Timeline: M_Willets PSY 313: Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906)

1838

Early Years (1820-1838)

Susan was influenced from an early age by the Quaker belief that everyone was equal under God. This idea, or belief, helped guide her throughout the rest of her life, as both a social reformer and women's rights activist. Susan had seven brothers and sisters, many of them became activists for justice and emancipation of slaves. The mix of her beliefs, exposure(s), and family members with similar passions may have helped shape her work.

1845

Moving to Rochester, NY

The Anthony family moved to Rochester, NY on the Erie Canal in 1845 after claiming bankruptcy in 1838 due to the great depression and losing their home. The family farm in New York became the meeting place for anti-slavery activists. Susan was introduced to Frederick Douglas, who became a national leader of the abolishment movement in Massachusetts and New York, at this meeting place. This exposure helped her to understand the lived experience of somebody not seen or treated as equal.

1852

First Women's Rights Convention

In 1852 Susan attends her first women's rights convention. One year prior, she had attended an anti-slavery convention in Seneca Falls, NY and met other activists including Elizabeth Stanton. The women's rights convention could have exposed Susan to the struggles and injustices that women of that era were experiencing and helped light her fire, or passion, towards women's suffrage. Then in turn worked with other activists, such as Elizabeth Stanton, towards equality for women.

Nov 5, 1872

Arrested for voting

Susan is arrested for voting for the presidential election in the front parlor of 7 Madison Street and is indicted in Albany, NY. Afterwards, she continues to lecture and attend conventions. One year later, she is tried and given a $100 fine that she refuses to pay. She was not imprisoned. This experience encouraged Susan to fight harder towards women's equality, particularly the right to vote. She continued to work with other activists towards this and eventually succeeded.

2021