Anne Henrietta Martin: A Vanguard of Suffrage and Social Justice in Nevada
Summarized from an article written by Holly Van Valkenburgh for the Nevada Women’s History Project
Anne Henrietta Martin's journey was shaped by determination and purpose, cultivated within the unique blend of Victorian tradition and progressive ideals she experienced growing up. Her father's involvement in Nevada's political and business spheres laid the groundwork for Martin's own journey into academia and activism. Excelling academically, she earned a B.A. from Nevada State University and later obtained both a B.A. and M.A. from Stanford University. Her quest for knowledge extended far beyond the confines of academia, leading her to traverse Europe and Asia in search of where she found herself drawn to the cause of feminism.
In 1910, the Nevada Equal Franchise Society was established with the aid of Professor Jeanne Weir, and the first suffrage legislation was passed by the Nevada Legislature. Anne Martin returned to Nevada and was elected president in 1912, with Bird Wilson as vice-president. She organized the campaign that won women’s suffrage with the popular vote in Nevada on November 3, 1914, after passing the Legislature in 1911 and 1913. Her pivotal role in Nevada's suffrage movement, leading to women securing voting rights in 1914, underscores her deep-rooted commitment to social progress within her home state. Beyond suffrage, Martin tirelessly advocated for women's equality, peace, and children's rights in Nevada. This dedication garnered her recognition, including an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Nevada. Anne Henrietta Martin's legacy stands as a testament to her enduring dedication to advancing gender equality and social justice, particularly within the context of Nevada's history.
Link to original article: https://nevadawomen.org/research-center/biographies-alphabetical/anne-henrietta-martin/