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Ahern, Mary Eileen (1860-1938) Librarian – Spencer. Editor of Public Libraries Journal. Extended public libraries into small towns. Mary Eileen was known internationally and represented the American Library Association at a meeting in France in 1919.
Anderson, Margaret Caroline (1886-1973) Writer and publisher – Indianapolis. Went to Chicago in 1908 because "there was no creative opinion in Indianapolis." Margaret wrote for Dial Magazine. She launched Little Review, a monthly magazine which was an outlet for new voices in American literature. She moved the magazine to New York and later to Paris (from Encyclopedia of Indianapolis, p. 117).
Arbuckle, Dorothy Fry (1910- ) Novelist, reporter, musician, business executive. – Lake Village. Wrote Andy's Dan'l Boone Rifle, a tale of friendly Indians and pioneers in Northwest Indiana in the 1800s. Dorothy also managed a fuel oil business, composed over 200 musical works, and wrote children's novels.
Arnold, Eleanor ( - ) Book editor – Rushville. Edited Hoosier Homemakers Series. Interviewed over 350 women from rural Indiana, resulting in a series of six books, one of which was honored by Indiana University as the best children's book of 1955.
Auferheide, Mary Frances (1888-1972) Musician, ragtime composer – Richmond, Indianapolis. Compositions include "Richmond Rag" (1909) and "Blue Ribbon Rag" (1910).
Bacon, Albion Fellows (1865-1933) Writer, social worker – Evansville. Albion and her sister Amie grew up in Evansville and both became famous. Shocked by the slums of her city, Albion became an activist and worked to improve the living conditions of the poor. Through her efforts, the Indiana State Legislature passed the State Tenement Law in 1913 and the State Housing Law in 1917. Her marriage to Hilary Bacon and her duties as the mother of four children did not keep her from doing the work for the welfare of children she thought was so important. She helped organize many groups such as the Tuberculosis Association and the Visiting Nurses Association. She was chair of the State Welfare Association and a member of the State Commission on Delinquency. She lectured all over the United States as an authority on housing reform. She was appointed to the Conference on Home Building by President Herbert Hoover. Memberships included the Legislative Council of Indiana Women, the Indiana Historical Association (Interracial Commission), and Woman's Press Club of Indiana. Author of the autobiographical Beauty for Ashes, The Path to God, and Consolation, she wrote poems, fairy tales, and pageants. A truly great lady of Indiana (from Women of Indiana, p. 261).
Baldwin, Cora (Mrs. Chauncey ) ( - ) Environmentalist – Elkhart. Cora Baldwin joined the Elkhart Chamber of Commerce when it was unusual for women to be members. She founded and was president of the Elkhart County Chapter of the Michiana Watershed and was the first woman to be a member of The Board of Directors of the Mississippi Valley Association. She was a member of the Advisory Council on Waters and Minerals of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. She worked on flood control projects and led the drive to develop Bonneyville Mill State Park.
Ball, Bertha ( - ) Philanthropist, civil worker – Muncie. Bertha Ball, an 1898 graduate of Vassar College, is noted for her active work in preserving Indiana's history. She has been active in the Federation of Women Club, the DAR, the Ball Bros. Foundation, and many other civic groups. She has been Chair of the Old Fauntleroy Home at New Harmony and a leader in preserving this piece of Indiana history. She was also appointed by the governor to be a member of the New Harmony Memorial Commission.
Ball, Caroline Peddle (1869-1938) Sculptor – Terre Haute. Internationally known sculptor. Studied with the famous sculptor St. Gaudens in New York City. Caroline had a studio in Paris for three years and also studied in Italy. She made designs for the company of Louise Comfort Tiffany for the Columbian Exhibition (Chicago World's Fair) and also designed the 25 cent Isabella coin for that event. Her sculptures include fountains, baptismal fonts for churches, fireplace screens, and bronze reliefs of children.
Ball, Evelyn (1906- ) Historic preservationist – Lafayette. Evelyn saved the original paintings of American artist George Winter when they were being tossed out of the window of a local building being demolished. She also saved his sketchbook and journals and gave them to the Tippecanoe County Historical Society. She served on the board of a number of preservation groups.
Balz, Arcada Stark First female state senator, 1942-46.
Barker, Judge Sarah Evans (1943- ) First female judge in Indiana.
Barr, Daisy Douglas (1878-1938) Quaker women's minister and evangelist – Jonesboro, Fairmont, Muncie. Daisy worked for many years in the temperance movement and in promoting care for young women, organizing the YWCA in Muncie. She was a Quaker evangelist, known for her speaking ability, and traveled extensively. In 1921 the Ku Klux Klan was formed in Indiana. The Klan emphasized prohibition and purity of women, and Daisy was attracted to the group. She recruited members and led marches. Although misguided, she was a good organizer and served as head of the Women of the KKK and recruited many women to the organization. She died in a traffic accident in 1938 on her way to a WCTU meeting.
Barteau, Betty ( - ) Lawyer, judge – Indianapolis. After having begun private practice in Marion County, Betty was appointed to the Court of Appeals of Indiana in 1991 (from The Court of Appeals of Indiana - brochure).
Barthold, Betty "Tiny" ( - ) Lawyer, judge – Jeffersonville. Worked with juveniles.
Baxter, Anne (1923-1985) Actress – Michigan City. Anne Baxter began acting when she was 11 years old. Born in Michigan City, she was the granddaughter of the world- famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Anne's family moved to New York, and in 1936 at the age of 13, Anne debuted on Broadway, playing the part of a teenager in a musical. In 1942 she appeared in the movie "The Magnificent Ambersons," a film based on the novel by Booth Tarkenton and produced by Orson Wells. During the 1940s and 1950s Anne made many successful movies. She won a best supporting actress Academy Award for "The Razor's Edge" in 1946. Another of her best roles was in "All About Eve" in 1950. She also had roles on television and narrated a TV documentary about the life of her grandfather.
Baxter, Nancy Niblack (1942- ) Author, journalist – Culver. Nancy is the author of a historical fiction series for children entitled The Heartland Chronicles. In addition to being an author and publisher, she has been a teacher and reporter for the Indianapolis News. She and her husband began Guild Press in 1987.
Baxter, Sharon (1954- ) First woman in the world to join Kiwanis International (1977).
Bayh, Marvella Hern (1933-1979) Political and health activist – Terre Haute, Bloomington. Born in Oklahoma, Marvella became a public speaker while in high school. She went to Chicago for the National Farm Bureau Speech Contest, where she met Birch Bayh. They were married a year later and moved to Birch's home farm in Shirtlesville, near Terre Haute. She was a spokesperson for her husband's campaigns for Congress, as well as for other Democratic leaders. She also spoke for women's involvement in politics. She served as spokesperson for Head Start, ERA, cancer research, and anti-smoking campaigns. Marvella was named Indiana Woman of the Year. She also received the 1979 American Cancer Society's Hubert Humphrey Inspirational Award for Courage just before her death from bone cancer. She did not live to see her son Evan become governor of Indiana and a U.S. Senator.
Bayh, Susan Brashears ( - ) Lawyer.
Beard, Mary Ritter (1876-1958) Historian, author, women's rights activist – Indianapolis. While living in England with her husband Charles, Mary was influenced by the poor conditions of female industrial workers and the women suffragists. She combined activism on women's issues with writing. In 1946 she published Women as a Force in History and wrote numerous other books on women's issues. She established the World Center for Women's Archives to aid in the understanding of women's role in history. She also co-authored a popular American history textbook series with her husband.
Beecher, Eunice Ballard (1812-1897) Novelist – Lawrenceburg, Indianapolis. Born in Massachusetts, Eunice lived in Indiana from 1837-1847. Her husband, Henry Ward Beecher, was a Presbyterian minister in Lawrenceburg and Indianapolis. People thought she had "New England ways" and that she was "putting on airs." After ten years in Indiana, the couple moved on to other pastorates. In 1859 Eunice published an autobiographical novel, From Dawn to Daylight, a controversial book of her Indiana years (Traces 2 (2) 16-23). Although she used fictional names for the Indiana churches, she was critical of them. The church members were outraged, and the book was banned in Indiana. Scholars indicate that the book accurately depicts life in Indiana in the 1830s and 1840s.
Bennett, Constance ( - ) Silent screen actress – Logansport. Played ghost of the "Topper" series.
Bennett, Joan ( - ) Stage, screen, and TV actress – Logansport. Played on the TV series "Too Young to Go Steady."
Bergen, Polly ( - ) Actress and singer – Richmond, Ft. Wayne. Born in Fort Wayne. Starred in such films as "War and Remembrance," "While You Were Sleeping," "The Winds of War," and "Wuthering Heights." Played in "Faster, Faster."
Bingham, Jinsie Scott (1935- ) Greencastle. Virginia Hutchinson Scott, called Jinsie, was the first woman in Indiana to buy a radio station and the first woman to serve on the Executive Board of the Indiana Broadcasters Association.
Blackwell, Katrina Lowther (1950- ) Business entrepreneur. First woman president of American Red Ball Transit Company. Second woman of a nation–wide household goods moving company in the U.S.
Blaker, Eliza Cooper (1854-1926) Educator – Indianapolis. Eliza Blaker's name is synonymous with kindergarten and education for young children in Indiana. She founded both the Indianapolis Free Kindergarten Society, which established 60 kindergartens, and the Children's Aid Society. She was particularly interested in disadvantaged children and families. She wanted children to learn from their activities rather than by rote. She led a victorious fight for a local tax to support kindergartens. She founded and supervised a park and playground. The Kindergarten Normal Training School, which she established in her home in 1883, became the Teacher's College of Indianapolis. Ms. Blaker was president, and all the trustees, teachers, and students were women. Over 20,000 women completed the teacher education course. The college was affiliated with Butler College in 1926, becoming the Butler University College of Education, and moved to that campus in 1933. The Eliza Blaker Club was formed to continue her philosophy. Public School 55 in Indianapolis bears her name. Her philosophy has influenced kindergartens around the country.
Bland, Cora ( - ) Journalist, magazine editor – Indianapolis. Mrs. M. Cora Bland edited a very early magazine for women entitled The Ladies' Own Magazine. The 1871 edition announced that for $2 a subscriber could get issues of the magazine from June 1871 through January 1873.
Blaney, Doris ( - ) University nursing professor – Hobart. Active in nursing at state, local, and national levels, Doris served on committees and wrote for nursing journals.
Bolton, Sarah Tittle Barrett (1814-1893) Reforms activist, poet – Madison, Indianapolis. When Sarah's family moved as early settlers to Jennings County, Indiana, it was a wilderness. When Sarah was nine the family moved to Madison, Indiana, so that the children could attend school. Showing an early interest in writing, Sarah had her first poem published in the local paper when she was 13. Her verses were regularly printed in newspapers in Madison and Cincinnati. Thus she was one of the earliest Indiana poets. She was known as Indiana's First Poet Laureate. Although her poetry is dated and sentimental by today's standards, in the pioneer years of Indiana she was the best known of all the poets. In 1831 Sarah met and married newspaper editor Nathaniel Bolton. For nine years she ran an inn and dairy to help support the family. Sarah was also known as an activist for women's issues. She continued writing poetry. She is honored as Indiana's Pioneer Poet with a bronze plaque that bears an inscription of one of her poems in Indiana's statehouse. She is also is given credit for the success of Robert Dale Owen in his efforts to secure property rights for women.
Bondy, Jane (Ozashinquah) (1810-1877) Native American of Miami Tribe - Mississinawa Reservation Area (Peoria). Daughter of Frances Slocum. Jane was featured in "A Miami Woman's Life" and was the woman with the back view in George Winter's painting of her mother and sister (Traces 9 (2) 4-11).
Bowen, Beth ( - ) President of the Women's Auxiliary of the Indiana Medical Association. Wife of Governor Otis Bowen.
Bowles, Janet Payne ( - ) Metal sculptor/artist – Indianapolis. Janet became interested in music, art, and literature when she was a high school student in Indianapolis. She married Joseph Bowles, the editor of Modern Art magazine. She met a young Russian immigrant in Boston who was a metalsmith, became fascinated by the technique, and began work as an apprentice. After moving to New York she did commission work in gold and jewels for famous people. Upon returning to Indianapolis with her two children in 1912, she taught metalsmithing at Shortridge High School for 30 years. Some of her work is displayed at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Janet also made silver and gold pieces, such as chalices for churches.
Boyd, Barbara A. (1929- ) African-American newscaster – Indianapolis. First African–American woman on television news in Indiana (WRTV-6).
Bradley, Lydia Moss (1816-1908) Educated in a small log schoolhouse in Vevay, Lydia went on to found a university in Peoria, Illinois, which bears her name. Her husband Tobias was from Kentucky. They did not want to live in a state that had slaves, so they moved to Peoria in 1847. Lydia's father had given her 100 acres of Indiana land. She had shown great business skills and had made money by clearing the timber. They had money to invest when they moved to Illinois and were able to become wealthy. They built a lovely home on Moss Avenue. They were philanthropists, helping to raise funds for the Peoria Public Library and the Universalist Church. Much sadness came into their lives – all six of their children died. Tobias died in a horse and carriage accident. Lydia bought farms, raised goats, sold real estate, gave property to form a hospital, funded and planned a park in honor of her daughter, Laura, and started an institute for the education of young people in 1897 when she was 81 – a living memorial to Tobias and her children.
