The woman pictured on the left was born on this date in 1815. That’s right—199 years ago. She lived to be 86, and was instrumental in writing “The Declaration of Sentiments” at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848.
What’s that? Can’t put a name with those initials in the title? Never heard of the Declaration of Sentiments? Have no idea what the Seneca Falls Convention was all about?
Interesting… Well, here’s a clue. A quote from E.C.S. during the Convention:
“Did I not feel that the time has come for the questions of women’s wrongs to be laid before the public? Did I not believe that women herself must do this work, for women alone understand the height, the depth, the breadth of her degradation.”
Yes, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, civil rights activist and president of the National Women’s Suffrage Association, is one of my heroes. And while some may readily recall Susan B. Anthony, few have Stanton’s name retained in their memory banks.
A woman far, far, far ahead of her time, Stanton spearheaded the writing of “A Woman’s Bible: A Classic Feminist Perspective” in…. wait for it… 1895. I say she spearheaded the writing, and her name appears on the cover, but no less than 26 women worked, by committee, on the two-part non-fiction book, which challenged the traditional position of religious orthodoxy that woman should be subservient to man.
In my digging around, I’ve found dozens of fabulous quotes from the book that truly speak to me. Here’s one:
“To-day the woman is Mrs. Richard Roe, to-morrow Mrs. John Doe, and again Mrs. James Smith according as she changes masters, and she has so little self-respect that she does not see the insult of the custom.”
I have long encouraged women who choose to marry to “keep your birth name.” Not “maiden” name—Ack! What an archaic term! But the name that appears on your birth certificate. Much less future confusion. Take it from one who knows.
I would never want to return to those “prehistoric” ages, but I’m sure I would have enjoyed knowing Elizabeth Cady Stanton. I bet she was a hoot to hang out with. I know I owe a lot of who I am today because of women like her.
Atta girl, Elizabeth! Thanks for helping pave the way!