Suffrage Milestones

American society changed dramatically in the 19th century and many women chafed under the restrictions law and convention placed on them. At common law, a married woman had no rights of her own. All of her property became her husband’s, even wages from her work. The husband had custody of the children by the marriage, and his will determined their guardianship after his death. Adult unmarried women could own property but very few had any. Most educational institutions and professions were closed to women. Public speaking was prohibited.

In 1840 Elizabeth Cady Stanton joined the woman’s delegation to the World Anti-Slavery Convention led by Lucretia Mott where they were denied admittance because of their gender. This led to the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848. Woman suffrage progressed sporadically until the 1900s; the period around 1912 was pivotal for Ohio. Local suffragists engaged in three failed campaigns to obtain suffrage by state action before ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920.

1850

suffragists organize

Ohio adopts a new constitution, rejecting changes to the status of women by a vote of 72-7. Ohio women agitate with women's rights conventions in Akron and Cleveland.

1869

Women next

The Ohio Woman Suffrage Association forms in Cincinnati, affiliating with neither of the two existing national groups. They concentrate on changing state and local laws, and encouraged African American women to participate.
“Woman Suffrage,” Plain Dealer November 23, 1869

1887

equal property rights

New Ohio law decrees that married men and women have equal property rights.

1890

a united front

The American Woman Suffrage Association and the National Woman Suffrage Association merge. In 1903, the new National American Woman Suffrage Association moves from Washington D.C. to Warren, OH, the home of its treasurer Harriet Taylor Upton.
Harriet Taylor Upton, 1914. WRHS Research Library

1894

small victories

Ohio women can now vote in school elections and serve on school boards. They are also granted the right to sue and be sued.

1896

black women organize

Oberlin College graduate Mary Church Terrell forms the National Association of Colored Women, dedicated to improving the status and condition of African American Women under the motto "Lifting as We Climb."

1910

ohio's first campaign

Ohio approves a constitutional convention for January 1912. OWSA hires newspaperwoman Elizabeth Houser to execute the campaign for woman suffrage at the convention. Houser creates the Cleveland Woman Suffrage Party, recruiting socialites.

1911

men join in

Important Cleveland men form the Ohio Men’s League for Woman Suffrage. Members include future mayor Newton D. Baker, Charles Thwing, Rev. Harris R. Cooley, and Peter Whitt.
Cleveland Suffrage March, 1914. LWV Photographs. WRHS Research Library

1912

failure

42 constitutional amendments are approved for special election on September 3rd. Only 5 fail, including woman suffrage. The Ohio Constitution continues to limit the right to vote to “white male” citizens.

1912

racial tension

The Woman Suffrage Parade in Columbus, Ohio is racially integrated. In 1913, Washington D.C. parade organizers agree to segregate. Ida B. Wells refuses and walks with Illinois; Michigan, New York, and Delaware are also integrated.

1913

ohio's second campaign

The 1912 Ohio Constitutional amendments authorized voter-initiated referendum and planning began in autumn 1913 for a petition and referendum on woman suffrage for the 1914 general election.

1914

defeat, again

Suffragists campaign for passage, continuing the tactics of endorsements, speeches, literature, and parades. Over 10,000 participate in a Cleveland March in October. The amendment is defeated at the November ballot.
Cleveland Suffrage March, 1914. LWV Photographs. WRHS Research Library
JUN
2012

1915

ohio's third campaign

Ohio suffragists adopt a new approach: because the U.S.Constitution gives states the power to determine who votes in the Electoral College, they lobby for Ohio legislation allowing women to vote in presidential elections.

1916

municipal suffrage

East Cleveland gives women municipal suffrage, but the Board of Elections revolts. The case goes to the Ohio Supreme Court, where Florence Allen wins municipal suffrage for women. One year later, Lakewood passes municipal suffrage.

1917

defeat again!

Presidential suffrage passes. Anti-suffragists file a petition to overturn it on the November ballot, which Suffragists sue to block. On the eve of the election, the Ohio Supreme Court dismisses the lawsuit and suffragists lose the election.

1919

success in congress

After 4 defeats, congress passes the woman suffrage amendment and sends it to the states for ratification. Ohio is the fifth state to ratify and passes presidential suffrage so Ohio women can vote in the 1920 election.

1920

league of women voters

The National American Woman Suffrage Association holds its final meeting in Chicago and, anticipating ratification of the woman suffrage amendment, establishes the LWV of the United States as its successor.

1920

lwv cleveland

The LWV of Cleveland is established and Belle Sherwin is elected its first president. In 1924 Sherwin is elected president of LWV of the United States and serves 10 years.

1922

ohio elections

Ohio elects six women to its state legislature. Florence Allen becomes the first woman on any state supreme court.
Judge Allen and the Ohio Supreme Court. Florence Ellinwood Allen Photographs. WRHS Research Library