Brand, Peg ( - ) Educator – Bloomington. Indiana University faculty member known for work in women's studies
Brashear, Diane Blake, Ph.D. (1933- ) Philanthropist. Co-founder and first president of the board of directors for Big Sister of Central Indiana (1974). Co-founder and first chair of the Women's Fund of Central Indiana.
Breckenridge, Cora Smith (1937- ) Speech pathologist – Elkhart. Speech pathologist with Elkhart Public Schools. Cora was the first African–American trustee of Indiana University, elected in 1997 by the alumni. From 1996–1999 she was a member of the University Alumni Executive Council.
Brinkman, Joyce ( - ) State treasurer. Invests over three billion for the State of Indiana.
Brown, Leora ( - ) Educator – Corydon. Founder of school for African–American children in Corydon. The school is now open as a historical site.
Brown, Mazine ( - ) Preservationist – Corydon, Indianapolis. Maxine Brown was determined to restore the wooden school building built to educate black children in Corydon in 1981. She had two reasons for wanting the building restored: it is the oldest school still standing in Indiana originally built for African–Americans, and her aunt Leora Brown taught there for 26 years. Maxine was born in Corydon and graduated from high school there, attended Roosevelt University, and directed federal remedial education programs in Indianapolis public schools. Her next career move was to join the Lily Endowment as a program officer. She returned to Corydon in 1978 to take care of her mother and has since worked as vice president for the Kentucky Foundation on Women. She purchased the former Corydon Colored School and has received grants to restore it. The African–American landmark now serves as a meeting place for community cultural events.
Brown, Sally Jacobs (1955- ) First American and/or white woman seen by natives in remote villages all over the world.
Browning, Eliza ( - ) Librarian – Indianapolis. Known as a pioneer in library work.
Buell, Dorothy (1886-1977) Environmentalist – Portage. Led fight to save the Dunes. After working for 14 years, Dorothy and her committee saw success when President Johnson signed the bill authorizing the Indiana Dunes National Seashore.
Burchenal, Elizabeth (1876-1959) Folk dance educator.
Burke, Julian Carolyn Ramsey (1929- ) First woman hired by Louisville District Civil Corp of Engineers for a field position on the Ohio River (1967).
Burkhart, Ardath ( - ) Indianapolis, Vincennes. Supporter of public television.
Burnell, Wilhelmina Seegmiller ( - ) Artist, teacher – Indianapolis.
Butler, Evelyn Mitchell ( - ) Educator – Indianapolis. Was the granddaughter of the founder of Butler University. Evelyn taught in the field of English Literature. She served as the Dean of Women and President of the Faculty Club at the University.
Byfield, Rev. E. Anne Henning (1950- ) African-American minister – Indianapolis. First woman senior pastor at Robinson Community African Methodist Episcopal Church. Anne was the first woman to preach an annual sermon at the Indiana Conference of the Fourth Episcopal District (1987).
Cable, Mary ( - ) Educator – Indianapolis, Bloomington. Educated in Kansas and at Indiana University, the University of Chicago, and Columbia University, Mary became a teacher in Indianapolis. For 40 years Mary served as a teacher, principal, and director of student teaching. As the first president of the Colored Women's Civic Club, she urged club members to work to help those in poverty and to speak out to end discrimination.
Cahier, Sarah Layton Walker (1870-1951) Musician – Nashville, Indianapolis. Sarah showed musical talent by age three, composing and singing music. She studied voice in Indianapolis, Paris, and Berlin. She had a successful opera career in Europe. In 1912 she presented a concert in Indianapolis. She also taught in music schools in the U.S. and Europe. Marian Anderson was one of her students who became famous.
Calvin, Jessie Carrithers (1868-1959) Physician, health activist – Fort Wayne. Dr. Calvin spoke to many groups to educate them in the areas of health, hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention. She helped raise money for a visiting nurse to go into the homes of those who could not afford health care. She graduated from Northwestern University Medical School for Women in 1898. Dr, Calvin practiced medicine until she was 71 years old. She was the first woman to be an officer in the Fort Wayne Medical Society.
Calvin, Virginia Brown (1945- ) African-American educator – South Bend. First woman and first African–American superintendent of South Bend Community Schools Corporation.
Cameron, Nettie ( _ ) Shell collector, lecturer – Marion.
Capehart, Harriet Holmes, Ph.D., Ll.D. (1917- ) Businesswoman – Indianapolis. First woman elected trustee–at–large of the University of Indianapolis (1969). Harriett was also the first woman director of the Indianapolis Power and Light Company.
Carey, Mary Stewart ( - ) Civic organizer – Indianapolis. Organizer of Indianapolis Garden Club, Orchard School, first state flag. Children's Museum founder (1925).
Carleton, Emma Nunemacher (1850-1924) Businesswoman – New Albany. Educated in new Albany Public Schools, Tousley's Academy, and DePauw College, Mrs. Carleton was well known as a contributor to newspapers including the New York Times, Chicago Record Herald, Detroit Free Press, and Indianapolis Journal. She also wrote for the Youth's Companion and other magazines, to which she contributed poems, feature articles, humorous sketches, and articles on collecting antiques. She was an associate editor with William Fortune on the Indianapolis Weekly Press, published by Mr. Fortune in the late 1880s. Emma's father had a bookstore in New Albany for many years, which is where she developed a knowledge of and interest in literature, She opened her own bookstore, which she called "The Un–Beknownst Book Shop."
Cary Sisters, Alice and Phoebe ( - ) ( - ) Poets. Wrote during the 1800s. These sisters were the first women writers to support themselves by their craft. They were also poets for the Oxford Benton Company.
Catherwood, Mary Hartwell (1847-1902) Novelist – Howard County, Indianapolis.
Caton, Barbara Hallett (1952- ) Athletic trainer – Evansville. First certified high school athletic trainer in Indiana, at Evansville North High School (1979).
Cattel, Marie Viol ( - ) Musician – Lafayette. Studied in Germany at the Royal Conservatory of Music. In 1917 she returned to the U.S., studied in Chicago, and gave concerts all over the U.S. She directed the Mozart Ladies Quartet.
Chase, Rhoda Castle (1833-1893) Pioneer, Civil War nurse – Muncie, Mishawaka, LaPorte, Wabash, Danville, Indianapolis. Enlisted nurses during the Civil War. Rhoda was blinded by smallpox. She was the wife of the twenty-first governor of Indiana and raised five children, whom she never saw.
Chaudion, Lisa Moss (1965- ) Agricultural leader. First female president of Indiana State Future Farmers of America (1985).
Cheney, Margaret (1895- ) Banker – Lafayette.
Cheng, Sylvia, M.D. (1938- ) Psychiatrist – Logansport. Received medical degree in China.
Chezem, Linda L. ( - ) Lawyer, judge – Lawrence County, Bedford, Indianapolis. Following service as a judge in Lawrence County courts, Linda was appointed to the bench of the Court of Appeals of Indiana in 1988 (from "The Court of Appeals of Indiana" – brochure).
Chitwood, Mary Louisa (1822-1855) Poet – Franklin County. Louisa began writing rhymes as a young child and was published in a Connersville paper by age 12. She became assistant editor of the Temperance Wreath and wrote for the Ladies Repository and the Louisville Journal. She died at age 23, having penned thousands of poems.
Clarke, Grace Julian (1865-1938) Journalist, suffragist – Centerville, Indianapolis. Grace served as the president of the Indiana Federation of Women's Clubs (1909-1911) and was known as a writer and platform speaker. She also edited Club Notes and the Women's Page of the Indianapolis Star for eight years. She was a member of the Peace Society.
Clifford, Edith ( - ) Children's historical writer – Indianapolis.
Clowes, Edith Whitehill (1885-1967) Philanthropist, civic leader, patron of music – Indianapolis.
Coffin, Katie (1803-1881) Quaker activist – Fountain City (Newport). Conductor of the Underground Railroad. Responsible for the freedom of three thousand slaves.
Coffin, Rhoda (1826-1905) Quaker minister, prison reformer – Richmond. Rhoda promoted prison reform for women and preached in many counties around the world. During the Civil War, she helped develop the "Home for the Friendless" in Richmond.
Colfax, Harriet (1825-1905) Lighthouse keeper – Michigan City. Appointed by President Lincoln and credited for saving lives and ships on the stormy Lake Michigan, Harriet is honored in the Old Lighthouse Museum.
Collins, Angelina ( - ) Author – New Albany. Wrote well-known cookbooks.
Coney, Mattie (1907-1988) Community activist, African-American leader, teacher – Indianapolis. Founder of community projects for African-Americans. Mattie also initiated community action programs, which merited national attention as model projects.
Conner, Mekinges ( - ) Native American of Delaware Tribe – Conners Prairie near Noblesville. Mekinges was the wife of William Conner and was sent to Oklahoma in 1821.
Coquillard, Frances Comparet ( - ) Pioneer settler – South Bend. Frances and her husband Alexis founded South Bend in approximately 1823. They first lived in a log cabin in the wilderness. She assisted her husband in business with the Indian traders, learning to speak their language.
Cordray, Diana Jones. (1945- ) Businesswoman. First woman and youngest executive director of the Indiana Real Estate Commission (1977).
Coudert, Amalia Kussner (1863-1932) Artist - Terre Haute. One of the world's foremost painters of miniature portraits, she painted the Prince of Wales' and Czar Nicholas II of Russia's portraits (Traces 2 (4) 39-45). Amalia was called "painter in little."
Crone, A. Bernice (1913- ) Accountant.
Cutler, Mary McCrae ( - ) Author – New Albany. Author of 75 books.
Cryer, Gretchen Keger ( - ) Playwright, lyricist, recording artist.
Dark Rain ( - ) Native American of Shawnee Tribe, author – Bloomington. Wrote several books and collaborated with husband and author James Alexander Thom.
DeFrantz, Anita (1952- ) Olympics organizer and medalist – Indianapolis. Anita managed the Athletes' Village in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. She was the only woman on the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee.
DeRigers, Bernice S. ( - ) Children's author. Winner of the Caldecott Prize for children's books.
Dethridge, Mary Luvena Wallace (1894-1988) Vocalist – Richmond. Raised by her grandparents (both famous slaves) after her mother died, Mary's grandfather taught her to sing spirituals when she was a young child. She studied voice in Richmond and later studied for two years in Italy. During her career she gave concerts in 40 U.S. states and in Canada. She was also a soloist at the World's Fair and at the White House.
Dietz, Elizabeth Ogden ( -1981) Principal , teacher – Dearborn County. Elizabeth served as principal and teacher at New Alsace High School. There were 30 students in the school. In 1927 she became the first woman to coach a basketball team in Indiana. She was educated at Indiana University and the University of Chicago.
Dinsmore, Roberta (1930- ) Educator – Vermillion County. First woman public school superintendent in Indiana (North Vermillion Community Schools).
Dorson, Patti Freeman (1956- ) Religious ceremony leader – Indianapolis. First woman designated official shofar blower at the Indianapolis Hebrew congregation.
Dresser, Louise ( - ) Actress – Evansville. Successful actress on stage and in silent movies. Among her performances was "State Fair" with Will Rogers.
Dumont, Julia Louisa Carey (1794-1857) Educator, author poet – Vevay. Julia was the mother of 11 children and a teacher of three generations of children in Vevay. She was highly educated for a woman of that era. Her early years were spent in New York. After marrying John Dumont, they moved to Vevay in 1814. In 1831 Julia joined the "College of Teachers" in Cincinnati, which was a conference held for one week each year to discuss teaching methods. She began a high school in her home, and among her pupils were Edward and George Eggleston, who became famous Indiana authors. She was a frequent contributor to a wide variety of periodicals and was a published poet.
Dunne, Irene (1898-1990) Musician, actress, philanthropist – Madison. After winning a voice contest in Chicago, Irene won a scholarship to study music. She went to New York to audition and was given a part in "Irene" although she had no acting or dancing experience. Irene went on to become a popular actress in the 1930s and 1940s. She was nominated five times for Academy Awards. In the 1950s and 1960s she was an alternate delegate to the United Nations. Some of the movies in which she starred included "My Favorite Wife" with Cary Grant, "I Remember Mama," and "Cimarron." She married Dr. Francis Griffin and supported many national philanthropic organizations including the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross.
Dye, Charity (1849-1921) Educator, author – Indianapolis. Charity wrote Torch Bearers of Indiana, an early tribute to Indiana women of achievement. She graduated from the Normal School of Indianapolis. In 1900 she received a degree from the University of Chicago. She worked as a public school teacher. Charity authored the historical pageant for the Indiana Centennial in 1914.
Earhart, Amelia (1898-1937) Airplane pilot – Lafayette. Amelia (noted as the first woman to fly the Atlantic) had connections to Indiana as a visiting faculty member at Purdue University and worked as a career counselor between 1935 and the time of her fatal flight. She had an experimental flight laboratory at the Purdue Airport (Traces 6 (3) 37-41).
