Anna Howard Shaw

Date of Birth: February 14, 1847

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: July 2, 1919

Biography

Anna Howard Shaw was a prominent American suffragist, physician, and Methodist minister who played a significant role in the women’s suffrage movement in the United States. Born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, Shaw immigrated to the United States with her family at a young age. She overcame significant obstacles to pursue an education and career, becoming one of the first female Methodist ministers and earning a medical degree from Boston University in 1886. Shaw’s activism was multifaceted; she worked tirelessly for women’s rights, including suffrage, temperance, and social reform. She became a close associate of Susan B. Anthony and served as the president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) from 1904 to 1915. Under her leadership, the movement gained significant momentum, culminating in the eventual ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which granted women the right to vote. Shaw’s eloquence and dedication made her a revered figure in the fight for gender equality.

5 Interesting Facts about Anna Howard Shaw

1. Anna Howard Shaw was one of the first women in the United States to be ordained as a Methodist minister in 1880.

2. She earned her medical degree from Boston University in 1886, making her a rare example of a woman with both religious and medical qualifications in her time.

3. Shaw was a close friend and ally of Susan B. Anthony and often collaborated with her on suffrage activities.

4. She was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal by President Woodrow Wilson for her work during World War I, making her the first woman to receive this honor.

5. Anna Howard Shaw’s autobiography, “The Story of a Pioneer,” was published in 1915 and offers an in-depth look at her life and activism.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Anna Howard Shaw

1. “The only way to refute a prejudice is to stand up and be counted.”

2. “Nothing bigger can come to a human being than to love a great cause more than life itself.”

3. “It is better to be a lion for a day than a sheep all your life.”

4. “The ideal woman should be able to do everything a man does and do it better.”

5. “It is not the vote which is democracy, it is the spirit of the people.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Anna Howard Shaw did not accumulate significant wealth from her activism. Her highest net worth is not well-documented, but she is remembered for her contributions to society rather than her financial status.