Anna Howard Shaw

American physician and suffragist

Anna Howard Shaw

Anna Howard Shaw (February 14, 1847 – July 2, 1919) was a prominent American physician, suffragist, and leader in the women's rights movement. She was a key figure in the struggle for women's suffrage in the United States and served as president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA).

Early life and education

Anna Howard Shaw was born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, and emigrated to the United States with her family in 1851. They settled in Lawrence, Massachusetts, before moving to a rural area in Michigan. Shaw's early life was marked by hardship, as her family struggled to make a living on the frontier.

Despite these challenges, Shaw was determined to pursue an education. She attended Albion College in Michigan, where she developed an interest in public speaking and social reform. Shaw later enrolled at the Boston University School of Theology, becoming one of the first women to earn a degree in theology in 1878.

Career

Ministry

After completing her theological studies, Shaw was ordained as a Methodist minister, one of the first women to achieve this status. She served as a pastor in East Dennis, Massachusetts, where she gained a reputation as a powerful orator and advocate for social justice.

Medicine

In addition to her work in the ministry, Shaw pursued a medical degree, graduating from the Boston University School of Medicine in 1886. Her medical training further equipped her to address issues of public health and women's rights.

Suffrage movement

Carrie Chapman Catt and Anna Howard Shaw in 1917

Shaw's involvement in the women's suffrage movement began in earnest in the late 19th century. She joined the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA) and quickly rose to prominence due to her eloquence and leadership skills. In 1904, she was elected president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, a position she held until 1915.

During her tenure, Shaw worked closely with other suffrage leaders, including Susan B. Anthony and Carrie Chapman Catt. She traveled extensively, delivering speeches and organizing campaigns to secure voting rights for women.

Later life and legacy

Susan B. Anthony with Woman's Rights Leaders, 1896

After stepping down as president of NAWSA, Shaw continued to advocate for women's rights and social reform. She was appointed chair of the Women's Committee of the Council of National Defense during World War I, where she worked to mobilize women in support of the war effort.

Shaw's contributions to the suffrage movement were recognized with numerous honors, including the Distinguished Service Medal. She passed away on July 2, 1919, just months before the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which granted women the right to vote.

Related pages

• Women's suffrage in the United States
• National American Woman Suffrage Association
• Susan B. Anthony
• Carrie Chapman Catt

Suffrage Alliance Congress, London 1909

Dr. Anna Howard Shaw, 1919

Anna Howard Shaw House