Eikerman, Alma (1908-1995) Educator, artist – Bloomington. Alma was educated at Columbia University. She arrived in Bloomington to join the Indiana University faculty in 1947. As a distinguished metalsmith professor in the Department of Fine Arts, she built the metalsmithing department from a few students to 128. She learned about ancient designs by traveling widely to museums abroad and experimented with these designs in her own work. Many of her students became noted artists and teachers. Her metal work is displayed in many museums and private collections.
Evans, Mari ( - ) African-American poet.
Farmer, Frances (1913-1970) Actress, TV personality – Indianapolis. Frances was a successful Hollywood and New York actress in the 1930s. "Come and Get It" was one of her most popular movies. Her career was interrupted due to hospitalization for mental illness. Her career resumed in Indianapolis in the 1950s when she was asked to be the hostess for the afternoon movie show "Frances Farmer Presents." Her autobiography, published after her death, is entitled Will There Really Be a Morning?
Fauntleroy, Constancce Owen ( - ) Activist – New Harmony, Posey County. Formed what may have been the first women's club in the world - The Minerva Society - in New Harmony in 1859, which met in her home. Robert Dale Owen drafted the constitution for the group.
Fauntleroy, Mary Emily ( - ) Civic leader, preservationist – New Harmony. Restored the old Fauntleroy Home and other New Harmony sites.
Felts, Mary (Colonel) ( - ) Military commander. Colonel Mary Felts was the first female military base commander of the 71st Air Base Group at Vance Air Force Base. Mary grew up on a farm in Indiana. She wanted to join the Air Force to receive the same pay as men, which was not the case in jobs outside the military, and to serve as an example to young women.
Finley, Martha (1828-1909) Teacher, author – South Bend. Martha produced 998 books, among them the Elsie Dinsmore book series. A physical disability made it impossible for her to continue teaching. She also wrote Sunday school materials for the Presbyterian church.
Fitzgerald, Nancy ( - ) Amateur golfer – Indianapolis.
Flanner, Janet (1892-1978) Journalist – Indianapolis. Born to an affluent family in Indianapolis, Janet worked as a movie critic for the Indianapolis Star. She moved to New York and eventually to Paris to start a writing career. Her novel The Cubical City was published in 1924. The new magazine The New Yorker hired her to write a bi-monthly column called "Paris Letters." Janet wrote under the name of Genet. She also wrote a "Profile" series for The New Yorker; the profiles were published as a book entitled An American in Paris in 1940. Another collection of her writings won a National Book Award in 1965.
Fletcher, Bertha Brown ( - ) Journalist, publicity agent – Columbus. Bertha wrote for the Columbus Weekly Republican, the Indianapolis Star, and the Cleveland Press. She became a publicity agent for celebrities and was a diamond broker. She also started the organization Women in Communication in Indianapolis in 1929.
Foellinger, Helene (1910-1986) Publisher, editor, civic leader – Fort Wayne. Helene grew up in Fort Wayne and was editor of the university newspaper at the University of Illinois. In 1936, at age 25, she became the youngest editor of a large daily newspaper published in the U.S. Circulation went up 20% under her leadership. She was president of the New Sentinel Broadcasting Company and formed the Fort Wayne Newspapers, Inc., a publishing company. In 1950 Helene began the Foellinger Foundation, which contributed to the Botanical Conservancy, Foellinger Outdoor Theatre, the symphony, and the art museum. She also gave generously to Illinois and Ball State schools of journalism. She was bestowed with an honorary Doctor of Laws at Indiana University. She was also named to the National Newspaper Board of United Press International and was the first woman named to the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame.
Foulke, Mary Taylor Reeves ( -1938) Civic leader – Richmond.
Fox, Lillian Thomas (1886-1917) Journalist, activist – Indianapolis. Lillian was a pioneer in journalism in Indianapolis. She first wrote for the Freeman, a nationally prominent "black" newspaper, and became the first African- American correspondent for the Indianapolis News. Lillian was a noted national speaker on African-American women's rights. She formed the Indianapolis Women's Empowerment Club. Although she wrote a column for Black Hoosiers for 14 years, she was never given a byline stating that she was the writer.
Fretageot, Marie Duclos (1793-1833) Educator – New Harmony.
Fricke, Janie ( - ) Country music vocalist of the year in 1984.
Fruehwald, Kristin Bitner (1946- ) Indianapolis. First woman chairperson of the Indianapolis Bar Foundation (1997).
Fry, Mattie ( - ) Educator – Anderson. Mattie dedicated 47 years to the public school system. She established the first safety patrols in the U.S. Safety patrols allowed children under adult supervision help other students cross the streets to get to school safely. Mattie worked as an educator at local and state levels.
Gaither, Gloria Seckal (1942- ) Gospel music performer and lyricist – Alexandria. Gloria graduated from Anderson College planning to be a missionary in Africa. After marrying Bill Gaither she became a performer in the Bill Gaither Trio. She also was a partner in the family music business, an author, and the mother of three children. Gloria won two Grammy Awards and ten Dove awards. The trio has performed all across the U.S., produced 20 gospel albums, written hundreds of songs, and published a hymnbook and various songbooks for choirs.
Gallagher, Mary Vyverberg (1936- ) Businesswoman – Indianapolis. Mary was the first person in the U.S. to open and independently owned large-size women's fashion store (Mary V in Indianapolis).
Garman, Phyllis ( - ) Business executive, philanthropist – New Albany. CEO of Key Communications Service of New Albany.
Garr, Julia Meek (1859- ) Civic leader – Fort Wayne. Julia founded the Fort Wayne Historical Museum. In 1929, at age 70, she donated many items to the museum that she had collected from her travels.
Garrett, Erma Mitchell Jennings(1942- ) Truck driver. Erma was the first woman to be certified as a Master Truck Driver and was named Driver of the Month from the Motor Truck Association in 1997.
Gayle, Crystal (1951 - ) Singer – Wabash. Born in Kentucky with the name of Brenda Gail Webb, Crystal tagged along with older sister Loretta Lynn on Loretta's tours when Crystal was only 16. Crystal graduated from high school at Wabash High, where she was voted Most Likely to Succeed. Crystal signed a contract with Decca Records before she had graduated from high school. Her 1978 album reached the platinum level. She currently lives in Nashville.
Gaylord, Ella Frances (Henderson) (known as Frances Gaylord) (1908-2002) State Representative- West Lafayette, Tippecanoe County, Indiana. Notable Accomplishments: Clerk of the Indiana House of Representatives; State Representative to the Indiana House of Representatives, Tippecanoe County; Indiana State Attorney General's Office. Frances was very involved with the Republican Party, civic organizations, women's organizations, and Purdue University. Sources: Family references/memories, newspaper articles, state government archives.
George, Eliza (1808-1865) Nurse – Fort Wayne. Eliza was a volunteer Civil War nurse to Indiana soldiers. She cooked and cared for thousands of wounded soldiers. Eliza died of typhoid fever and was the first woman in Fort Wayne to be buried with full military honors.
Gibbs, Wilma ( - ) Archivist – Indianapolis. Wilma was the Indiana Historical Society archivist for the American Association of History. In 1997 she was awarded the Phyllis Wheatley Award for working to bring understanding and cooperation among the races.
Gilbreth, Lillian Moller (1878-1972) Businesswoman, engineer – Lafayette. Lillian grew up in California. She met her husband Frank in Boston at the Public Library. Lillian received a doctorate degree at Columbia University in New York; her dissertation was on "The Psychology of Management." She and her husband formed a business partnership and had their offices in their home. Their 12 children were raised according to Lillian and Frank's theories of efficiency and management. Two of the children chronicled their upbringing in the popular book Cheaper by the Dozen. As a professor of engineering at Purdue University, she encouraged women to be engineers, wrote articles on home management for popular magazines, and designed equipment to make homes more efficient for the disabled. Among her many honors were 20 honorary degrees, the Women's Hall of Fame, and the first woman to be elected to the National Academy of Engineering.
Gilroy, Sue Anne Starnes (1948- ) Politician – Indianapolis. Sue Anne was the first woman and youngest person to serve a UNIGOV Director for Indianapolis (Department of Parks and Recreation – 1974). She was the first woman and 58th Indiana Secretary of State (1994).
Golden, Bella (1842-1919) Actress – New Harmony, Newcastle. Bella traveled to give plays in 13 states during the 1870s and 1880s. Her husband Martin and their children preformed in a touring theatrical company called "The Golden Troupe." The family traveled over 5,000 miles in a typical touring season. One daughter, Grace Isabella, went on to sing with the Metropolitan Opera and several other opera companies. Grace's career ended early when she died of tuberculosis at age 36.
Goodwin, Frances (1855-1929) Artist – New Castle, Henry County. Frances was a sculptor, studied in Europe for over four years, and had a studio in Paris. Her first public structure was made for the Indians building at the Chicago World's Fair. The bust she made of Schuyler Colfax, vice president under Ulysses Grant, is in the Gallery of the United States Senate. Frances was particularly noted for the bronze bust she made of Robert Dale Owen, which stands on the grounds of the State Capitol.
Goth, Marie (1887-1975) Artist – Indianapolis, Nashville. Marie was the first female to paint a portrait of an Indiana governor – Henry Schricker in 1943. She studied art in New York for ten years and had a portrait studio in Indianapolis prior to moving to Brown County. Marie was part of the colony of noted painters who settled in Brown County. She was also the founder of the Brown County Art Gallery in 1926. Her sister Genevieve was also an artist.
Gougar, Helen Jackson (1843-1907) Temperance leader, suffragette, lawyer – Lafayette. Helen became a teacher in Lafayette at age 16. She married a lawyer who taught her much about the law. Helen gave speeches all over the country on temperance and women's rights. She edited her own newspaper, Our Herald, from 1881-1885 and wrote articles and editorials on many issues. She was considered very outspoken for a woman of her day. She defended herself in a lawsuit and also was the first woman sworn in as a member of the Tippecanoe County Bar. A biography of her life by Robert Kriebel, Where the Saints Have Trod, was published in 1985.
Graydon, Katharine Merrill ( -1934) Educator – Indianapolis. Katharine was niece and namesake of Catharine Merrill. Katharine was a language and literature professor at Butler University and served as Chair of the Butler University Alumni Association in 1911. A library at Butler is named for her. After her death, she left her extensive personal library to Butler. A group of her former students who had formed the Katharine Merrill Graydon Club furnished a room in the library to house her book collection as a memorial to her. The collection contains rare books dating back as far as 1583.
Gray, Alice (1881-1925) Environmentalist – Chesterton. Born and raised in Chicago, Alice was educated and worked at the University of Chicago. When she became tired of the big city in 1915, she moved to the Dunes, which was then a remote and wild area, and lived in a shack. She wrote and spoke about the need to preserve the Dunes. Reporters interrupted the peace she sought as they interviewed her about her views and published negative reports about her free lifestyle in Chicago newspapers. The reporters dubbed her "Diana of the Dunes." The Dunes became Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in 1972.
Gross, Rebecca Overpeck (1948- ) Businesswoman – Indianapolis. Rebecca was the first woman senior vice president and general counsel of Eli Lilly and Company.
Guerin, Mother Theodore Anne-Theresa (1798-1856) Catholic nun and educator – Terre Haute. Mother Guerin came from France to New York and then to the wilderness that was Indiana in 1840. She was accompanied by five other nuns. The academy she established was the first Catholic boarding school for the higher education of girls in Indiana. She was a Mother Superior and founded Sisters of Providence and St. Mary's of the Woods College. By the time of her death, she had established schools in several sites in Indians. In 1998 Mother Guerin was beatified by Pope Paul II. She is buried at St. Mary's of the Woods College.
Gunnes, Belle ( - ) LaPorte. Belle was a Hoosier legend connected with a series of marriages and murders. She lured 13 well-to-do men to her farm and was accused of killing them.
Guthrie, Janet (1938- ) Race car driver – Indianapolis. Janet was the first woman to drive in and finish the Indianapolis 500. (She finished 29th in 1977 and 9th in 1978.) She was the first woman ever to be announced in "Lady and gentleman, start your engines." Janet is in the Sports Hall of Fame.
Haas, Mary (1912-1998) Educator, linguist – Richmond. Mary was a graduate of Earlham College, the University of Chicago, and Yale, where she received a Ph.D. in 1935. She did fieldwork on endangered or extinct languages of Native American tribes. During World War II she prepared materials and taught languages to Army personnel. Mary was also the author of books on language and cultures. She was a professor of Linguistics at Berkeley.
Haggart, Mary ( - ) Lecturer, abolitionist, suffragist – Danville. Mary came to Danville, Indiana, from Pennsylvania. At age 15 she began giving lectures on the horrors of slavery. She once gave a talk on "Women's True Culture" and was invited to repeat the speech at the Opera House in Indianapolis, which led to opportunities to speak in adjoining states. One newspaper critic referred to her as "the best lecturer East or West, woman or man." In 1877 Mary was a delegate to the National Women's Suffrage Association. In Indianapolis she established the Women's Tribune, which was devoted to women's issues. Mary also established the women's department of the Indiana State Fair, worked in the temperance drive, and was appointed a member of the state Board of Agriculture.
