Profile of the Day: Susan B. Anthony

Posted February 15, 2023 by Amanda | No Comment

Today we celebrate suffragist and social reformer Susan B. Anthony, who was born on this day in 1820.

Image: Susan B. Anthony / Library of Congress

Anthony was born in Adams, Massachusetts to Daniel Anthony and Lucy Read. Her father was an abolitionist and an advocate of the temperance movement. She grew up in a politically active household, which instilled in her a strong passion for social reform.

Anthony first met Elizabeth Cady Stanton in 1851. They quickly formed a close friendship and a strong working relationship that would become pivotal to the women’s suffrage movement. Together they founded the National Woman Suffrage Association in 1869.

In 1872, Anthony was arrested for illegally voting in the presidential election. Her trial was widely publicized and although she was convicted, Anthony refused to pay the fine. She continued to fight for women’s suffrage until she passed away on March 13, 1906 at the age of 86. Thanks to her pioneering efforts, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was finally ratified in 1920, granting women the right to vote.

Explore Susan B. Anthony’s family tree on Geni and share how you’re related!