1876, the Governor of New York State, Samuel J. Tilden, appointed Lowell to a special role. She became a Commissioner of the New York State Board of Charities. She was the first woman to ever hold this important position. She worked on the Board until 1889.
Josephine Shaw Lowell and the State Board of Charities worked to create new facilities. In 1878, they established the New York State Custodial Asylum for Feeble-Minded Women. This facility was built to house women who needed special care.
Throughout her life, Lowell founded many other organizations. These included:
- The New York Charity Organization in 1882, where she worked with Jacob Riis.
- The House of Refuge for Women (later called the New York Training School for Girls) in 1886.
- The Woman's Municipal League in 1894.
- The Civil Service Reform Association of New York State in 1895.
Later Years and Legacy
Perhaps her most important organization was the New York Consumers' League. She started this group in 1890. This organization worked to improve wages and working conditions for women in New York City. They were especially concerned about women who worked in stores.
Lowell created a "White List" of stores. These were stores known for treating their women workers fairly. At first, this list was very short, showing how much work was needed.
The idea of the New York Consumer's League spread quickly. Chapters opened in many other cities across the country. The main organization, the National Consumers League (NCL), became a powerful group. They worked to influence laws and improve conditions for workers nationwide.
Josephine Shaw Lowell died from cancer in 1905. She passed away at her home in New York City. She is buried with her husband at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
A special memorial was dedicated to her in 1912. The Josephine Shaw Lowell Memorial Fountain is in Bryant Park in New York City. This park is behind the New York Public Library Main Branch building. This fountain is believed to be New York City's first public memorial dedicated to a woman.
See also
In Spanish: Josephine Shaw Lowell para niños
