Suffragists in Virginia

Pauline Forstall Colclough Adams, Norfolk: Picketed Wilson’s White House in 1917, arrested, tried, sentenced, and incarcerated. “Prison Special” train tour speaker.

Janie Porter Barrett (1865-1948), Hampton: A social settlement house founder, educator, and leader in the Black women’s club movement.  In 1890, Barrett set up her home as a Social Settlement House. The first for the Blacks in the nation; she was first President of the Virginia Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs.  She chaired the Executive Board of the National Association of Colored Women from 1924-28, and her Industrial School continues to exist today as the Barrett Learning Center.

Maude Jamison, Norfolk: Picketed the White House in 1917, arrested, tried, sentenced, and incarcerated.

Nell Mercer, Norfolk: Member of Virginia Beach NWP. Participated in Watchfire demonstrations in Feb, 1919, jailed for five days.

Sophie Meredith, (born in Mass.), Richmond: In 1909, Sophie Meredith and other wealthy female activists founded the Equal Suffrage League of Virginia.

Lila Meade Valentine, Richmond: Led Equal Suffrage League of Virginia. Led march of 200 suffragists to Governor’s. office, including great great granddaughters of Thomas Jefferson and George Mason.