Gordon, Kate M. (1861–1932)

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Gordon, Kate M. (1861–1932)

American suffragist and social activist. Born July 14, 1861, in New Orleans, Louisiana; died Aug 24, 1932, in New Orleans; dau. of George Hume Gordon (educator) and Margaret (Galiece) Gordon; sister of Jean Margaret Gordon (social activist/reformer).

Founded (1896) and was dominant member of Era Club, which was devoted to woman suffrage and other issues, such as improvement of New Orleans' water supply; addressed annual convention (1900) and served as secretary (1901–09) of National American Woman Suffrage; headed Louisiana state suffrage association (1904–13); established, served as president of, and edited monthly publication for Southern States Woman Suffrage Conference (1913–17); spearheaded fight against tuberculosis in New Orleans, culminating in opening of New Orleans Anti-Tuberculosis Hospital (1926); was opposed to 19th Amendment, or any federal voting legislation that would "usurp states rights," and worked with anti-suffragists against its ratification in Louisiana and Tennessee.

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Gordon, Kate M. (1861–1932)

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