Blackwell Family Henry B. Blackwell Biographical PapersFirst, Best and Largest. INCORPORATED 1885. No........................... For............................................ From the NATIONAL PRESS INTELLIGENCE CO 25 WEST BROADWAY NEW YORK CITY P.O. Box 1847 From Boston, Mass. Herald SEP 8 1909 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 BLACKWELL DEAD AFTER LONG CAREER With Julia Ward Howe, He Had Part in Founding the American Woman Suffrage Association in 1869. - WAS WON TO THE CAUSE BY HIS WIFE, LUCY STONE - Henry B. Blackwell, editor of the Woman's Journal, and one of the earliest advocates of woman suffrage, died at his home, 45 Boutwell avenue, Dorchester, yesterday afternoon, at the age of 84. A week ago last Saturday evening Mr. Blackwell was taken seriously ill and for a time his life was despaired of, but last Thursday it was announced that he was better. On Monday, however, a relapse came. Henry B. Blackwell was born May 4, 1825, in Bristol, Eng., the son of Samuel and Hannah (Lane) Blackwell. His father, an advanced liberal, and an admirer of American institutions, emigrated with his family to this country in 1832, and engaged in sugar-refining in New York city, where he set up the first vacuum pans in America. The family took an active interest in the anti-slavery movement, and their home on Long Island was a refuge for persecuted abolitionists. He began his business life as an office boy, later was employed in a bank, afterwards engaged with profit in the milling business, and finally became travelling partner in a hardware firm, building up a large trade in the Wabash valley. Wins Lucy Stone as Bride. In 1853 Mr. Blackwell attended a hearing before the Massachusetts Legislature at which Wendell Phillips, Theodore Parker and Lucy Stone spoke in support of a woman suffrage petition. On the spot Mr. Blackwell made up his mind to marry Miss Stone, and after a long courtship (for Miss Stone had made up her mind not to marry but devote herself to the woman suffrage cause) they were married on May 1, 1855, by the Rev. (now Col.) Thomas Wentworth - [picture] HENRY B. BLACKWELL - Higginson. At that time they published a joint protest against the undue power given the man in the marital contract, which greatly helped to get the laws amended. Mr. Blackwell spoke of his wife as "the gentlest and most heroic of women," and added: "If you wonder that I am an advocate of woman suffrage, let me tell you that all I am in the world that is worthy of esteem is due to my mother, my sisters and my wife." He took part in campaigns for woman suffrage amendments in Kansas in 1867, in Vermont in 1870, in Colorado in 1876, and later in Michigan, Nebraska, Rhode Island and South Dakota. In 1889, when Washington, Montana and North Dakota came into the Union as states, he attended the constitutional convention of each - at his own expense, as usual - and labored for the adoption of woman suffrage. The North Dakota convention, under the influence of his eloquence, voted to give women full suffrage, but reconsidered and limited it to school suffrage. Montana gave tax-paying women a vote upon all questions submitted to the taxpayers. Advocates Woman Suffrage. In 1869, with Julia Ward Howe, Col. T.W. Higginson, Mary A. Livermore, William Lloyd Garrison, George William Curtis and others, he took part in organizing the American Woman Suffrage Association, and for the next 20 years he labored in it indefatigably, travelling all over the United States, generally at his own expense. Mr. Blackwell was a member of the old Literary Club of Cincinnati, to which Rutherford B. Hayes, Ainsworth R. Spofford, the late librarian of Congress, belonged. He was one of a group of young men of liberal views who were instrumental in bringing Ralph Waldo Emerson and other distinguished radicals out to the West to lecture. He was a member of the Massachusetts Club, the Republican Club, the Twentieth Century Club and the Victorian Club, and was much appreciated as a speaker in all. He is survived by two sisters, Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell of Hastings, Eng., aged 87 (the first woman to graduate as a physician), and Dr. Emily Blackwell of East Orange, N.J., aged 82, for many years dean of the Women's Medical College of the New York Infirmary; one brother, George W. Blackwell of Cambridge; a widowed sister-in-law, the Rev. Antoinette B. Blackwell of Elizabeth, N.J., aged 84, the first woman to be ordained a minister, and one daughter, Miss Alice Stone Blackwell. - Ex-Mayor Richard H. Hall. TAUNTON, Sept. 7 - Ex-Mayor Richard H. Hall is dead at his home on Winthrop street, aged 79. Mr. Hall was mayor in 1886-88-89. He was chairman of the committee at the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the settlement of Taunton. For many years he was associated with the Taunton Copper Company as chemist. He was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of