Born: July 18, 1843 (Hillsdale County, Michigan)
Died: June 6, 1907 (Lafayette, Indiana)
Biography:
Helen M. Gougar (July 18, 1843 – June 6, 1907) was a remarkable lawyer, temperance and women’s rights advocate, and newspaper journalist who resided in Lafayette, Indiana. At a time when women’s voices were often silenced, she fearlessly fought for justice, equality, and social change. Gougar’s determination, intellect, and unwavering commitment to her beliefs made her a pioneering force in the suffrage and temperance movements, leaving a lasting impact on American society.
Helen Mar Jackson was born on July 18, 1843, in Hillsdale County, Michigan. Raised in Litchfield, Michigan, she received a solid education at Hillsdale College. In 1860, Helen relocated to Lafayette, Indiana, along with her brothers and three uncles, setting the stage for her influential journey.
Gougar’s career began as a teacher in Lafayette’s public school system, where she quickly demonstrated her passion for education and learning. In 1863, she became a school principal and continued to inspire and shape young minds. That same year, Helen married John Gougar, a Lafayette attorney, and embarked on a path that would redefine her purpose and destiny.
Under her husband’s guidance, Helen became his legal apprentice, immersing herself in the study of law. The couple’s union was not blessed with children, allowing Gougar the freedom to dedicate herself fully to the causes she fervently believed in.
Helen Gougar’s multi-faceted career spanned various fields, each contributing to her relentless pursuit of justice. In the 1870s and 1880s, she established herself as a prominent newspaper journalist. Her insightful and thought-provoking weekly column, Bric-a-Brac, in the Lafayette Courier, became an avenue for expressing her views on temperance and women’s suffrage. Her unapologetic writing style and inclusion of speeches and opinions from others cemented her reputation as an influential voice.
In 1881, Gougar took her advocacy to the next level as she became the editor of Our Herald, a weekly newspaper dedicated to supporting temperance and suffrage issues. This move allowed her to exercise greater control over her message and disseminate her ideas more effectively. She eventually became the owner of the newspaper, solidifying her position as a prominent figurehead of the movement.
While her work in journalism propelled Gougar’s influence, it was her unwavering dedication to temperance and women’s suffrage that brought her to the forefront of public attention. Inspired by the desire to address domestic violence and oppression, she joined the women’s suffrage movement, recognizing the power of voting rights in effecting change.
In 1881, Helen attended the annual convention of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, solidifying her commitment to the cause. She returned to Indiana and embarked on a relentless campaign to lobby for legislation that would grant women the right to vote.
Gougar’s dedication paid off when, in 1894, she argued a case on her own behalf for her right to vote in the elections. Although she did not receive the verdict she sought, Gougar’s tenacious spirit reverberated through the nation, deepening the conversation on women’s suffrage.
The following year, in 1895, Helen was admitted to the Tippecanoe County bar, becoming one of the first women lawyers in the county. Her admission was a significant milestone, breaking gender barriers and opening doors for future generations of women in the legal profession.
Continuing her trailblazing journey, Gougar became one of the first women to argue a case before the Indiana Supreme Court in 1897. Her presence and persuasive arguments left an indelible mark on the judicial system, further legitimizing the fight for women’s rights.
In addition to her legal accomplishments, Gougar was an accomplished public speaker. She traveled extensively, giving speeches and campaigning for politicians who shared her views on suffrage and prohibition. Her influence as President of the Indiana Woman’s Suffrage Association cannot be understated, as she played a crucial role in mobilizing and galvanizing women across the state to fight for their right to vote.
Helen M. Gougar’s impact on the women’s suffrage movement and society at large cannot be overstated. Her unwavering commitment to justice and equality, coupled with her intellect and persuasiveness, positioned her as a formidable force in the fight for women’s rights. Her contributions continue to be recognized and celebrated. In 2014, an Indiana historical marker was dedicated to honor Gougar’s tireless efforts to secure voting rights for women.