Ellen Lewis, Suffragist

Raised in New York state by her widowed mother, Miss Lewis became a fervent suffragist upon meeting “General” Rosalie Jones. Inspired by General Jones’ dedication to the cause, Miss Lewis joined in several demonstrations and wrote articles and letters to the editors of newspapers around the country.

She participated in the more well known Women’s March on Washington on March 3, 1913 where thousands of women and spectators descended on Washington to demand the right to vote. She, along with the other protestors, endured the taunts and physical assaults of anti-suffrage protesters.

Despite the deep divide in the country the 19th amendment was eventually ratified and women gained the right to vote in 1920. Miss Lewis made a point to vote in every election since.