Livia Simpson Poffenbarger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Livia Simpson Poffenbarger
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| Born |
Olivia Nye Simpson
March 1, 1862 Pomeroy, Ohio
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| Died | October 27, 1937 (aged 75) Charleston, West Virginia
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| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Newspaper editor, Politician |
| Spouse(s) |
George Poffenbarger
(m. 1894) |
Olivia Nye Simpson Poffenbarger (known as Livia) (March 1, 1862 – October 27, 1937) was an important American woman. She owned and edited a newspaper. Livia was also a historian, a social activist, and a leader in her community. She was a Republican politician in West Virginia.
Contents
Livia Poffenbarger's Life Story
Early Life and Education
Olivia Nye Simpson was born in Pomeroy, Ohio, on March 1, 1862. When she was a young girl, her family moved to Point Pleasant, West Virginia. She went to public school. After school, she studied law for two years at her father's law firm.
Becoming a Newspaper Owner
From 1884 to 1888, Livia worked as a school teacher. In 1888, she bought a newspaper called State Gazette. It was struggling, but she made it successful. She ran the newspaper until 1913, when she sold it.
Working for Women's Rights and Politics
Livia was very active in the Republican Party. She helped advise the party in 1912. She was also part of a national advisory group from 1920 to 1924. In 1924, she was an elector, which means she was chosen to cast a vote for president.
She was the state director for the women's suffrage campaign in West Virginia. This campaign worked to get women the right to vote. Livia also led a group that advised on improving state roads. She traveled all over the state to encourage people to support this plan.
Helping Her Community
Livia organized the Mason County chapter of the American Red Cross. In 1913, she led efforts to help people during a big flood. During World War I, she led three statewide drives to sell Liberty Bonds. These bonds helped the government pay for the war. Her ideas for selling bonds were used across the country. In 1919, she received a special honorary degree from West Virginia University. This recognized her important work.
Preserving History
Livia often wrote about the Battle of Point Pleasant. She believed it was the first battle of the American Revolution. While many historians don't agree, her hard work led to something amazing. She helped create Tu-Endie-Wei State Park. A monument was also built at the battle site because of her efforts. She wrote other books and pamphlets about the history of West Virginia. On November 11, 1925, she gave a speech at the unveiling of a monument. This monument honored World War veterans in Charleston.
Family Life
In 1894, Livia married George Poffenbarger. He was a well-known lawyer. He later served for many years on the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. They had two sons, Nathan and Perry. Her brother, John Simpson, was a dean at the West Virginia University medical school. Livia Poffenbarger passed away on October 27, 1937, in Charleston, West Virginia.