Hall, Katie B. (1938- ) Politician – Lake County (Gary). Katie was the first African- American to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where she served from 1983-85. She was one of the representatives who introduced the congressional bill to make the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. a federal holiday. Katie was born in Mississippi in an all-black community. She was one of 12 children. In 1960 she moved to Gary, where she taught Social Studies in the Gary Public Schools.
Hamilton, Alice (1869-1970) Scientist – Fort Wayne. Alice received her medical degree from the University of Michigan in 1893 and became a research scientist after further study at Johns Hopkins University and in Germany. In 1897 she was appointed professor of pathology at Women's Medical School of Northwestern University. Alice was active in Jane Adams' Hull House Settlement, doing social work on Saturday mornings. She published the first American book on occupational disease. She was a political activist as an advocate of women's suffrage, birth control, child labor laws, and workers' compensation. An OSHA research facility in Cincinnati is named for her. She is the sister of Edith Hamilton.
Hamilton, Dorothy ( - ) Writer – Selma. Dorothy wrote two books about Indiana: Anita's Choice, about migrant workers, and Rosalie at Eleven.
Hamilton, Edith (1867-1963) Writer, educator – Fort Wayne. Schooled at home by her parents, Edith learned Latin and Greek by age seven. She attended Bryn Mawr and also won a scholarship to the University of Leipzig in Germany. Edith served as the headmistress of Bryn Mawr School for Girls from 1896-1922. She began her writing career when she retired at the age of 60. Titles she wrote include The Greek Way, The Roman Way, The Prophets of Israel, and Mythology. Her book The Greek Way was chosen as a Book of the Month Club selection. Edith was named an honorary citizen of Athens, Greece, in 1951. She was also honored with the Golden Cross from King Paul of Greece. Honorary degrees she received came from Yale, Rochester University, and other institutions.
Hamilton, Emerine Jane Holman (1810- ) Suffragist – Aurora, Fort Wayne. Emerine was the daughter of Jesse Holman, a founder of Franklin College and of the Indiana Historical Society. She married Allen Hamilton when she was 17. She loved to read, and she educated her 11 children at home. Emerine was an early advocate of women's suffrage; national suffrage leaders stayed in her home when they would come to Fort Wayne to speak. In 1887 she opened the Fort Wayne Free Reading Room, which was later known as the Emerine J. Hamilton Library. The Fort Wayne Art School was founded in her barn. She is the grandmother of the Hamilton sisters.
Hammil, Jan ( - ) Native American of Apache tribe, activist – Indianapolis. Jan grew up on a reservation in New Mexico and moved to Indianapolis in 1972. She is an advocate for Native American issues in Indiana.
Hammond, Mary Virginia (1899- ) Businesswoman. World's Fair manager.
Hapgood, May ( - ) CEO.
Harcourt, Jean Ann (1952- ) Businesswoman – Milroy. First woman chair of the Indiana Manufacturers Association (an organization of 1800 Indiana manufacturing companies). She is President and CEO of Harcourt Industries.
Harper, Ann Wagner ( - ) Disk jockey – Vincennes. First female disk jockey in Indiana.
Harper, Ida Husted (1851-1931) Journalist, author, suffragist – Fairfield, Muncie, Terre Haute. After attending Indiana University for one year, Ida became principal of Peru High School at age 18. She married Dr. Thomas Harper and moved to Terre Haute. She wrote a column called "A Woman's Opinion" for the local paper for 12 years. Ida was secretary of the state Women's Suffrage Society. She was divorced in 1890. Ida then became editor of the Terre Haute Daily News. She joined the editorial staff of the Indianapolis News. After a move to New York, she edited a women's column for the New York Sunday Sun. She also edited the women's pages of Harper's Bazaar from 1909-1913. Ida also wrote portions of Susan B. Anthony's biography.
Harrison, Anna Symmes (1775-1864) Pioneer – Vincennes. First Lady of the West. Wife of William Henry Harrison as he was Territorial Governor and during the month when Harrison served as U.S. President. She never lived in Washington due to President Harrison's death.
Harrison, Caroline ( - ) First Lady – Indianapolis. Wife of Benjamin Harrison and social leader in Indianapolis.
Hartfield, Elizabeth ( - ) Minister – New Albany
Harvey, Verona (1915- ) Air pilot, trainer – Peru, Kokomo. Verona took her first flight and earned her pilot's license in Kansas in 1931. She moved to Peru, where she earned her trainer's license in 1935. She then trained over 400 pilots during World War II. She flew planes from manufacturing sites to military bases. Verona is listed in the CXS Aviation Pioneers Hall of Fame. She was still piloting planes at age 81.
Hay, Mary Garret ( - ) Temperance leader, suffragist – Charlestown, Indianapolis. Mary was the great-niece of Anna Hay. Mary moved from Charlestown to Indianapolis and worked in the temperance area. She was made assistant editor of a temperance paper, The Organizer; she learned from other early feminists that women must get the vote if they wanted to pass temperance laws. Mary also went to New York City to organize suffrage work. She spoke all over the country and was president of the Indiana Society of N.Y.
Hays, Wilma Pitchford (1909-?) Novelist. Wrote Abe Lincoln's Birthday, the story of a single day in Abe's life in Indiana in the 1800s.
Henderson, Florence (1934- ) Actress – Dale. Born to tobacco sharecroppers during the Depression, Florence became inspired to sing by hearing monks singing Gregorian Chants at St. Meinrad Monestary. She showed singing talent at an early age; friends financed her move to New York to study. Her Broadway debut was in 1952. She starred in Oklahoma! and South Pacific. Her first film was the Song of Norway. She starred in the Brady Bunch TV show from1969-1974.
Henry, Joanne Landers (1927- ) Writer – Indianapolis. Joanne was the author of Log Cabin in the Woods, a story based on early life in Indianapolis. She was also the author of biographies on George Eastman and Andrew.
Herr, Reverend Bernice Sutton (1928- ) Reverend Sutton was the first clergy woman at three Whitley County United Methodist churches.
Herthel, Mayme (1889-1979) Steeplejack – Clarksville. Mayme started working with her father as a steeplejack at age 18 and later worked with her brother painting smokestacks, water towers, and flagpoles. She retired in 1940.
Hillis, Margaret ( - ) Musician, conductor. Grammy Award winner.
Hinshaw, Vera Tyner (1925- ) Postal carrier – Carmel. Vera was the first rural route carrier at the Carmel Post Office (1954).
Holquist, Emily ( - ) Nurse – Indianapolis. First dean of the Indiana University School of Nursing (1957).
House, Mrs. Honor Gregory ( - ) Businesswoman, advertising executive. Rose to fame in advertising circles in Cleveland.
Hubbard, Polly (1801- ) Pioneer – Salem. Polly was a pioneer mother of 15 children, 111 grandchildren, 200 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great- grandchildren, most of whom came to her 100th birthday party in Washington County (near Salem) in 1901. Polly's parents came to the area in 1813 when it was called New Virginia. They lived in the forest in their covered wagon for three months while her father built a log cabin. Polly's husband's family members were neighbors who had also come from Virginia; they married in 1822.
Hulman, Mary (1905-1998) Philanthropist – Evansville, Terre Haute, Indianapolis. Mary was born in Evansville. She graduated from St. Mary of the Woods Academy in 1923. She married Anton "Tony" Hulman, a Terre Haute businessman, who was later the owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. She became a trustee of the Indianapolis Museum of Art; an addition of the museum is named for her. She was on the board of trustees for St. Mary's College; chairman of the family business Hulman and Company; chairman of the board of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway; the first woman elected to the board of directors of Terre haute First national Bank; and the first woman elected to the Board of Managers of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Mary was the voice of the Indianapolis 500 after her husband's death. She was the first to announce "Lady and Gentlemen" with the start of Janet Guthrie's race in 1977.
Hunt, Mabel Leigh ( - )
Children's author – Coatesville, Greencastle, Plainfield,
Indianapolis. Mabel wrote many Quaker and Indiana-based stories,
including Little Girl with Seven Names, Lucinda:A Little Girl
of 1860, and Johnny-Up and Johnny-Down. She won an Indiana
Author's Award and served as a children's librarian in the Indianapolis
Public Library.
I
Indigo, S.A. (1952- ) Carpenter. First woman apprentice carpenter in Indiana and Kentucky (1975). First woman journeyman carpenter in Indiana and Kentucky (1978).
Israelov, Rhoda Kreinen (1940- ) Businesswoman – Indianapolis. First woman in Indiana to write a regular newspaper column on finance (Indianapolis Business Journal) (1983); first woman vice president of E.F. Hutton in Indiana (1986); first woman vice president of Smith Barney in Indiana.
Jackson, Janet (1966- ) Singer and entertainer – Gary. Janet is the youngest of the nine famous Jackson children. She began performing at age 7. Her family lived in Gary until they moved to California to seek more opportunities in show business. Janet is the winner of 8 honors from the Billboard Music Awards, including top R & B artist. She is popular on the concert circuit. Janet has also acted in several TV shows and movies. Her album Rhythm Nation sold 7 million copies.
Jackson, LaToya (1967- ) Performer – Gary. One of the Jackson family members.
Jenckes, Virginia (1878-1975) Businesswoman, congresswoman – Terre Haute. The death of Virginia's husband in 1921 left her to run a one thousand acre farm and grain business. She also had a young daughter to care for. Virginia ran for Democratic representative to Congress successfully in 1932, giving 200 speeches in the Sixth Congressional District. She was the first Indiana woman to be elected to Congress. She supported most New Deal bills and advocated for women's issues. During her third term she became a super-patriot and anti-communist and made some enemies in her own party. She was defeated in her subsequent race for Congress in 1940. Virginia remained in Virginia for many years and returned to Terre Haute in 1971. She died in 1975 in Terre Haute.
Jennings, Ann Gilmore Hay (1792-1826) Politician – Charlestown, Corydon. Wife of the first governor of Indiana, Jonathan Jennings. Ann's father John Hay moved his family from Kentucky to help survey the village of Charlestown in Indiana territory. Ann was married in 1811 at age 19 to Jonathan Jennings. After the wedding they traveled one thousand miles to Washington, DC, on horseback, staying with settlers along the way. Ann bought a gown in Washington and attended a White House ball given by President James Madison and his wife Dolly. When Jonathan Jennings campainged to be the first governor of Indians, Ann went with him to small towns, stopping to nurse families who were ill with malaria. They moved to the governor's mansion in Corydon in 1816. Ann and Jonathan entertained President Monroe and General Andrew Jackson. When her husband was re-elected to the U.S. Congress, Ann stayed in Charlestown to care for her brother's orphaned children. She died at her brother's home at age 34 and is buried in an unmarked grave in the old Charlestown Cemetary.
Johnston, Annie Fellows (1863-1931) Writer – Evansville, McCutchanville. Annie's father died when she was two years old. Her mother built a house on her grandparents' farm in McCutchanville. Annie's mother taught her to read when Annie was five. She and her sister Albion (later Albion Fellows Bacon) sent poems to Gems of Poetry magazine when they were young teens, and some were published. Annie obtained her teaching license at age 17 and at 18 went to study at State University of Iowa. She married Will Johnston, a widower with three children. Will died in 1892 after three years of marriage. Annie supported the children by tutoring typing at home, and she continued to write. Her first book Big Brother was published. She moved to Pee Wee Valley, Kentucky, where she met an old Colonel from the Civil War and his granddaughter; they became the subjects of her twelve books in the "Little Colonel" series, which made her famous. The current playhouse in Pee Wee Valley is called the Little Colonel Playhouse.
Jordan, Dulcinea ( - ) Writer – Mexico, Richmond. Dulcinea became Richmond's first female newspaper editor in 1864. She wrote feature articles but also had her own column called "The Woman's Side." She was supportive of local artists and gave them publicity in her column. Dulcinea was also a crusader for temperance. She lived in Mexico, Indiana, for much of her childhood.
Jordan, Susan Abigail (1871-1963) Musician, conductor – Fort Wayne. Susan started an African- American orchestra in Fort Wayne in the 1920s and was its conductor. The orchestra played classical music at African-American churches. Susan had studied music at Oberlin College before moving to Fort Wayne in 1914.
Kapsalis, Becky Demas (1938- ) Businesswoman – Carmel. First woman to own and operate a specialty retail soccer business in Indiana.
Keher, Ella Bagot (1864-1962) CEO, Health activist – Anderson. Ella was an insurance company officer. After her husband's death, she moved to Anderson and became the director of the Anderson Industrial School, a forerunner of th YMCA and Boys' and Girls' Clubs. She worked on tuberculosis issues in the county and state for 40 years. Ella was state president of the Indiana Federation of Clubs. She ran an adoption service; sponsored a summer camp; was president of the Child Welfare Association of Indiana; director of the Indiana Health Council; and member of the board of the League of Women Voters of Indiana. While the director of the Industrial School, Ella formed a basketball team and was its coach until she could raise money to hire a trained coach. The team was a competitive group in the area.
