May Wright Sewall

May Wright Sewall, born May 27, 1844, was an influential force in the battle for women’s suffrage and equal rights. Among her numerous accomplishments were serving as president of the National Council of Women of the United States, president of the International Council of Women, and as chairwoman of the executive committee of the National Woman Suffrage Association. May Wright Sewall also served as chairwoman for the National Council of Women’s Committee on Peace and Arbitration. 

May Wright Sewall began her career in activism as a teacher at the Girls’ Classical School in Indianapolis. She taught starting in 1881 and became the school’s principal by 1885, adding courses like chemistry and physics to the standard girls’ education. 

Sewall’s fight for women’s suffrage began in 1878 when she helped found the Indianapolis Equal Suffrage Society. In Indiana, Sewall and other supporters of suffrage made several unsuccessful attempts to have women’s suffrage added to the state constitution. The Indiana constitution needed a favorable vote in two different legislative sessions to be amended. But the legislature only met every other year, resulting in a difficult and drawn out process. 

This work elevated May Wright Sewall to the national stage through the National Woman Suffrage Association. Sewall used this prestige to work internationally, becoming the driving force behind organizing women in Europe. She helped European women establish their own suffrage associations which then joined the International Council of Women, a worldwide activist organization working for the rights of women.

May Wright Sewall was an international advocate for peace during the later years of her life. Using her influence in organizations like the International Council of Women she fought for international women’s groups to adopt peace policies during the years leading up to World War I. Sewall  spoke as a representative of the International Council of Women at multiple Peace Congresses held during the early 1900s and 1910s. Her most significant contribution to global peace came in December of 1915 when she joined Henry Ford’s Peace Ship, an effort to de-escalate the conflict that would become World War I. Funded by industrialist Henry Ford, the Peace Ship included other peace advocates but is largely remembered for its vocal infighting amongst the activists along with an influenza outbreak onboard. May Wright Sewall was still hopeful that the trip advanced the goal of a lasting peace. She is remembered today for her work as a peace advocate and champion for women’s rights, creating organizations that still exist today to fight for women.

Click here to learn about May Wright Sewall’s book on Spiritualism.