Thygeson, Sylvie Thompson (1868–1975)

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Thygeson, Sylvie Thompson (1868–1975)

American birth-control activist. Born Sylvie Thompson, 1868, in Forreston, IL; died 1975; m. Nels Marcus Thygeson; children: 4, including Mary Thygeson Shepardson (anthropologist).

Became activist in Woman's Welfare League; held informal "parlor" gatherings at her home to discuss and provide information about women's issues; inspired by Margaret Sanger, organized birth-control clinic in St. Louis, despite law prohibiting distribution of birth control; supported women's rights, including legalization of contraception and suffrage.