Elnora E. Monroe Babcock (born Monroe; January 11, 1852 – December 29, 1934) was an early leader in the American movement to give women the right to vote. She became very involved in this work in 1889 and was in charge of the printing work for the National Woman Suffrage Association for several years. She lived in Dunkirk, New York, since 1880. Her name was listed on a bronze tablet in the New York State Capitol at Albany, along with the names of other important suffragists.

Early life and education

Elnora E. Monroe was born on January 11, 1852, in Columbus, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Jamestown High School and the Lyons Musical Academy.

Career

At the age of eighteen, she married Professor John W. Babcock from Jamestown, New York. He worked as the city's public school superintendent in Dunkirk, where the couple lived. From a young age, she believed it was unfair that women were not allowed to have a voice in government, a problem she saw as important for both men and women. However, because she spent much of her time managing household duties and lived in a community where few people shared her views, she did not actively join reform movements until 1889. That year, because of her efforts, a political equality group was created in Dunkirk, and she became its president. Under her leadership, the group grew quickly. By the end of her first year as president, she was chosen to lead the Chautauqua County Political Equality Club, which included 25 local groups and had 1,400 members.

At the end of her first year leading that club, she was re-elected president without opposition. On July 25, 1891, she presided over the first women's suffrage meeting ever held at the Chautauqua Assembly. This event was made possible by the county club's request. In addition to her roles as president, she worked on several important committees related to the suffrage movement, including leading the press department of the National Woman Suffrage Association. While she supported many reforms aimed at improving society, she focused most of her time on helping women gain the right to vote. She believed this was the most important issue facing Americans at that time and thought all other reforms depended on it.

Personal life

Babcock was a member of the Adams Memorial Unitarian Church and the Women's Alliance of that church. She was also a member of the Women's Literary Club. She passed away at her home in Dunkirk on December 29, 1934, at the age of 82.