Gage, Matilda Joslyn (1826-1898)

Title

Gage, Matilda Joslyn (1826-1898)

Contributor

Sciancalepore, Victoria

Raisch, Elly

birthday

1826-03-24

Birthplace

Cicero, NY

Death Date

1898-03-18

Occupation

Anti-Slavery activist

Woman suffrage activist

Author

Biographical Text

Matilda Joslyn Gage was a writer best known for her activism. Gage attended preparatory school at Clinton Liberal Institute in Clinton, NY. As a child, she was heavily influenced by her parents’ activism, with her childhood home being a part of the Underground Railroad. Gage’s writing primarily involved bringing attention to women’s history and inventions, published in various pamphlets, newspapers, and books. Her activism extended beyond her writing: she was president of the National Women’s Suffrage Association, later leaving to found the Woman’s National Liberal Union in 1890. She was also known for her continued involvement in the Underground Railroad and critique of various social ills such as federal assimilation of Native Americans and subjugation of women in the Christian Church.

Gage was married to merchant Henry H. Gage in 1845. They had five children: Charles Henry, Helen Leslie, Thomas Clarkson, Julia Louise, and Maud. She passed away at age 71 in 1898 due to paralysis-induced unconsciousness at the home of her son-in-law L. Frank Baum.

Bibliography

"Matilda Joslyn Gage Dead," Chicago Tribune. March 19,1898. p. 13

Wikipedia