St. Mark Royal Arch chapter Knights Templar, of Providence, an Scottish Rite bodies, and of the SonTHE BOSTON REVELER, THURSDAY HENRY B. BACKWELL IS FOUR SCORE YEARS (Photo by Chickering) HENRY B. BLACKWELL. Henry B. Blackwell, editor of the Woman's Journal, is receiving congratulations today on his 80th anniversary. He is a man of intellectual culture, keen judgment and forceful utterance. In debate with an opponent, especially in [r]egard to universal suffrage, he turns [o]n the searchlight and seldom, if ever, [?ils] to vanquish an antagonist. Mr. Blackwell is possessed of kindly [m]anners and warmheartedness, and is a loyal citizen, Although a little stooped in form, he can speed over the streets with the swiftness of a schoolboy. Since the death of his wife, Lucy Stone, Mr. Blackwell has devoted his life to the cause of woman suffrage, of which she was an able advocate. Among the younger women of Boston his daughter, Alice Stone Blackwell, has no peer. She is convincing in argument, quick in repartee and a poet of no mean order. MAY 11, 1905 SUFFRAGISTS GIVE CUP TO BLACKWELL (Photo by Chickering.) HENRY B. BLACKWELL, Who last night was presented with a silver loving cup as a token of the suffragists' gratitude. LAST NIGHT'S PROCEEDINGS. AT SUFFRAGISTS' FESTIVAL WHAT THEY SAID "It is tyranny not to allow women the right of suffrage."—Ex-Governor Garvin of Rhode Island. --- "Our opposition in New England is stiff-necked."—Mrs. Carrie Chapman Catt. --- "Our country never needed women's suffrage so much as now."—Henry B. Blackwell. --- WHAT THEY DID Presented a silver loving cup to Mr. Blackwell as a gift marking his 80th birthday, and as a token of gratitude. --- 500 Attend Annual Feast Faneuil Hall resounded with the praises of women's suffrage last evening, eloquent speakers proclaiming its worth at the annual festival of the New England Woman Suffrage Association. More than 500 gathered around the board to enjoy an elaborate menu. Lucia Ames Mead presided, and music was furnished by the Bostonia Ladies' Orchestra. Mrs. Mead opened the speechmaking, saying in part: "Suffragists have listened to lots of advice lately, and have learned some amazing things, but now the thing is to do something. Take advantage of the advice and make some strong forward movement that will attract widespread public attention." The toastmaster of the evening was the Rev. Edward Cummings, who spoke in a happy vein. Mr. Garvin's Views Ex-Governor Garvin of Rhode Island was the next introduced. He said: "If taxation without representation is tyranny; if government without the consent of the governed is tyranny, then it is tyranny not to allow woman suffrage. "It is condition, not theory, that we [?] *{see bottom clipping for continuation of both columns of story}* [w????]. We have had enough theories advanced as to why woman suffrage has failed to pass Legislatures up to date; now we want the conditions. "The governmental powers of this country are ultra-conservative. The national legislators have fallen below the standard set by our forefathers. In fact, they would not have the courage to originate a federal government again. "As it is now, suffrage cannot be obtained without a change in the Constitution. Men are not exceedingly hostile to woman suffrage, but they seem to think that women do not want the privilege outside of a special few. I believe they will accord the privilege when they see that women really want it. "We are not likely to get any concessions from the Legislature. The Legislature now pays no attention to public requests." Mrs. Carrie Chapman Catt, vice-president of the National Woman's Suffrage Association, spoke next, saying in part: "It is high time for men of this country to organize a men's suffrage to let the world know how many of them want women to vote. "Our opposition is stiff-necked in New England. Out West it is more hopeful. We expect Western people to be broader thinkers, freed as they are from the conventionalities of old civilization. "Sentiment is not decreasing. The press is favorable to our cause and our organizations have grown; yet our legislation alone has not improved." The Token of Gratitude Next followed presentation of a silver loving cup to Henry B. Blackwell, celebrating his 80th birthday. William Lloyd Garrison delivered the presentation address. He styled Mr. Blackwell as "incorruptible, indefatigable [?] and indispensable." Mrs. Mary A. Livermore handed the present to him, accompanied by great applause. Mr. Blackwell responses as follows: "Our country never needed woman suffrage so much as now. A new word has been coined spelling 'graft' and its growth has been alarming. "Suffrage is needed to elevate and purify politics. We don't want suffrage if it has to be bought. "All revivals begin with women and our political revival will begin with woman suffrage. "If suffrage does not come then the days of our