Keller, Amelia, M.D. (1871-1943) Physician, suffragist – Indianapolis. Amelia was one of the first female physicians in Indianapolis. She attended public school in Indianapolis and graduated from Chicago Medical College. She also attended the Central College of Physicians and Surgeons in Indianapolis and became an instructor there. She also served on the teaching staff of the Indiana University School of Medicine. Amelia specialized in children's diseases. Although she married Dr. Buehler in 1899, she continued using her maiden name, which was unusual for women of her day. Amelia was active in working on women's issues. For 6 years in succession, she served as president of the Women's Franchise League and was an important force in the passage of the suffrage amendment in 1920. She was chair of a campaign to have women represented on the Indianapolis Board of Education.
Kelly, Leslie A. (1945- ) Businesswoman. Leslie was co-founder and first president of the Indiana Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (1984). She was also the first woman on the Small Business Administration's Statewide Advisory Council (1985). Leslie was the first woman names as Distinguished Speaker at the annual training meeting in Saudi Arabia (1995).
Kern, Marcia Kay (1953- ) Firefigher – New Carlisle. Marcia was the first woman firefighter with the New Carlisle Volunteer Fire Department (1984).
Ketchan, Susan Merrill (1841-1930) Artist – Indianapolis. Susan's first interest was in music. She played the church organ for many years. She fell ill and went to Europe to recuperate. Awed by the beauty of the scenery , Susan decided to study painting. She studied with artists in Italy. Upon her return to the U.S., she studied at the Indiana School of Art. Susan also studied in New York at the Art Students' League. One of her instructors was William Merrill Chase. Susan lived in New York for 40 years. Her studio was in Carnegie Hall. She exhibited a portrait of her mother at the Chicago World's Fair. One of her paintings hangs in Memorial Hall at Indiana University. Susan also organized two art schools.
Kim, Hyun Sue ( - ) Physician – Lafayette. Oncology physician; Korean-born.
Kimbrough, Emily (1899-1989) Novelist – Muncie. Author of How Dear to My Heart. Emily attended Bryn Mawr College and met Cornelia Otis Skinner there. In 1920 the two friends went on a trip by ocean liner to Europe. They wrote a book about their experiences, Our Hearts Were Young and Gay, which was a best seller in 1942. In 1944 the book was made into a movie. Emily's career included fashion editor and managing editor of Ladies' Home Journal. She wrote 14 books, including one on Muncie in the early 1900s called How Dear to My Heart. She also broadcast a daily radio show. After becoming a grandmother, she and other grandmothers toured France and Italy, and Emily wrote the book Forty Plus and Fancy Free about their experiences.
Kirk, Linda Whitaker (1947- ) Technician – Anderson. First female frame technician (dial apparatus) for Indiana Bell Telephone in Anderson office.
Kirkpatrick, Patricia R. ( - ) Farmer – Lafayette. Patricia grew up on a farm and was the first woman to take Vocational Agriculture at Southwestern High School. She was not allowed to be in the FFA. She was first place in tractor maintenance in 4-H. She was the only girl in sheep grooming. Her family farm is a Hoosier Homestead Farm.
Knapp, Sandy ( - ) Public relations – Indianapolis. Sandy served as public relations director and vice president of the Indianapolis Pacers. She was also the head of the Indiana Sports Corporation. She lined up schedules of major athletic events and was voted Indianapolis Woman of the Year in 1982.
Kos, Eva ( - _ Museum founder, activist – Terre Haute. Eva survived the deadly twin experiments done by Nazi Joseph Mengele at the Auswitz Concentration Camp during World War II. Eva was the founder of the C.A.N.D.L.E.S. Holocaust Museum in Terre Haute, which is dedicated to informing visitors about the Holocaust. She sometimes lectures at the museum on prejudice and forgiveness.
Krout, Caroline Virginia (1852-1931) Novelist – Crawfordsville.
Krout, Mary Hanna ( - ) Foreign correspondent, journalist, playwright.
Madeleva, Sister Mary (1887- ) Educator, poet – Notre Dame, St Mary's. Sister Mary's secular name was Evaline Wolff. She was a member of the Sisters of the Holy Cross. Sister Mary graduated from the St. Mary's College at Notre Dame and obtained other advanced degrees from the University of California (Ph.D.), Manhattanville College (Dr. of Lit.), and Indiana University (LLD). Sister Mary has lectured at many colleges and was president of St. Mary's College. Sister Mary published 12 volumes of poetry and an autobiography entitled My First Seventy Years.
Main, Marjorie (1890-1975) Actress – Elkhart. Marjorie was most famous for her comedic role as Ma Kettle. Her birth name was Marybell Tomkinson. Marjorie attended Franklin College. Her father was a minister who did not really approve of her acting career but allowed her to join a traveling Shakespeare company. She traveled around the U.S. in vaudeville and stock companies. She appeared in 80 films and was nominated for an Academy Award in 1947 for "The Egg and I." Her other movies included "Meet Me in St. Louis," "The Harvey Girls," "Rose Marie," and "Heaven Can Wait." She appeared in films with the likes of W.C. Fields, John Barrymore, Humphrey Bogart, and Wallace Beery.
Malloy, Emma Barrett (1839-1907) Evangelist, writer – South Bend. Orator on temperance.
Malone, Marcelle ( - ) Runner.
Mansfield, Arbella Babb ( - ) Law. First woman admitted to the bar.
Martin, Emma and Lizzie Otterbein. These sisters graduated from DePauw University in the 1890s. They received degrees also from the Chicago Training School, which prepared missionaries. Emma studied for four years at Chicago Women's Medical College and interned for one year in a hospital for women and children. Emma and Lizzie went to Peking, China, as missionaries. They were there during the Boxer Rebellion and wrote letters home telling of their harrowing experiences.
Mason, Miriam E. ( - ) Children's author – Goshen. From her rural Indiana background, Miriam wrote more than 57 books, including Little Jonathan, Smiling Hill Farm, and Sara and the Winter Gift.
Masters, Mary ( - ) Native American of Potawatomi Tribe, artist – Shipshewanna. Mary is a full-blooded Potawatomi. She grew up on a reservation in the state of Washington. She spent summers with her grandmother near Goshen; her grandmother told her Indian legends. Mary dropped out of school because other children did not treat her well. She married and raised a family. Her granddaughter brought her a lump of clay, and she began to make dolls resembling family members. Her art has evolved into a successful business. She has been allowed to make portrait dolls of many famous people, and Disney World and the Danbury Mint have requested Mary to make dolls for them. Mary wants her work to teach people to understand Native American culture. One of her favorite dolls is made to look like her grandmother.
Maxwell, Marilyn ( - ) Actress – Fort Wayne.
McArthur, Ruth ( - ) Musician – Indianapolis. Ruth's father was an African-American physician from Tennessee who moved his family to Indianapolis in 1924. He encouraged Ruth in her musical career. Ruth graduated from Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, majoring in band-orchestra music. She went to Fisk University for graduate work in music and served as music supervisor in segregated schools in Indianapolis. Ruth opened the McArthur Conservatory of Music on Indiana Avenue in 1946 when she was 30 years old. She offered music education in classical, jazz, and dance. Ruth's students performed in parades, recitals, dances, conventions, church ceremonies, and jazz clubs. She made music lessons available not just to young people but to working adults who had always wanted to study music, including returning G.I.s. In the college division, students could earn a bachelor of music degree. The school closed in 1963.
McBride, Angela Barron, Ph.D., R.N. (1941- ) Nurse, educator – Bloomington. Angela was the first nurse to achieve the rank of Distinguished Professor at Indiana University (1992). She was also the first woman from Indiana to be elected to the Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Science (1995).
McCarty, Virginia Dill (1924- ) Lawyer, activist – Plainfield. President of Farm Implement Company.
McMahan, Adah, Dr. (1869-1942) Physician, suffragist – Lafayette, Huntingburg, DuBois County. Adah was born in DuBois County and received her B.A. and M.A. degrees from Indiana University. She as a teacher of Greek, then went to medical school. She graduated from Northwestern University's Women's Medical College in 1897. Adah set up a practice in Lafayette, specializing in the diseases of women and children. She worked in France near the front during World War I. She was also a prominent state suffrage leader and a member of the board of the Indiana Franchise League, which worked to get a woman appointed to the public school board. Adah was also a member of the Indiana State Board of Health and was active in medical societies and local Republican politics.
McRae, Emma ( - ) Educator – Lafayette. Emma served as Dean of Women for 26 years at Purdue University and was an English professor there also. She was the first female president of Indiana State Teachers Association in 1897.
Means, Rev. Jacqueline Ehringer (1936- ) Episcopal priest – Indianapolis. Jacqueline was the first woman officially ordained a priest in the Episcopal church in the U.S.
Meeker, Mary Jane ( - ) Lecturer – Indianapolis. Mary Jane was a promoter of the arts and history. She helped develop the Indianapolis Museum of Art and the Indiana State Museum.
Meier, Nellie ( -1944) Palm reader, lecturer – Indianapolis. Nellie began teaching herself palmistry at an early age. She wrote several books on the subject, including one entitled Lion's Paws. Well-known people from all professions visited the Meier home, which was called Tuckaway. Nellie and her husband George made 28 trips to Europe to collect items for their home. Nellie and George loved to entertain royally. Nellie amassed a collection of more than 20,000 handprints of famous people. After her husband's death in 1931, she expanded her lectures and palm readings. Major newspapers reported on her skill at character analysis. In 1937 President Roosevelt asked Nellie to present her handprints and their analyses to the Library of Congress.
Mendelson, Rose Marilyn Peterson (1924- ) Musician, educator – New Albany. Rose earned her music degrees from Indiana University and Michigan State, studying with prominent pianists. From 1962-74 she was on the administrative staff of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. She also worked as a grant supervisor for PBS television in New York.
Meredith, Virginia Claypool (1848-1936) Farmer, educator, lecturer – Cambridge City, Lafayette. Virginia was born in Fayette County. Her father and grandfather were prominent pioneers. Virginia graduated from Glendale College near Cincinnati in 1866. She married Henry Clay Meredith in 1870 and moved to Cambridge City, where together they farmed a large stock operation. When her husband died, she took over as manager. Virginia became the first woman in the U.S. invited to speak to a group about raising crops and livestock when she spoke in 1889 at the Farmers Institute. She was the Indiana representative on the board of the Chicago World's Fair in 1882. She began the home economics program at the University of Minnesota, where for 5 years she taught classes. Virginia also helped found the Indiana Home Economics Association at Purdue University in 1913 and served as the first president. Virginia wrote articles for farm journals and was editor of the women's page of the Breeder's Gazette. She was known as "Indiana's most widely known farmer" and the "Queen of American Agriculture." She was also the first female member of the Purdue University Board of Trustees.
Merrill, Catharine (1824-1900) Educator, Civil War nurse – Corydon, Indianapolis. Catharine went from her birthplace (Corydon) by covered wagon to Indianapolis at the age of nine months. Her father had been named the state treasurer, and he also began a school in which Catharine studied. Catharine began helping with the teaching and eventually went to the Indianapolis Female Institute. She studied literature in Germany. During the Civil War, Catharine spent time reading and acting as nurse to Confederate prisoners. She was asked by the governor to write a history of Indiana's role in the Civil War. Catharine continued teaching and writing. With other women, she established the Home for Friendless Women. In 1869 Catharine was the second woman in the U.S. to be named to a university professorship. She wrote The Man Shakespeare and Other Essays in 1902. The Merrill-Graydon family papers are located in the Indiana Historical Society.
Merritt, Doris H., M.D. (1923- ) Educator, administrator – Indianapolis.
Mess, Evelynne Bernloehr (1903- ) Artist – Indianapolis. Evelynne's parents helped encourage her to study art by establishing a studio for her in an empty room of their home in Indianapolis. Evelynne loved nature and spent time at camps and the family cottage. She studied books about etching and taught at the Herron Art School to earn a living. Evelynne married art student George Mess in 1925. They studied in France in 1929, and by 1934 her etchings, aquatints, and block prints were in major shows across the U.S. Evelynne organized the Indiana Society of Printmakers. She and George moved to and old farmhouse in Brown County, and they began painting there. Evelynne was also president of the Indiana Federation of Arts Clubs.
Messick, Dale (1906- ) Cartoonist – South Bend, Hobart. Dale was named Dalia at birth. She was born in South Bend and lived in Gary. Her father was an artist and her mother was a milliner. Dale graduated form high school in Hobart. She drew her first cartoon strip in grade five. She studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and designed greeting cards for a Chicago firm to help her family during the Depression. Dale went to New York, and at that time changed her name from Dalia to Dale because she wasn't taken seriously as a female cartoonist. Dale created the "Brenda Starr" comic strip, in which a female is a fashionable, adventurous red-headed crime reporter. Dale moved to California in 1990 and began a cartoon for older people called "Granny Glamour." At one time, the Brenda Starr comic strip was syndicated in 250 papers nationally. The National Cartoon Society honored her twice for "Best Story Script." Dale wrote her autobiography entitled Still Stripping at Eighty. She is referred to as Brenda Starr's Mama. A documentary film was made of her and 3 other female cartoonists; the film was called Funny Ladies. At age 92 Dale kept her Harley Davidson motorcycle in her garage although she could no longer ride it.
