HTayor

Harriet Taylor Upton was Warren's national celebrity at the turn of the 20th century. Born on December 17, 1854, in Ravenna, Ohio, she moved with her family to Warren, Ohio in 1862. She graduated from Warren High School in 1873.

Harriet's widowed father, Judge Ezra B. 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.

Because of her familiarity with the Washington political scene she was a natural to represent the cause of women's suffrage. In 1890, Harriet committed herself completely to the suffrage movement. For the next 30 years she was dedicated to the passage of the 19th ammendment, giving women the right to vote. She worked closely with her mentor, Susan B. Anthony, with whom she formed a lasting friendship. Anthony did not live to see the passage of the 19th amendment in 1920 but her efforts in the 19th century made it all possible. It was said by the Washington Post, "Mrs. Upton is without a doubt the best liked and wisest suffrage worker in the country. 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, needlewoman, gardener, author, realtor, orator, humorist, politician and journalist. She died in Pasadena, California, in 1945 at the age of 90.

Harriet Taylor Upton had many achievements including:

Treasurer of National Women's Suffrage Association, serving 15 years
First woman Vice Chair of National Republican Executive Committee
Founding member of National League of Women Voters
Instrumental in passage of the first child labor law
President of Ohio Women's Suffrage Association for 18 years
Founder of Warren chapter of the DAR
Founder and first president of the Warren American Red Cross Chapter
First woman elected to the Warren Board of Education, serving for 15 years
First woman elected to the vestry of Christ Episcopal Church
A prolific author of books with historical themes for both adults and children