republic are numbered. Wealth has centred into the hands of a few and the mass of the people are worse off than 50 years ago." Seated at the guest of honor table on the stage were William Lloyd Garrison, Mrs. Lucia Ames Mead, the Rev. Edward Cummings, Henry B. Blackwell, Miss Blackwell, Mrs.. Mary A. Livermore, Mrs. Henry Williard, Mrs. Carrie Chapman Catt, Frank Garrison and John Hutchinson. Today the annual business meeting will be held. er's Editorial in Cartoon [image] Around a[?] By The L[?] "There goes a man who saved the lives of two women the other night," said Street Commissioner Gallivan, pointing [image] to his well-known secretary, John J. O'Callaghan, who is easily one of the most popular men at City Hall. "Is that so?" I asked, hoping the commissioner would continue the story, for I had not read anything of Secretary O'Callaghan's experiences in the line of life-saving. "Yes," the commissioner said. "He was driving his auto at the crowded corner of Tremont and Boylston streets, and just as the women reached the centre of the crossing he tooted his horn." They had not made up their minds which way to go when the auto was brought to a full stop. The women stood holding hands, each pulling in opposite directions. To relieve the situation, Secretary O'Callaghan leaned aver the side of his auto and remarked: "Which way, ladies?" It was an incident which many persons enjoyed, and when they reached the sidewalk the ladies joined in the laugh. . . . One of the first assistant assessors who is recognized as a pretty good fellow and one who would not tell a lie unless it was to save buying a drink told me an incident of some years ago in connection with assessing a man whose personal holdings were always somewhat in doubt by the assessors. "We had him assessed for $75,000," he said. "He was carried on the books for that amount some length of time principally because we could never locate him. He never seemed to be at home when we called, or, if he was, he would never come to the door. I was satisfied that he ought to be assessed for more, so without seeing him we tucked another $25,000 on him, thinking that when he received his tax bill for $100,000 personal property he would go to City Hall and make a kick. We would have been satisfied to hear his complaint, for then we would have an opportunity for seeing him, which we had not during the previous five years. "I began to believe in telepathy [just ?] after that," added the first assist[ant ?] assessor after a short pause, "for [the ?] morning after we tucked that ex[tra ?] $25,000 on his bill he died." . . . 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Deer [missing text] Dreadfully perplexing questions as to An[other ?] [missing text] exact dates seem to be a specialty of with [missing text] his; and no matter how the woman fal[ters ?] dren[?] [missing text] [?] [he ?] pushes the question until she into [missing text] [missing text] know. and [missing text] T[he?] [missing text] an[d?] [missing text] BOSTON POST. A BEARY [?] [image] "Yes, it was a little dangerous, but I kept blaz [missing text] "You don't seem to be a-f-f-f-fraid of anything [missing text] "Well, I don't mind telling you that I'm going [missing text] as soon as I can induce Uncle Sam's lawmakers [missing text] WOMEN WHO [missing text] FOR SINGLENE Tell Pitiful Stories of in Whispered (By the Post Young Woman) In m[?] [missing text]H. B. BLACKWELL MEMORIAL. Meeting in Park Street Church Next Saturday Afternoon. [*Herald*] A memorial meeting for Henry B. Blackwell well be held in the Park Street Church next Saturday at 2:30 P. M. John D. Long will preside. Among the speakers will be the Rev. Charles G. Ames, Edwin D. Mead, Prof. F. C. de Sumichrast, Mrs. Isabel C. Barrows, Francis J. Garrison, Meyer Bloomfield, Moses H. Gulesian and James L. Stark. It is hoped that Mrs. Julia Ward Howe will be present and speak. [*BOSTON POST MAY 5, 1905*] 80TH BIRTHDAY OF BLACKWELL GREETED The Octogenarian Took a Bicycle Ride for a Birthday Jaunt May, month of sunshine and of opening spring, Hope's barbinger, with cheery lengthening days, Thou wert fit birthtime for the friend we praise In verse that creeps for lack of soaring wing. Summer nor autumn, nor the winter's rime That but adorns his venerable crown, Can hold his youthful, spring-like spirit down, Or overawe us by the count of time. Active and agile minded, every phase Of human welfare interests and charms; He asks not strength, but that the sunset rays Prolong their light for further feats of arms. Like May's arbutus, fragrant and divine, Through time's dried leaves his rosy colors shine. WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON. Lexington, May 4, 1905. This was one of many poems received by Henry B. Blackwell, writer, lecturer, [???] suffragist and editor yesterday, on the occasion of his 80th birthday. "I have always said that on my 80th birthday I should learn