Meyers, Ann (1955- ) Athlete – Indianapolis. Ann was the first woman to sign a contract with a National Basketball Association (NBA) team. She was born in San Diego, California and was the first high school player to be named to the United States national team. She attended UCLA where she was a four-time All-American and led the team to the national basketball championship in 1976. Ann also played on the U.S. national team that won the silver medal in the 1978 Olympics. In 1978 she signed with the Indiana Pacers. She did not make the Pacers' roster, but she later played with the New Jersey Gems of the Women's Professional Basketball League. She was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.
Miller, Marilyn (1898-1936) Actress – Evansville. Marilyn joined the family traveling vaudeville act at age four. They traveled in the U.S. and abroad. Marilyn's dancing attracted attention in London and she appeared in revues there. In 1918 she appeared in musicals such as Sunny, Rosalie, and Smiles. Marilyn went to Hollywood in 1930. One of her most famous songs is "Look for the Silver Lining," the same title as a film biography of her.
Miller, Patricia Polito ( - ) Along with Barbara Baakgaard, Patricia was co-owner and co-president of Vera Bradley Designs. Patricia was the variety of bags people were carrying and drew designs for garment bags and purses. In 1986 they built a large business building in Fort Wayne and named the company for Barbara's mother. Patricia and Barbara began the Vera Bradley Golf Classic in 1994 to raise money for breast cancer research. Thousands of stores now carry Vera Bradley products. Patricia was recognized by the state of Indiana in 1987 as "Entrepreneur of the Year."
Molloy, Emma Barrett (1839-1907) Temperance, religion – South Bend. Emma began teaching in a country, one-room school near South Bend at the age of 15 or 16. She wrote poetry that was published in area papers. Emma married at 18. Her husband was an alcoholic, which is how she got involved in the temperance movement. Her husband, Edward Molloy, was the editor of a paper. Emma became business manager and wrote editorials on women's issues. Emma also saw to it that women were hired in the company, specifically as typesetters. She attended the Women's Suffrage Convention in 1869 and gave speeches in the South Bend area. She became an evangelist in the Methodist churches in the state of Washington and was president of the state WCTU. Her biography is entitled Emma Speaks Out and was written by Martha M. Pickrell.
Monroe, Rose (1920-1997) Industry – Clarksville. Rose played "Rosie the Riveter" in a patriot movie while working as a riveter on airplanes in Michigan. In World War II the name Rosie the Riveter became the nickname for women who worked in the defense industry. After the war, Rose worked as a taxi driver and beautician. She opened her own construction company, Rose Builders, in Clarksville and earned a pilot's license in the 1960s. The Rosie the Riveter name remains a symbol to those who riveted planes and ships during WW II, even after Rose's death. The image of Rosie with rolled-up sleeves and the "We Can Do It" motto are an inspiration to women.
Moran-Townsend, Marilyn (1954- ) First woman chair of the Indiana State Chamber of Commerce (1995).
Morrison, Catherine Morris ( - ) Educator, activist – Salem, Bloomington. Catherine attended Washington County Seminary in Salem, run by John Morrison. Her Quaker parents sent her to the Quaker-run Westown Boarding School near Philadelphia at age 16. She returned to Salem at age 18. Catherine then married widower John Morrison in 1932. Their first child, Sarah Parke, was born, and Catherine tutored her in Quaker scripture and classical subjects. Catherine began to attend temperance meetings and to lecture and write for the temperance movement. With her husband, Catherine opened Salem Female Seminary in 1834 in a four-story brick building. They hired a female teacher (rare at that time) from the East. The family moved to Bloomington in 1840, where John was chair of Ancient Languages at IU. They returned to Salem in 1843. Catherine continued to tutor Sarah at home until she was sent East for more schooling.
Morrison, Sarah Parke (1834-1919) Educator – Salem, Bloomington. Sarah was the first female student to enroll at and graduate from Indiana University. She began taking classes at IU in 1867 and graduated in 1869. She was among the first women to attend any state university. In 1873 she became the first female faculty member at Indiana University. She fought for equal status for women. Her Quaker grandparents came to Indiana in 1814 because of the slave system in North Carolina; they settled in Salem (Washington County). Before being admitted to IU, Sarah graduated from Mt. Holyoke and attended Vassar. Sarah's father, state treasurer and on the IU Board of Trustees, thought it was time they admitted women. He gave Sarah a $5 inducement to enroll. At age 34 she went back to school, as a freshman, to serve as a role model for other young women. The next year, 13 females enrolled. Sarah gave the commencement oration entitled "From War, Peace." After graduation, she was appointed tutor and then adjunct professor of English literature at IU. She also was "Advisor to Women." Later Sarah was principal of Glendale College in Ohio and teacher at Western Seminary in Oxford, Ohio. She worked for temperance. She also urged IU to appoint a woman to the Board of Trustees.
Myers, Hortense ( - ) Journalist. Hortense was a veteran political writer for United Press International. She was the first woman named "Newsman of the Year" by the Indiana Press Club.
Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds ( - ) Writer – Newburg. Phyllis began writing as a hobby and eventually produced about 50 books for children. Her Indiana settings include Witch's Sister, The Mad Gasser of Bessledorf Street, and The Bodies in the Bessledorf Hotel.
Nichols, Anna ( - ) Author.
Noland, Jeannette Covert (1896- )
Writer – Indianapolis, Evansville. Jeannette was always
interested in reading and writing. He had a poem published in St.
Nicholas Magazine when she was 9. She was the editor of her high school
yearbook. After high school she worked at the family-owned Evansville
Courier as a feature writer and reporter. She didn't write during the
years her children were growing up. After re-starting her writing
career, she wrote 35 books as well as plays, essays, and short stories.
Her historical books for young people included subjects such as Clara
Barton and Aaron Burr. Several libraries were named for her. She
received a Doctor of Humane Letters from Indiana University in 1967.
O
O'Bannon, Judy ( - ) Promoter of arts, first lady – Corydon, Indianapolis. Judy is the first lady of Indiana during Governor O'Bannon's administration. She is recognized as a major supporter of arts throughout the state. At age 22 Judy became the first woman to enroll in the Louisville Presbyterian Seminary's Bachelor of Divinity program. She was a Rockefeller scholar. Newly married to Frank O'Bannon, Judy commuted to the seminary from her home in Corydon. Unfortunately, Judy received hate mail saying that women should not speak in church. She did youth work in small churches. Judy now chairs the Indiana 2016 Task Force; leads the O'Bannon Book Buddy program; served as honorary co-chair of Habitat for Humanity's 25th Anniversary; led a volunteer group to South Africa in 2001 to work with citizens; works on Indiana Main Street because of her interest in historic preservation; and has frequent public speaking engagements.
Oster, Maggie ( - ) Writer – New Albany. Maggie is the author of books and articles on cooking, gardening, and Japanese gardens. She has produced more than a dozen cookbooks and is also a photographer. Maggie's talents also include editing and television work. She worked in public relations for All-America Rose Selections. Titles she has written include Recipes from an American Herb Garden (1993), The Rose Book (1994), How to Plant and Grow Perennials (1991), and Herbal Palate Cookbook.
Overbeck Sisters: Margaret (1863-1911), Hannah (1870- 1931), Elizabeth (1875-1936), and Mary Frances (1878-1955) Potters, musicians – Cambridge City. The Overbeck sisters lived together in their family home, established an internationally known pottery and, in doing so, brought much fame to Cambridge City. The family lived in town, and all six children went to local schools. Another sister, Ida, was the only one to marry. The in-home studio was established in 1911. Margaret, who conceived the idea of a pottery studio, studied at Cincinnati Art Academy and was an art teacher in schools in Kentucky and Mississippi; she also taught at DePauw University. Elizabeth studied at the College of Clayworking and Ceramics. Margaret was an expert in glazes and was named a Fellow of the American Ceramic Society in 1936. Mary Frances studied at Columbia University. Hannah attended Indiana State. The family depended on pottery as their means of making a living. The sisters made one-of-a- kind pieces. Some of their pottery is displayed in a permanent exhibit in the Cambridge City Public Library. Awards for their pottery have been won in Paris, Chicago, New York, Detroit, and St. Louis. The Overbeck house has been restored and is a private residence.
Owen, Jane Baffler ( - ) Preservationist – New Harmony. Jane was the influence behind the restoration of New Harmony. She married Kenneth Owen, who had lived in New Harmony and was a geologist. While living in Texas, Jane visited Kenneth's home in New Harmony and saw that the village needed restoring. She and her husband bought several historic New Harmony buildings and worked with the New Harmony Commission and Lilly Endowment to restore the area. They had the famous "roofless church" built, which was designed by Philip Johnson. They had the motel built in 1963 and commissioned a Jacques Lipchitz sculpture in bronze. Jane and Kenneth brought in theologian Paul Tillich to speak at a small park named Tillich Park. The hope was to make New Harmony a cultural center.
Owen, Jane Dale (1806-1861) Educator – New Harmony.
Owen, Mary Jane Robinson (1813-1871) Women's rights advocate – New Harmony. Mary Jane was a speaker on equality for women. Her husband was Robert Dale Owen. She heard Robert speak in New York and told her mother that he was the homeliest man she had ever seen and that she was going to marry him. They were married at her parents' home in 1832. They stated that they were equal partners and did not have a minister because they did not believe in ministerial authority. They had seven children, three of whom died young. Mary Jane was a friend of Frances Wright. When her children were grown, she gave speeches on equality, particularly on the issue of higher wages. The family moved to Italy when Robert was named to a diplomatic position there. Undoubtedly Mary Jane influenced her husband in the area of women's equality. He worked as a legislator to secure property rights for women and got divorce laws changed to protect women from abusive husbands.
Owen, Rosamond Dale (1846-1937) Suffragist, writer – New Harmony. Rosamond was the youngest daughter of Robert and Mary Jane Owen. She lived in Europe when her father was a diplomat there. Rosamond learned music, several languages, and to write well. She returned to New Harmony and joined the Minerva Society to study issues that affected women. She worked for reform in women's restrictive clothing. Rosamond became acquainted with many leaders of the suffrage movement while at a spa in New York. She wrote fiction and was published in the Atlantic Monthly. She also wrote an article on her parents for The History of Women's Suffrage. Rosamond was involved in the peace movement and set up a utopian colony in Palestine.
Oyer, Mary K., Dr. (1923- ) Musician, educator – Goshen. Mary is an internationally known musicologist and hymnologist and was a distinguished professor of Fine Arts at Goshen College. Three generations have learned to sing, play, and appreciate music from Mary. Her former students often cite her as their most influential teacher. She was the first string player to earn a doctor of musical arts performance degree at the University of Michigan, earning the degree during summer school while teaching the fine arts courses and directing and touring with the Motet Singers at Goshen College. Mary has directed numerous workshops on church music. She has been a professor of church music at the Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart. She is active in the Hymn Society of America and was the first woman to serve on groups to establish two new Mennonite Hymnals. Mary had a Fulbright Fellowship to Africa in 1969. A Lilly Foundation grant allowed her to spend two years researching African music in the Kenya National Archive. In 1999 she taught church music at the Presbyterian Theological College and Seminary in Taiwan. At age 80 she led a tour group to Africa focusing on African art, music, culture, and history. Mary was also chosen as one of 20 most influential Mennonites of the 20th century. She still lives in the house in which she grew up, next to Goshen College.
Pali, Tatiana ( - ) Ballerina – Indianapolis. Tatiana was born in Moldova, then a part of the Soviet Union. At age ten she was accepted to study at the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow. She has been principal dancer with the Indianapolis Ballet Theatre since 1992. She owned the Russian House Restaurant in Indianapolis.
Palmer, Betsy Actress, TV personality. Betsy acted with Henry Fonda, Jack Lemmon, and Joan Crawford, with whom she starred in the film Queen Bee. Betsy appeared on Broadway in the 1960s in Cactus Flower and a revival of South Pacific. She was co-host on the Today Show in the late 1950s. In 1980 she played in the horror film Friday the 13th.
Patty, Sandi ( - ) Singer – Anderson. Sandi lived most of her early life in Anderson and attended college there. She is best known for her gospel and patriotic music. Sandi has appeared on the cover of many magazines and has won 33 Dove Awards for outstanding achievement in gospel music. She is also the winner of five Grammy Awards. Her parents were musicians, and she traveled with her family as they gave concerts at churches. Bill and Gloria Gaither gave Sandi her start. She became part of the Bill Gaither Trio. The Gaithers' studio in nearby Alexandria recorded many of her songs. Her concerts have sold out in large music halls such as Radio City and the Sun Dome in Tampa. Sandi has sung at the Miss America Pageant, presidential inaugurations, and the Indianapolis 500.
