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November 30, 1912: Abigail Scott Duniway Signs Oregon’s Equal Suffrage Proclamation

November 30, 2011 by Dave Leave a Comment

Headline and photo from Morning Oregonian 1 December 1912
Tireless suffragist Abigail Scott Duniway signed Oregon’s Equal Suffrage Proclamation on November 30, 1912 (Morning Oregonian, 1 December 1912).

“Abigail Scott Duniway; done in her 79th year.”

Below the name of Governor Oswald West upon the proclamation that makes equal suffrage effective in Oregon, the counter-signature of Mrs. Duniway, written by her yesterday, was her final word in a campaign that has been carried on by her indomitably for more than 41 years.

“There,” she said, as she laid down the pen and the Governor bent over her shoulder to place the blotter upon the signature; “It’s a fact at last.”

The proclamation was written by Mrs. Duniway herself at Governor West’s suggestion and, with the exception of his signature and the attesting signature of Secretary of State Olcott, every line upon the parchment was made by her pen.

The proclamation celebrated Oregon voters’ early November approval of women’s suffrage. The successful 1912 campaign removed the word “male” from voting privileges outlined in the Oregon Constitution.

Further reading:

  • Century of Action: Oregon Women Vote, 1912–2012, a project of the Oregon Women’s History Consortium
  • 1912 Women’s Suffrage Proclamation Transcription in the Oregon Blue Book

Filed Under: History, Oregon, This Day in History

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