to ride a bicycle," said Mr. Blackwell, in his hearty way. His cheeks were ruddy and his eyes bright. "I said that then I would take a day off and learn. I've always wanted to." Then he laughed a merry, jovial laugh. "Do you believe that when a man gets to be 60 he should be chloroformed, as Dr. Osler says?" No Believer in Osler "Do I believe that a man should die when he gets to be 60? Well, I should say not. Last summer I walked 15 miles, and then stood four hours by the side of a river fishing. I brought home a good basket of fish, too. "They say a man is as old as he feels. It's true. As long as the heart is young and you have your faculties, you are young. "As a man grows older he has more interests and almost invariably he is happier. "Now I have something to say to you. It is the conclusion derived from years of experience. "If we ever have a good government or a true democracy, it will be when the women, by their votes, help to make it so. "The time will come when this fact will be realized, appreciated and acted upon." And Mr. Blackwell nodded his head triumphantly. Mr. Blackwell is one of the best-known men in Boston. He was born in Bristol, Eng., in 1825, and in 1832 came to America. Some "First" Women Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, his sister, was the first woman ever to take a doctor's degree, though she had to go to Oberlin to do it. His brother married the Rev. Antoinette Brown, the first woman ever to be ordained as a minister. Mr. Blackwell himself married Lucy Stone, one of the first women ever to take a college degree. During the Civil war a meeting was held in Memphis, Tenn., at which the price of $10,000 was offered for Mr. Blackwell's head, because he had aided a fugitive slave. One of the slaves whom he aided was one Abbie Kelley Salemn, whose descendants are still living in and about Boston. His diversity of interests is somewhat shown in the greetings which he yesterday received. (Photo by Chickering.) DR. HENRY B. BLACKWELL, Who yesterday reached his 80th year. Flooded With Congratulations There were over 40 letters, two or three poems and a profusion of flowers that filled his editorial office and also his home. Among the letters were one from Mrs. Josephine St. P. Ruffin, giving the good will of the colored people; M. H. Gulesian, an Armenian business man, sent the greetings of his people; Myer Bloomfield of the civic service, sent greetings from the Hebrews; ex-Governor Long, the Hon. William Dudley Foulke, the Hon. George A. Ernst, the Hon. Eugene N. Foss, Mrs. Mary A. Livermore, Mrs. Julia Ward Howe, Mrs. Mary Schlesinger, Colonel Higginson, flowers from Plymouth from the daughters of an anti-slavery friend. Frank Garrison, the Rev. Anna Garlin Spencer, A. R. Spofford, assistant librarian of Congress; the Rev. and Mrs. Charles G. Ames, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin D. Mead, and many others, many of whom are old anti-suffrage and anti-slavery friends. The Massachusetts Suffrage Association sent a handsome potted plant. Mr. Blackwell made no special observance of the day. He came down to his office as usual and made no change in his routine. Celebrate May 10 The real celebration will come on May 10, when it is planned to hold special exercises at Faneuil Hall, where the woman suffrage festival will be in progress. At that time there will be addresses by Governor Garvin of Rhode Island, Mrs. Carrie Chapman Catt, Mrs. Mary Livermore, Mrs. Julia Ward Howe, and others.Dr. Blackwell is Humorous and Dramatic. Mr. George A. O. Ernst, one of the most regular participants in the dinners of the Massachusetts Club, and experience gives him authority to express an opinion of after-dinner speakers. Here is his choice: "My opinion will very likely be rejected, because the gentleman who I think is the best after-dinner speaker in Boston is comparatively little known in that capacity by the general multitude of citizens; and yet I think there is no more capable after-dinner speaker in this city. The gentleman is Dr. H. B. Blackwell, the husband of Mrs. Lucy Stone. He isn't called up on speak so often as he ought to be. "It is all the more surprising, therefore, that when he is called upon, he is always ready, and always delivers what may really be said to be a remarkable speech. He is the readiest man I know as an after-dinner speaker. Besides, he is the most striking speaker. His chief charm is the exceedingly graceful and entertaining and often intensely humorous or intensely dramatic reproduction of situations, and when he has sat down after a speech he invariably leaves the impression that he is a man of uncommon experience, of unusual power, and of marked grace, originality, and intellectual breadth and acumen. I have often wondered that his reputation is not more general as an after-dinner speaker, for he is certainly the most remarkable man in that line that I have hears in Boston."