Pauley, Jane Newswoman – Indianapolis. Jane is one of America's leading broadcast journalists. She grew up in Indianapolis and graduated in political science at Indiana University. She worked for the Indiana Democratic Central Committee and began her television career as a reporter for WISH-TV in Indianapolis. She was eventually hired to be a co-anchor of the evening news in Chicago and was the first woman to have that position. She was hired from 250 applicants as host of the Today Show with Tom Brokaw. Jane married Gary Trudeau, creator of the Doonesbury comic strip. Twin sons were born to them in 1983. Jane has interviewed many renowned people and has appeared in many magazine articles. She was named Hoosier of the Year in 1980 by the Indiana Society of New York. She won an Emmy award for her work with the Dateline NBC show and received the Paul White Award from the Radio- Television News Directors Association for her lifetime contributions to electronic journalism.
Peddle, Juliette ( - ) Architect – Terre Haute. Juliette has received worldwide recognition for her architectural work. She is one of the few women to be licensed to practice architecture in two states - Indiana and Illinois. Juliette received her architectural degree at the University of Michigan and studied further in Europe. She worked for architectural firms in Chicago. In 1927 she arranged and exhibit on "Women in Architecture" for the first Women's World's Fair. She came to Terre Haute to work with an architectural firm and later opened her own firm. She edited the Vigo County Historical Society publication for 29 years and designed several buildings in Terre Haute. An apartment complex in Terre Haute is named in her honor.
Peden, Rachel Author – Monroe County, Johnson County. Rachel lived on an orchard farm in Monroe County as a child. She graduated from Indiana University with a degree in sociology. She wrote about farm life in The Land, The People. She and her husband developed a farm in Johnson County. Her first book was Rural Free in 1961. She wrote daily columns for many years for the Indianapolis Star and the Muncie Evening Press, chronicling country life. Rachel also wrote Speak to the Earth: Pages from a Farmwife's Journal in 1974.
Pennington, Elizabeth English. Elizabeth was kidnapped by the Indians as a child. Her brothers recovered her, but he had a difficult time convincing her to leave because she has begun to feel part of the native culture. She married Dennis Pennington, who became speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives.
Perry, Cynthia (1928- ) Educator, diplomat – Terre Haute. Born and educated in Terre Haute, Cynthia received an Ed. D. from the University of Massachusetts. She became a university professor and dean of student affairs. From 1974 through 1976 she was a member of the Peace Corps in Kenya. She was the U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone and Burundi in the 1980s. Cynthia also worked for the Agency for International Development on African educational and training programs. She has received the distinguished alumnus award from both the University of Massachusetts and Indiana State University.
Plummer, Mary Wright (1856-1916) Librarian, teacher, poet – Richmond. Mary was educated in local schools and studied at Wellesely from 1881-1882. In 1887 she attended a recently opened library school at Columbia College. She worked as a librarian in St. Louis and Brooklyn. Mary was in charge of the library school at the Pratt Institute and was delegate in 1900 to the International Congress of Libraries in Paris. She was head of the library school at the New York Public Library. The American Library Association named her president of their association in 1915.
Porter, Beulah ( - ) Educator – Indianapolis. Beulah was the principal of PS 40. She gave up teaching in 1893 to study medicine. She was the first African- American female physician to open a practice in Indianapolis. Beulah helped organize a club (WIC), which set up a tuberculosis tent camp fro African Americans.
Porter, Gene (Geneva) Stratton (1863-1924) Author, photographer – Wabash. Born on a farm near Wabash in Wabash County, Geneva was the 12th child of a Methodist minister. She married Charles Porter in 1866. They lived in Geneva, Decatur, and Rome City. She designed a home named Limberlost Cabin. Geneva loved the natural world. Limberlost Swamp was where she began photographing nature. Her photos were accepted by leading nature magazines. She was a staff member of Recreation magazine, and her first successful novel was Song of the Cardinal. Geneva wrote fiction and non-fiction. Most of her books were based upon her personal experiences. Another title, Freckles, was published in 1904 and sold 1.5 million copies in the U.S. and Great Britain. Other books included At the Foot of the Rainbow (1909), Girl of the Limberlost (1909), Birds of the Bible (1909), Harvester (1911), and Laddie (1913). She published a novel each year on her birthday. When development began in the Limberlost region, she bought 150 acres on the edge of Sylvan Lake. Geneva had a garden with 3,000 types of plants. She also wrote editorials for McCall's magazine. She moved to California for her health in 1920 and organized a corporation to make films of her novels. Eight novels were eventually made into films. She died in a traffic accident in 1924. The homes in Rome City and Geneva are both now state historic sites. Her daughter wrote a biography of her called Lady of the Limberlost. Her remains were brought from California and reburied near Sylvan Lake at Rome City.
Post, Margaret Moore (1900- ) Margaret wrote for the Plainfield High School newspaper. She studied journalism at Louisiana State and interviews Governor Huey Long. She returned to Indiana and became city editor for the Logansport Press. Margaret gained national attention when reporting on criminal John Dillinger when she was editor of the Mooresville Times. From 1932 to 1983 she was on the staff of the Indianapolis Star/News. She served on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Crime Control Panel. Margaret was concerned with social reform and served on a variety of commissions and boards related to crime. She headed the journalism department at Franklin College and was a faculty member at the University of Louisville School of Police Administration. Margaret received awards from the Women's Press Club of Indiana. She authored several books, including First Ladies of Indiana and the Governors (1984).
Pulliam, Nina Mason (1907-1997) Publisher, philanthropist – Martinsville (Monroe County). Nina was born one of five girls to a literary family. She is the sister of noted author Rachel Peden. After studying journalism at Franklin College, she wrote for Farm Life magazine. She was publisher of Lebanon Reporter newspaper. Nina was the first woman admitted to the Society of Professional Journalists, and she served as president of the Central Newspapers, which include the Indianapolis Star/News and Arizona Republic, among others. Nina was the wife of Eugene Pulliam. She was a licensed pilot and traveled widely, covering world news to almost 100 different countries. She is recognized nationally for her work with the blind. She received an honorary degree from the University of Arizona in 1963.
Rabb, Kate Milner (1866-1937) Journalist – Rockport, Indianapolis.
Raclin, Ernestine Morris ( - ) Businesswoman, community leader – South Bend.
Rapp, Gertrude (1808-1889) Manager – New Harmony. After being educated in New Harmony, Gertrude went to Pennsylvania to manage a silk factory at age 22.
Ream, Laura ( - ) Journalist – Indianapolis. Laura wrote columns for Cincinnati papers while enrolled in Nazareth College in Kentucky. She was known as a great correspondent during the Civil War. She gave forceful opinions on political issues and served on the State Board of the Women's Reformatory and as a delegate to a Congressional Convention.
Rebennack, Mildren Young (1928- ) Journeyman – Indianapolis. First woman journeyman electroplater at Navila Avionics Center (1981).
Reed, Suellen ( - ) Educator, public official – Indianapolis. Suellen was elected as Superintendent of Public Instruction of the State of Indiana in 1992 and 1996.
Rhome, Frances Dodson (1916- ) Administrator – Bloomington. Frances was the first affirmative action officer at Indiana University and the first woman appointed to the IU president's staff (1973).
Richards, Myra Reynolds ( -1938) Sculptor – Indianapolis. Myra is Indianapolis' most outstanding sculptor. She was connected with Herron's Art School in Indianapolis.
Rigers, Bernice S. ( - ) Writer, children's author.
Riker, Dorothy ( - ) Historian, editor – Indianapolis.
Sasso, Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg (1947- ) Author, Rabbi – Indianapolis. Sandy was the first woman ordained as a rabbi from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Pennsylvania and the second woman rabbi in the United States (1974). She was the first woman rabbi of a Conservative congregation in the United States at the Beth-El Zedeck in Indianapolis. Sandy has a doctorate in ministry from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. She has been honored as one of the "Influential Women in Indiana by the Indianapolis Business Journal. She is the author of several nationally acclaimed children's books. Two of her books, And God Remembered and A Prayer for the Earth, were selected as best books of the year by Publisher's Weekly. Sandy also writes a monthly religion column in the Indianapolis Star.
Saunders, Kathy J. (1958- ) Firefighter – Bloomington. Kathy was the first woman fire chief in the Bloomington Fire Department.
Say, Lucy Sistare (1801-1886) Artist, educator – New Harmony. Lucy was educated at Marie Fretageot's School in Philadelphia; she studied drawing and painting there with famous artists Lesueur and Audubon. Lucy came to New Harmony on the "Boatload of Knowledge." She met her future husband, Thomas Say, on the trip. Her husband was an internationally known scientist in the areas of botany and entomology. Lucy drew and hand-colored 75 drawings of shells to illustrate Thomas' textbook American Conchology. She taught art in the schools of New Harmony.
Schideler, Shirley Williams (1930- ) Lawyer – Indianapolis. Working with the law firm Barnes & Thornburg, Shirley became the first woman associate (1964), first woman partner (1971), and first woman to retire from the counsel partner position in a law firm in Indiana. She received the Distinguished Alumni Service Award from the Indiana University School of Law in 1986 and became the first woman president of the Indiana Bar Association in 1988.
Schrock, Emma (1924 - ) Artist – Nappanee. Emma is an Old Order Mennonite folk artist who painted her childhood memories and everyday life in her farming community.
Schroeder, Dorothy (1928-1996) Athlete – South Bend, Fort Wayne. Dorothy played 15 seasons as an All-American Girls Professional Baseball League shortstop. Teams with which she was affiliated were the South Bend Blue Sox and the Fort Wayne Daisies.
Scudder, Janet (1869-1940) Metal sculptor – Terre Haute. Janet's family was quite poor; she worked her way through Cincinnati Art Academy. She also studied with Lorado Taft in Chicago. She worked on monuments for the World's Columbian Exposition (Chicago World's Fair) in 1893. Janet had studios in New York and Paris; her work received awards at several world's fairs. Her sculptures were shown at the Paris Salon and she was well known for her fountain designs, including "The Frog Fountain" in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, "The Fighting Boys Fountain" at the Art Institute of Chicago, "The Boy and Fish Fountain" in Paris, and "The Seaweed Fountain" at the Brooklyn Museum. Janet's sculptures can be seen in many museums in the U.S., including the Indianapolis Museum of Art and the Swope Art Museum in Terre Haute. Her fountain sculptures were made for the estates of John D. Rockefeller in New York, the U.S. Embassy in Paris, and the McCormick estate near Chicago. Janet's statue of a female figure, created in 1915 and entitled Femina Vitrix, honored the suffrage movement. Janet also created medallions to commemorate special events, including Indiana's Centennial. Her autobiography is entitled Modeling My Life.
Seegmiller, Wilhelmina (1866-1913) Art educator – Indianapolis. Wilhelmina was Canadian-born and moved to Indianapolis. She influenced many future artists. Wilhelmina felt that all children should be exposed to art of all types and periods. She is said to have revolutionized art education in the public schools. She developed a series of eight Applied Art Drawing books, one for each grade, which were used throughout the U.S. Wilhelmina also wrote and illustrated three poetry books for children and pioneered cooperation between public schools and art museums.
Selby, Myra C. ( - ) Lawyer – Indianapolis. Myra sat among the five justices of the Indiana Supreme Court as the first African-American and female to occupy the bench of the state chamber. She was originally from Michigan and later practiced labor and employment law in Washington, D.C. Myra also served as Director of Health Care Policy under Governor Evan Bayh.
Service, Pamela (1944- ) Fiction writer – Bloomington. Pamela is the author of When the Night Howls and other books on politics and science fiction. She served as the Curator of the Monroe County Historical Society collection.
Sewell, May Wright (1844-1920) Educator, peace advocate – Indianapolis. She was born and educated in Wisconsin, taught school to earn money to attend Northwestern University, and became a teacher in several states upon her graduation. She married Theodore Sewall and moved to Indianapolis, where Theodore had established a classical school for boys. Together they established a classical school for girls. It is said that May organized 50 clubs of various types. She was an early advocate of equal right for women's education. May founded the International Council of Women and served two terms as president. She also served as an officer in the Indiana Suffrage Association; U.S. delegate to the Universal Congress of Women in Paris in 1889; and formed a group which was a forerunner of the American Association of University Women. May traveled widely, lecturing on world peace. She was one of the founders of the Indianapolis Herron Art Institute. She was the author of the book Women, World War, and Permanent Peace in 1915. She also wrote Higher Education of Women in the Western States of the U.S. and History of the Women's Suffrage Movement in Indiana.
Sharp, Zerma ( -1981) Writer – Hillsburg, Clinton County. Zerma was a children's author and helped develop the Dick and Jane reading series. She was a teacher in Kirklin and LaPorte. She was hired by Scott Foresman Publishing Company as a reading consultant. Zerma and reading expert William Gray planned a more colorfully illustrated and relevant reading series for children. Zerma created the characters used in the Dick and Jane stories which taught millions on children to read from the 1930s to the 1960s. Zerma continued to work for the company as a consultant after her retirement in 1965. She is buried in Clinton County.
Shields, V. Sue ( - ) Lawyer, judge – Indianapolis. Sue was the first woman appointed to the bench of the Court of Appeals of Indiana where she served from 1978 to 1994. She was Indiana's first woman state court judge.
Shoemaker, Carolyn (1865-1933) Educator – Lafayette.
