Mabel Vernon

Mabel Vernon (September 19, 1883 – September 2, 1975) was an American suffragist, pacifist, and a na

Library of Congress

Quick Facts

Significance:

American suffragist

Place of Birth:

Wilmington, Delaware

Date of Birth:

September 19, 1883

Place of Death:

Washington D.C.

Date of Death:

September 2, 1975

Place of Burial:

Unknown

Within the annals of Delaware history, Mabel Vernon stands as a beacon of courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to social progress. Vernon's legacy resonates far beyond the borders of the First State, echoing throughout the corridors of American history. As a prominent suffragist, social activist, and ardent advocate for women's rights, her indomitable spirit and tireless efforts helped pave the way for the monumental passage of the 19th Amendment, securing women's right to vote in 1920. Yet, her impact transcends mere legislative victories; Vernon's legacy embodies the essence of resilience in the face of adversity and the transformative power of grassroots activism. 

Mabel Vernon (September 19, 1883 – September 2, 1975) was an American suffragist, pacifist, and a national leader in the United States suffrage movement. She was a Quaker and a member of the National American Woman Suffrage Association. Vernon was one of the principal members of the Congressional Union for Women Suffrage (CUWS) and helped to organize the Silent Sentinels protests that involved daily picketing of Woodrow Wilson's White House. 

Mabel Vernon was born in Wilmington, Delaware, to George Washington Vernon, an editor and publisher of the Wilmington Daily Republican, and Mary Vernon, née Hooton. She graduated from Wilmington Friends School in 1901. She went on to attend Swarthmore College and graduated in 1906, after which she became a teacher at Radnor High School in Wayne, Pennsylvania, teaching Latin and German. 

Mabel Vernon's influence extended deeply into her local community, where she dedicated herself tirelessly to championing causes aimed at dismantling systemic injustices and amplifying marginalized voices. Her leadership was instrumental in organizing suffrage campaigns across the state, mobilizing women from all walks of life to demand equal rights and representation. Through her eloquent speeches, strategic organizing, and unwavering dedication, Vernon played a pivotal role in shaping the course of Delaware's history, leaving an indelible mark on its collective conscience. 

Vernon's commitment to the suffrage movement extended beyond Delaware's borders. In 1912, she attended the convention of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, where she served as an usher. Joining forces with Lucy Burns and Alice Paul, Vernon played a crucial role in organizing the historic Woman Suffrage Parade of 1913, coinciding with Woodrow Wilson's inauguration. From 1913 to 1916, she traversed the nation, campaigning and fundraising tirelessly to advance the cause of women's suffrage. 

As a key organizer of the Silent Sentinels campaign that commenced in January 1917, Vernon's leadership was pivotal in coordinating daily pickets outside the White House. Her strategic planning, alongside Paul, ensured a steady stream of volunteers, with themed days bringing together participants from specific states or professions, garnering consistent press coverage. The campaign, spanning eighteen months, witnessed the participation of thousands of women and culminated in numerous arrests and the infamous "Night of Terror." 

Following the merger of the Congressional Union and the National Woman's Party, Vernon was appointed Secretary of the NWP. During a pivotal moment in March 1917, she confronted President Wilson directly, appealing for suffrage rights with poignant words that resonated deeply. Vernon was among the first six women arrested for picketing the White House, refusing to pay the fine imposed and displaying steadfast resistance against injustice. 

Even after the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment, Vernon's advocacy persisted. Throughout the 1920s, she supported women candidates for Congress and ardently lobbied for the Equal Rights Amendment. Her commitment to social justice expanded beyond suffrage, as evidenced by her pursuit of a master's degree in political science from Columbia University in 1924 and her subsequent engagement in international relations and peace efforts. 

In 1930, Vernon transitioned her focus to international relations and peace, becoming a prominent proponent of Latin American rights and disarmament. Joining the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, she assumed roles such as director of the Peoples Mandate Committee for Inter-American Peace and Cooperation in the 1940s. As a member of the Inter-American delegation to the foundation of the United Nations, Vernon's advocacy transcended borders, leaving an enduring legacy of global activism and dedication to peace and equality. 

In commemorating Mabel Vernon's life and legacy, we honor not only a trailblazer for suffrage and social justice but also a testament to the enduring power of ordinary individuals to effect extraordinary change. Her story serves as a reminder that the struggle for equality is not confined to the pages of history but remains an ongoing journey toward a more just and inclusive society for all. 

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Sources

Edmonston, W. (ca. 1917) Miss Mabel Vernon, National Secretary, National Woman's Party. United States Delaware Wilmington, ca. 1917. [Photograph] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/mnwp000179/.

Education & Resources - National Women’s History Museum - NWHM. (n.d.). https://web.archive.org/web/20161220214801/http://www.nwhm.org/education-resources/biography/biographies/mabel-vernon/

Mabel Vernon | Sewall-Belmont House Museum. (n.d.). https://web.archive.org/web/20120401133638/http://www.sewallbelmont.org/womenwecelebrate/mabel-vernon/

Notable American women : the modern period : a biographical dictionary : Sicherman, Barbara : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (1980). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/notableamericanw00sich/page/710/mode/2up

Speaker for Suffrage and petitioner for Peace,. (n.d.). https://oac.cdlib.org/view?docId=kt2r29n5pb&&doc.view=entire_text

The story of the woman’s party. (n.d.). Google Books. https://books.google.com/books?id=HRdgL0Or2vYC