Born: 1883 (Cold Spring Harbor, New York)
Died: 1978
Biography:
Rosalie Gardiner Jones (February 24, 1883 – January 12, 1978) was an American suffragette who played a significant role in the fight for women’s right to vote. Inspired by the influential British suffragettes known as the Pankhursts, she organized marches and rallies to draw attention to the suffrage cause in the United States. Known as General Jones because of her dedicated following, she was a determined and passionate advocate for women’s rights.
Born in Cold Spring Harbor, New York, Rosalie Gardiner Jones came from a privileged background. Her mother, Mary Elizabeth Jones, belonged to the New York State Anti-Suffrage Association, while Rosalie was an active suffragist and the Nassau County President of the National American Woman Suffrage Association. This ideological difference between mother and daughter set the stage for Rosalie’s lifelong commitment to women’s suffrage.
Jones received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Adelphi College in Brooklyn and later attended Brooklyn Law School. She went on to earn an LL.B degree from George Washington College of Law and a Doctor of Civil Law degree from American University. Throughout her education, she pursued her passion for women’s rights by writing theses on topics such as The Labor Party in England and The American Standard of Living and World Cooperation. These academic achievements laid the foundation for her future activism.
Inspired by the Pankhursts and influenced by their strategies, Rosalie Gardiner Jones organized several marches that became defining moments in the suffrage movement. In December 1912, she led a march from Manhattan, New York to Albany, New York, covering over 175 miles in just thirteen days. Despite her mother’s opposition to suffrage, Jones fearlessly led over 200 women on this journey, capturing national attention and showcasing the determination of suffragettes.
In February 1913, General Jones embarked on her most renowned march – the journey from New York to Washington D.C. The pilgrims, as they were called, planned to reach the U.S. Capitol to demand women’s right to vote. The march garnered significant media coverage, with reports of preparations made for their arrival, including a royal reception. Although some denied the hardships faced during the march, Jones and her fellow suffragettes persisted.
During this historic march, General Rosalie Gardiner Jones and her dedicated followers endured physical and emotional challenges on their journey. Their determination and courage inspired countless women across the nation and paved the way for future suffrage movements. Rosalie’s undeniable leadership and commitment significantly influenced the suffrage movement and helped bring about the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1920, granting women the right to vote.
After her involvement in suffrage activism, Rosalie Gardiner Jones remained an advocate for women’s rights throughout her life. She continued to fight for equality and social justice, leaving a lasting impact on the women’s movement.