1876 Madeline M. Breckinridge/ Kentucky Suffrage Leader

Category: Markers

Marker reads, This descendant of Henry Clay and Ephraim McDowell was born 1872 in Franklin Co.; grew up at Ashland, Clays home; and married Desha Breckinridge, editor of Lexington Herald. Ill with tuberculosis, she promoted its treatment and cure; advanced educational opportunities for poor children in Lexington and entire state; and helped gain voting rights for women. Reverse, Kentucky Suffrage Leader - Madeline McDowell Breckinridge saw woman suffrage as a way to advance social reform. Served as pres. of KY. Equal Rights Assoc. 1912-15 and 1919-20; vice pres. of National American Woman Suffrage Assoc., 1913-15. Ratification of 19th amendment by KY. legislature, 1920, largely credited to her efforts. She died same year, after amendment passed. Buried in Lexington Cemetery.