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List of Illinois suffragists facts for kids

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This article is about the amazing people and groups in Illinois who worked hard for women's suffrage. Women's suffrage means the right for women to vote in elections. For a long time, women in the United States were not allowed to vote. Brave suffragists fought to change this, believing that everyone, regardless of gender, should have a say in their government.

In Illinois, many dedicated individuals and organizations played a big part in this important movement. They held meetings, gave speeches, wrote articles, and marched to make sure women's voices were heard. Their efforts helped Illinois become one of the first states to grant women the right to vote in presidential elections, even before the national change.

Groups Fighting for Women's Right to Vote

Illinois Equal Suffrage Association pamphlet, 1903
This pamphlet from 1903 shows how groups like the Illinois Equal Suffrage Association shared their message.

Many groups formed in Illinois to support women's right to vote. They organized events, shared information, and worked together to make a difference. Here are some of the key groups:

  • Alpha Suffrage Club: This important club was started in 1913. It was one of the first suffrage clubs for African American women.
  • Chicago Equal Suffrage Association: This group formed in 1910 and was a branch of the Illinois Equal Suffrage Association.
  • Chicago Political Equality League: Created in 1894, this league worked to get women involved in politics.
  • Chicago Teachers' Federation: Teachers also joined the fight for suffrage, understanding the importance of equality.
  • Chicago Woman's Club: This club was a strong supporter of women's rights and social causes.
  • Cook County Woman's Suffrage Society: This society focused on getting the vote for women in Cook County.
  • Decatur Women's Suffrage Club: Formed in 1888, this club helped spread the message in Decatur.
  • Democratic Club of Chicago: This political club, started in 1900, also supported women's voting rights.
  • Earlville Suffrage Association: One of the earliest groups, it was formed way back in 1855.
  • Ella Flagg Young Club: Named after a famous educator, this club supported suffrage.
  • Illinois Equal Franchise Society: This group worked to ensure women had the same voting rights as men.
  • Illinois Federation of Colored Women's Clubs: This federation brought together many clubs of African American women who fought for suffrage and other rights.
  • Illinois Federation of Women's Clubs: A large group of women's clubs that supported many social improvements, including the right to vote.
  • Illinois Woman Suffrage Association (IWSA): Formed in 1869, this was a very important statewide group. It later changed its name to the Illinois Equal Suffrage Association (IESA).
  • Men's Equal Suffrage League: Not just women supported suffrage! This group of men formed in 1909 to help the cause.
  • Naperville Equal Suffrage Club: This club was created in 1888 in Naperville.
  • National Woman's Party: A national organization with a strong presence in Illinois, known for its bold protests.
  • The Ossoli Club: Formed in Highland Park, Illinois in 1894, this club was active in the suffrage movement.
  • Sorosis: This was another club that supported women's rights.
  • Springfield Suffrage Association: This group worked for suffrage in the state capital.
  • Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) of Illinois: This group, known for its work against alcohol, also supported women's suffrage.
  • Women's Trade Union League (WTUL): This league worked to improve conditions for women workers and also supported their right to vote.

Amazing Suffragists of Illinois

Susan E. Allen of Galeburg, Illinois in 1922
Susan E. Allen from Galesburg, Illinois, was a dedicated suffragist.

Many brave and determined individuals in Illinois dedicated their lives to the cause of women's suffrage. They spoke out, organized, and worked tirelessly to achieve equal voting rights. Here are some of them:

Politicians Who Supported Women's Suffrage

Some politicians in Illinois also understood the importance of women's voting rights and worked to make it happen. Their support was crucial in passing laws.

  • Martin B. Bailey
  • Charles Bogardus
  • James Bradwell
  • Charles H. Carmon (Forrest)
  • Orrin N. Carter
  • Miles B. Castle
  • Albert C. Clark
  • Michael H. Cleary
  • William A. Compton
  • Reuben W. Coon
  • John M. Curran
  • Edward C. Curtis
  • George W. Curtis
  • Samuel A. Ettelson
  • Isaiah T. Greenacre
  • George W. Harris
  • Logan Hay
  • Hugh S. Magill
  • Walter Clyde Jones
  • Kent E. Keller
  • Walter I. Manny
  • Medill McCormick
  • Willard McEwen
  • Thomas J. McMillan
  • Fayette S. Munro (Highland Park)
  • Barratt O'Hara
  • W. Duff Piercy
  • Murray F. Tuley
  • Richards S. Tuthill
  • Emil N. Zolla (Chicago)

Suffragists Who Campaigned in Illinois

Mabel Vernon speaks on the corner of E. Van Buren St and South Michigan Ave in Chicago on June 16, 1916
Mabel Vernon speaks in Chicago in 1916, encouraging people to support women's right to vote.

Many famous suffragists from other states also visited Illinois to help the cause. They gave speeches, attended rallies, and shared their experiences to inspire people in Illinois.

People Who Opposed Women's Suffrage

Not everyone supported women's right to vote. Some people believed women should not participate in politics. These individuals and groups were called "anti-suffragists."

Groups Against Suffrage

  • Illinois Association Opposed to the Extension of Suffrage to Women: This group was formed in 1897 to fight against women getting the vote.

Individuals Against Suffrage

  • Anton J. Cermak (Chicago)
  • Caroline Fairfield Corbin (Chicago)
  • Levy Mayer (Chicago)
  • Emma Oglesby (Elkhart)

See also

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List of Illinois suffragists Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.