Oral Presentations: UC 331
Clara Moore Sherley Tower: Forgotten Montana Suffragist
Presentation Type
Presentation
Abstract / Artist's Statement
The story of American Suffragists is often condensed to a short list of notable figures, glazing over the tireless efforts of women advocating for voting rights in their communities. Within Montana, there is a rich history of women's activism beyond our beloved Jeanette Rankin. My research project is designed to contribute to an online suffrage database overseen by The Center for the Historical Study of Women and Gender. I have conducted research on Mrs. Clara Sherley Tower, president of The Montana Woman's Suffrage Association from 1903 to 1909. I conducted my research through combing online genealogy databases, census records, and consulting historical written records such as local newspapers. I have compiled a comprehensive narrative of the life of Mrs. Tower, and her significant contributions to the plight ofboth Montanan and national women's suffrage. Her activism showcases the significance oflocal organizers, as well as the close ties between suffrage and twentieth century progressivism.
Category
Humanities
Clara Moore Sherley Tower: Forgotten Montana Suffragist
UC 331
The story of American Suffragists is often condensed to a short list of notable figures, glazing over the tireless efforts of women advocating for voting rights in their communities. Within Montana, there is a rich history of women's activism beyond our beloved Jeanette Rankin. My research project is designed to contribute to an online suffrage database overseen by The Center for the Historical Study of Women and Gender. I have conducted research on Mrs. Clara Sherley Tower, president of The Montana Woman's Suffrage Association from 1903 to 1909. I conducted my research through combing online genealogy databases, census records, and consulting historical written records such as local newspapers. I have compiled a comprehensive narrative of the life of Mrs. Tower, and her significant contributions to the plight ofboth Montanan and national women's suffrage. Her activism showcases the significance oflocal organizers, as well as the close ties between suffrage and twentieth century progressivism.