How The Relief Society pioneered women’s voting rights in America
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Harold RustJanuary 18, 2020
My grandmother's sister, Mary Woolley Chamberlain, became the first county clerk in the nation (according to her autobiography) to be elected as a woman. Her 1896 election in Kane county was a great victory for women throughout Utah and Susan Young Gates was particularly impressed with this giant step forward for women being properly recognized. By the way, Mary was later elected (1911) as Kanab city mayor with an all-woman city council and they were acknowledged by the men as having done a great job after their two-year term was complete. It is also interesting to note that Mary was a polygamous wife at the time but had to present herself as a woman whose husband had already died. Utah women truly did lead the way and we members of the Church can be especially proud of their legacy.
sally jo winebrennerJanuary 16, 2020
If one visits the Susan B. Anthony home in Rochester, N.Y. they will see in a preservation case, a Black Silk dress on a form, that was a gift from the women of Utah to SBA. It was made from the silk worms of the Utah women's silk industry. Miss Anthony was very proud of her "sisters" in Utah fighting for the rights of women...
Cynthia DeckerJanuary 15, 2020
Sarah Young, the niece of Brigham Young, was the first woman to legally vote in the United States, due to a municipal election held on February 14, 1869 (Wyoming had recognized women's right to vote earlier that year, but had not yet held an election). This according to wikipedia.
NicoleJanuary 14, 2020
Actually, it was Wyoming that first allowed women the right to vote, in 1869. Louisa Swain was the first female in the United States to vote in a general election. She cast her ballot on September 6, 1870 in Laramie Wyoming.
Elizabeth WenigJanuary 14, 2020
What a glorious article! I pray we never forget the things our Pioneer sisters did for us. May we remember their efforts and sacrifices by voting each and every time there is an election and remember their sacred commitment to the gospel by following their example.
K. HaoJanuary 14, 2020
Wyoming was the first to give women the right to vote in 1869. That's why it's call the equality state.
LewisJanuary 14, 2020
What a wonderful history and a wonderful story! Please do more articles.
Becky DouglasJanuary 14, 2020
The Church has been painted for years as oppressive to women. Nothing could be further from the truth! It enobles women! How refreshing to learn that the women of the Church have been historical champions of women’s rights—leading the way for the rest of the world to follow. Thanks for reminding us of our heritage!
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