Nell Mercer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nell Fidelia Mercer
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Mercer circa 1910-1920
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| Born |
Nell Fidelia Mercer
August 13, 1893 North Landing, Virginia
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| Died | September 30, 1979 (aged 86) Andover, Massachusetts
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| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Nell K. Mercier |
| Occupation | Business owner, Suffragist |
Nell Mercer (born 1893, died 1979) was an American woman who worked hard to help women get the right to vote. She was part of a group called the Silent Sentinels. They stood outside the White House to ask President Woodrow Wilson to support women's voting rights.
Nell Mercer's Early Life and Activism
Nell Mercer was born in North Landing, Virginia, on August 13, 1893. She grew up in Norfolk, Virginia. As a young woman, she joined the Norfolk branch of the National Woman's Party, a group that fought for women's voting rights.
Fighting for Women's Right to Vote
Nell was a brave member of the Silent Sentinels. This group protested peacefully outside the White House. They wanted President Woodrow Wilson to support a law that would let women vote across the country.
In February 1919, Nell was arrested during one of these protests. She was part of a "watchfire demonstration," where people lit small fires to show their dedication to the cause. She was sentenced to five days in jail for her actions.
Because of her sacrifices, Nell was honored for her efforts. In 1926, she became a delegate to an important meeting in Paris, France. This meeting was called the Tenth Congress of the International Alliance of Women, where people from different countries discussed women's rights.
Life After Activism
After her work for women's suffrage, Nell Mercer traveled around Europe for two years. When she came back to the United States, she stayed at the famous Brunswick Hotel in Boston's Copley Square.
Later, Nell bought this historic hotel. She became its final owner and manager. Many years later, she sold the hotel to IBM, a large technology company, which turned it into their main office.
Nell Mercer passed away in Andover, Massachusetts, on September 30, 1979, at the age of 86. In 2021, it was announced that filmmaker Tara Price would make a documentary about Nell's life.
