In honor of Women's History Month, the Capitol Square Review & Advisory Board presents Elizabeth Cole-Clark, a member of the Board of Directors of the Upton Association and Harriet Taylor Upton Historian. Cole-Clark is a retired school teacher.
Harriet Taylor Upton was Warren's national celebrity at the turn of the century. Born on December 17, 1854, in Ravenna, Ohio, she moved with her family to Warren in 1862. She graduated from Warren High School in 1873.
Harriet's widowed father, Judge Ezra Taylor, was appointed to Congress in 1880. Harriet accompanied him to Washington, D. C., where she served as his hostess and companion. There she became a favorite in society, both for her literary ability and her amiability of character. She married Attorney George Upton in 1884. They had no children.
In 1890, Harriet committed herself to the suffrage movement and devoted the next 30 years to the passage of the 19th amendment, which gives women the right to vote. She worked closely with her mentor, Susan B. Anthony, with whom she formed a lasting friendship. It was said by the Washington Post, "Mrs. Upton is without a doubt the best liked and wisest suffrage worker in the county. Always in times of stress, the other state leaders have to call on Mrs. Upton." Through her political involvement, she became friends with Presidents Hayes, Garfield, McKinley, Harding and Hoover.
Mrs. Upton had many diverse interests. She was considered an excellent housekeeper, cook, needleworker, gardener, author, realtor, orator, humorist, politician and journalist. She died in Pasadena, California, in 1954 at the age of 90.
Harriet Taylor Upton had many achievements including: Treasurer of the National Women's Suffrage Association, served 15 years First women Vice Chair of the National Republican Executive Committee Founding member of the National League of Women's Voters Instrumental in pass of the first child labor law President of Ohio Women's Suffrage Association for 18 years Founder of local DAR Chapter Founder and first president of Warren's American Red Cross Chapter First women elected to the Warren Board of Education, served 15 years First women elected to vestry of Christ Episcopal Church
