Minnetta Theodora Taylor facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Minnetta Theodora Taylor
Born	March 2, 1860 Princeton, Missouri, U.S.
Died	July 26, 1911 (aged 51) Greencastle, Indiana, U.S.
Occupation	author, educator, clubwoman, suffragist
Alma mater	Asbury University (now, DePauw University)
Genre	poetry, songs, essays, textbooks
Notable works	"Ballot Song of American Women"
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Minnetta Theodora Taylor (born March 2, 1860 – died July 26, 1911) was an amazing American writer and poet. She was a true language expert, speaking 45 different languages! Minnetta was also a leader in women's clubs and a strong supporter of women's right to vote, known as a suffragist.

After she passed away in 1911, the Woman Suffrage Party gave her an award. This was for her poem, "Ballot Song of American Women." They wanted it to become the official song for women's voting rights, called the National Suffrage Anthem. Minnetta was friends with many famous writers. One of them, Opie Read, even called her "The Little Sister of Poets."

Minnetta Taylor's Life Story

Minnetta Theodora Taylor was born in Princeton, Missouri, on March 2, 1860. She grew up with at least two brothers, John and Howard.

Early Education and Talents

Minnetta was very smart from a young age. She started Asbury University (now called DePauw University) when she was just thirteen. By then, she had already finished advanced German classes. She had also completed math courses usually taken by college sophomores.

During her time at college, Minnetta earned top honors. She was the best in modern languages and won a special prize for Latin. She also had the highest overall grades in her class.

Teaching and Public Speaking

For a while, Minnetta taught languages like French and Spanish at DePauw University. But she decided to stop teaching to become a public speaker. By 1905, she was giving talks in big cities like New York City and Boston. Her speeches were about books, society, and how people live.

Minnetta was incredibly good with languages. She spoke 45 different ones! She also helped write six textbooks that taught Spanish and English. She wrote many articles for magazines in Spanish-speaking countries. Minnetta also wrote important essays and papers about literature.

Involvement in Clubs and Leadership

Minnetta was very well-known in different clubs. She was an active or honorary member of thirty clubs, even some in other countries. In 1903, she was the president of two important groups. These were the Western Association of Writers and the Indiana Federation of Women's Clubs. She had also been the president of the DePauw University alumni group.

The Governor of Indiana chose her for a special role. She represented Indiana at the American Forest Congress. This meeting took place in Washington D.C.

Minnetta Taylor passed away at her home in Greencastle, Indiana, on July 26, 1911.

Fighting for Women's Right to Vote

Minnetta Taylor was a strong supporter of women's right to vote. This movement is called suffrage. She even started the first suffrage club in Greencastle, Indiana.

The "Ballot Song of American Women"

In May 1911, a big event happened in New York City. About 3,000 women who supported voting rights marched. They walked for five miles down Fifth Avenue. A famous Italian composer watched this parade. He was very impressed but felt something was missing. He thought the parade needed a grand song.

He offered to write a powerful song if someone could provide the words. The Woman Suffrage Party of New York then announced a contest. They offered $100 for the best poem to become the National Suffrage Anthem. Writers from all over the U.S. sent in their poems. A special committee judged them without knowing who wrote them.

Minnetta Taylor won the prize for her poem, "Ballot Song of American Women." She wrote it just five days before she passed away. Here is the first part of her winning poem:

The "Ballot Song of American Women" was first performed in public. This happened at the Woman Suffrage Party's meeting. The performance took place at Carnegie Hall on October 26, 1911.

Minnetta Taylor's Works

• "Ballot Song of American Women", words by Minnetta Theodora Taylor, music by Fred B. King, Dec. 20, 1911; Jerome H. Co., New York.