Shulz, Ada Walter (1870-1928) Artist – Terre Haute, Indianapolis, Nashville. Ada moved to Indianapolis with her mother after the death of her architect father. She then moved to Chicago to attend the Art Institute of Chicago. She received a prize there in 1917 and other recognition from the Hoosier Salon in 1926 and 1928. Ada married fellow artist Adolph Shulz; they studied in Paris and Munich. After the birth of her son, Ada continued her artwork while caring for her son and did many paintings of mothers and children. She often painted outdoors. The family spent winters in Wisconsin and summers in Brown County. In 1918 they made Brown County their year-round residence. Ada exhibited her artwork locally as well as in Indianapolis and Chicago. She was the founder of the Brown County Art Gallery Association. Her paintings appeared in magazines such as Women's Home Companion. Ada's paintings are in galleries in Chicago, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Bloomington, and Brown County. In 1998 the Indiana State Museum held an exhibit of her works entitled Children and Sunlight.
Siders, Lora Elizabeth (1919- ) Native American elder – Wabash, Peru. Lora belongs to two clans, the Loon and the Turtle. Her Indian name is Monqua, which means loon (a sacred bird to the Miamis). Lora wants to educate the Miami people in both Indian and white ways and would like them to get a good education in order to make a good living.
Skinner, Claire ( - ) Businesswoman, lawyer – Middlebury. Claire is the CEO of Coachman Industries, which makes recreational vehicles. This family-owned company employs several thousand people around the U.S. and is one of the largest corporations in the country headed by a woman. Claire attended college in Texas and became a management trainer at her family's travel trailer manufacturing plant in Texas, working in all aspects of the business. She graduated from Notre Dame law school and became a trial lawyer in Chicago. She joined the family business as president of the advertising division in 1987.
Skinner, Cornelia Otis ( - ) Author.
Slocum, Frances (Maconaquah) ( - ) Adopted Native American – Peru. Frances was a white child captured by Native Americans who chose to remain with the tribe. She was captured by Indians at her home in Pennsylvania when she was five. Her siblings searched for her for many years. She lived in several locations with native people. She married Shepoconah and came to reside in the village called Deaf Man's Village, located on the Mississinewa River. Their two sons died. Two daughters, Ke-ke-na-kush-wa (Cut Finger) and O-zah-shin-quah (Yellow Leaf), survived. Approximately 20 percent of the Indiana Miami tribe descended from Frances. Her brothers and sister miraculously located her when they were all elderly, and although they begged her to come back to Pennsylvania, she chose to remain with her familiar Indian surroundings and family. The artist George Winter painted her portrait. When the Miami tribe was to be moved to a Kansas reservation, her white nephew petitioned the U.S. Congress to allow Frances' family to remain in Indiana. Her nephew George Slocum and his family came to live and work with Frances and her family. In 1900 a monument to Maconaquah and Sheponconah was erected. The graveyard had to be moved in 1967 when a dam on the river flooded the area. There are many memorials to Frances (Maconaquah) in Indiana: The Frances Slocum Recreation Area; The Lost Sister Trail; the Frances Slocum Trail; a high school, shopping center and bank; a Peru city park; and in Pennsylvania there is a Frances Slocum State Park. A historical novel by James Alexander Thom, Red Heart, relates the story of Frances.
Smirz, Linda A., M.D. (1953- ) Physician. Linda was the first doctor in the United States to deliver surviving sextuplets, the Indiana Dilly babies (1993).
Smith, Kathy ( - ) Educator, politician – New Albany. Kathy served as State Senator while continuing to teach at Hazelwood Junior High in New Albany. She focused on legislation to support women and protect against child abuse. Kathy assumed the post of Education Aide to Governor O'Bannon in 1997.
Snedeker, Caroline Dale (1871-1956) Author – New Harmony, Mt. Vernon. From the line of David Dale Owen and Caroline Neff, Caroline Snedeker's books include The Beckoning Road (1929), which was dedicated to her aunt Anne Owen Crawford, and The Spartan (1912), which was dedicated to her mother, who instilled in her a love of Greek culture. Other of her works include Seth Way: A Romance of the New Harmony Community and The Town of the Fearless, an account of the Neff and Owen family life in Switzerland, Scotland, and on the Wabash. Caroline's lifelong interest in the ancient world led her to travel and study in Greece and Rome; several of her books for young people are set in those areas. Her pen name was Caroline Dale Owen. As a teenager, the family moved to Cincinnati where she studied at the College of Music, and she later toured as a concert pianist. Her husband was a rector on Long Island, where Caroline lived from many years.
Snider, Shelia Rawlins, A.I.A. (1948- ) Architect – Muncie. Shelia was the first woman to graduate from Ball State University's College of Architecture (1974). She was the first woman president of the American Institute of Architect of Indiana (1996) and was the first woman director of the Indiana Department of Public Works (1997).
Spencer, Mary Jones (1900- ) Artist – Terre Haute.
Spink, Mary Angela ( - ) Physician.
Spink, Rose ( - ) Physician.
Spuzich, Sandy ( - ) Athlete, golfer – Speedway. Sandy was a leader in winnings in the Ladies Professional Golf Association in 1985. At age 45, she won two tournaments: the Corning Classic and the Mary Kay Golf Classic.
Stein, Evaleen (1863-1923) Poet, author – Lafayette. From a prominent Lafayette family, Evaleen's father was one of the founders of Purdue University and a state senator. Evaleen's mother was a public librarian. Evaleen attended the Art Institute of Chicago. Her poems were published in Indianapolis papers. In 1897 a Boston firm published her first book of poems, One Way to the Woods. Her short stories were published in magazines. Bobbs Merrill published her stories in a book called Troubadour Tales. Evaleen's books for young people totaled 12. Of her artwork, her detailed illuminations of the Twenty-Third Psalm hangs in the Wells Memorial Library in Lafayette, and a permanent display at the Tippecanoe Historical Society Association Museum holds a display of her work. In 1907 a testimonial in her honor was held at Purdue University and was attended by Indiana's famous authors of the day. Evaleen also wrote the words to the song "Vive Purdue" and a poem to mark the Indiana centennial.
Stein, Virginia Tomlinson (1840-1924) Pioneer, librarian – Logansport, Lafayette. Virginia was a public librarian in Lafayette, working tirelessly to build the collection. She retired when she was 80.
Stephenson, Fanny Vandegrift (1840-1914) Traveler, writer – Indianapolis. Fanny lived in Indianapolis before the streets had names. She lived in California after her marriage, and in 1875 she left her husband and sailed for Europe with her three children. Fanny then enrolled in the Julian School of Art. She met Robert Louis Stephenson and was married in San Francisco three years later. Fanny lived on the Riviera and filled her days by painting, gardening, and caring for Robert, who had tuberculosis. Fanny helped Robert invent stories out of which came The Arabian Nights. They sailed to Samoa and bought land. Fanny wrote Our Samoan Adventure about their life there. After Robert's death in 1894, Fanny returned to the U.S. and wrote prefaces and notes to his writings and publications. Fanny then wrote her autobiography, The Cruise of Janet Nichol. Upon her death, she was buried in Samoa beside her husband. Her sister Nellie wrote a biography of her.
Stevenson, Augusta (1870 - ) Writer – Indianapolis. As a teacher, Augusta had her students dramatize stories from history books and readers. She decided to put the dramas into writing. Augusta studied at Butler University and in Europe. She is known for her series "Childhood of Famous Americans." Augusta lived in New York for 12 years and wrote for the publisher Houghton Mifflin. Her book of plays was named Children's Classics in Dramatic Form.
Stewart, Sallie Wyatt (1881-1951) Educator, businesswoman – Evansville. Sallie worked her way through high school and teacher training to become a teacher in the segregated Evansville School for 50 years. She started a nursery school for African-American children and founded the Phyllis Wheatley branch of the YWCA in Evansville. Sallie was president of the Indiana State Federation of Colored Women's Clubs from 1921 through 1928. She was elected president of the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs in 1928 and was a delegate to the International Council of Women in Vienna. Sallie and her husband left a huge estate, which was used to help young African-American women.
Stoner, Winifred Whiz Kid – Evansville.
Strange, Georgia Sculptor.
Stratton, Dorothy, Dr. (1899- ) Educator, military officer – Purdue. Dorothy was the first full- time Dean at Purdue University after arriving there in 1933. In 1942 she became the first director of SPARs, the Women's Reserve of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves. In SPARs, 11,000 women were under her direction. Dorothy was also the first director of personnel for the International Monetary Fund, examining installations in many countries and was the Executive Director of the Girl Scouts. Her formal education includes an M.A. from the University of Chicago and a Ph.D. from Columbia University.
Strauss, Juliet V. Humphries (1863-1918) Environmentalist, Journalist – Rockville. Juliet was influential in establishing Turkey Run as Indiana's first state park. She wrote columns about homemaking for a local paper and the Indianapolis News Journal. Juliet published a popular book of essays entitled The Ideas of a Plain Country Woman.
Streeter, Catherine Armstrong (1874- ) Businesswoman, insurance – Terre Haute, Muncie. Catherine was left a widow with three small children in 1903. Her husband had run a glass manufacturing business in Muncie. Catherine moved to Terre Haute and started an insurance business, although she had no formal business training. Her business grew to be a large insurance agency in Terre Haute.
Streight, Lovina (1830-1910) Civil War activist – Irvington, Indianapolis. Lovina was known as "Mother" to the 5,000 Civil War soldiers of the 51st Regiment, who were led by her husband, Colonel Abel Streight.
Sweeney, Elsie Irwin (1888-1972) Musician, philanthropist – Columbus. Elsie attended Butler University, graduated from Smith College, and studied piano in Berlin and New York. She was heir to the fortune of her grandfather, Joseph Irwin, a banker and builder. Elsie founded the American Friends of Bayreuth to promote Wagner festivals in Germany, and for this she was awarded the Order of Merit by the German government. Elsie was the author of many articles for The Opera News. She served on the National Committee of the Metropolitan Opera in New York and on the Board of the Indiana State Symphony Society. Elsie build a mansion named Castiglia. She received the King's Medal for Service from England for her work with "Bundles for Britain" during World War II. She received an honorary doctorate from Indiana University. The governor proclaimed April 11, 1970, as Elsie Sweeny Day. Recipients of her large philanthropic contributions include the Indiana Historical Society, the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Indianapolis Symphony, the Indiana University School of Music, and the Cleeves Hall of Butler University.
Taggart, Lucy (1880-1960) Artist – Indianapolis. Lucy grew up in a privileged family. Her father was Thomas Taggart, a mayor of Indianapolis, U.S. Senator, and developer of French Lick. Lucy received a master's degree from Smith College; she studied under such noted artists as William Forsyth and William Merrit Chase. Lucy became a painting instructor and received the J.I. Holcomb Ward in 1925. She was a member of the Hoosier Salon during the years 1925 and 1926.
Talbot, Ona ( -1924) Music promoter – Indianapolis. Ona was determined to develop Indianapolis into a music center. She founded the Ona B. Talbot Fine Arts Association and began bringing well-known musicians to the city. She was the first to use the State Fair Coliseum as a concert hall. In 1918 Ona was named director of the Shubert Fine Arts Enterprise, which booked musicians into theatres around the nation. At her home on Alabama Avenue, she entertained many artists. Her famous sculptor daughter, Myra Reynolds Richards, had her studio on the third floor of their home.
Tandy, Jennette ( - ) Educator, artist – Vevay. Jennette was one of the few artists in the United States to do portrait weaving. She lived in a home that was built as a saloon in 1816. Her combination living room-studio is in the old barroom. Jennette graduated from Vevay in 1905 and taught there afterwards. She later received a Ph.D. from Columbia University. Jennette taught at Franklin College and The Graduate School of Columbia University. When ill health and surgery forced her to resign, Jennette turned her attention to art. She studied in Cincinnati, Louisville, with Indian weavers in Arizona, and in Europe. Her tapestries are exhibited throughout the country. Jennette belonged to the Pen and Brush Club in New York and to the New York Society of Craftsmen.
Taylor, Mary Lyon (1874-1956) Photographer – Indianapolis. Mary was trained in art at home in Wisconsin and abroad. She specialized in miniature painting and educated herself in the art of photography. Upon her marriage to Edward Taylor, the couple moved to Indianapolis. A family financial crisis created the need for Mary to draw an income. As Mary's artwork became more skilled, she was asked to do photographic portraits of famous Hoosiers, including the Lilly family. She was also an accomplished poet and needlepoint artist and published 20 pieces of sheet music. Mary had photography exhibitions at art museums in Indianapolis and Richmond. She won first prize in a Kodak competition in 1911. When her old home was being restored in the 1980s, 400 of her glass plate negatives were found and acquired by the Indiana Historical Society. A book about her life and work has been published.
Terry, Joanne. 1960 Olympics.
Tharp, Twyla (1941- ) Dancer, choreographer – Portland. Born in Indiana and raised in California, Twyla began taking piano lessons at the age of two. At the age of eight, Twyla began dance lessons. Twyla and her mother moved to California when Twyla was eight, and there her mother opened a drive-in theatre. She majored in art history at Barnard College in New York City, studied dance un