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Theodora W. Youmans
WWSA
Wisconsin Woman's Suffrage Association
The Wisconsin Women's Suffrage Association was formed in 1869, and because of reform movements that came from the Second Great Awakening, started with a focus on temperance and in schools. In 1900 Theodora Youmans began work in the group's movement, and its focus started shifting towards civic changes. They were eager to make progress, and spread suffrage awareness through organized campaigns and monthly publications in papers and newsletters across the state. In 1913 Youmans was elected President, and was known as a prominent activist in Wisconsin. On behalf of the WWSA, she made appearances on county boards, proposed motions, and gave presentations. She also would meet with state legislators, eventually securing their votes for the 19th amendment.
"It is simple justice; women are as intelligent as men and have as great concern in public affairs."
~ Theodora Youmans
Suffrage Society Elects Officers (January 18th, 1917): Mrs. Henry Youmans is unanimously re-elected as President of WWSA [Source: UWGB Archives]
Wisconsin Women Suffrage Association Constitution (1911): By-laws and goals of WWSA as in their Constitution [Source: UWGB Archives]
Group Successes
One of the first successes of the WWSA was in 1869 when the state of Wisconsin passed laws that allowed women to run for school board positions and vote in elections on school related issues. This included women in efforts to improve public schools and opened up possibilities for more female voting in the future. Later in 1916 when the group's focus became mainly on securing women's votes, members of the Wisconsin Women's Suffrage Association joined thousands of others on a march in Chicago on the Republican National Convention through a rainstorm. The purpose was to petition the Republican Party to support a new women's suffrage amendment. The march got a lot of attention and marked a shift in women's roles in politics and a new height in women's public influence and voice.
"Women are the equal of men in brains, but far behind in thinking"
~ Professor E. A. Ross