Born: 1872 (Maldon, Essex)
Died: 1938
Biography:
Myra Eleanor Sadd Brown (3 October 1872 – 13 April 1938) was a pioneering campaigner for women’s rights, an activist, and internationalist. She played a crucial role in the suffragette movement, becoming a valued member of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1907. Known for her passionate dedication and unwavering commitment, she fearlessly fought for gender equality and paved the way for future generations of women to have a voice in society.
Born in Maldon, Essex, in October 1872, Myra Sadd Brown was the tenth of eleven children of John Granger Sadd and Mary Ann Price. Her family owned and operated a successful timber merchant and processing company, providing her with a privileged upbringing. Privately educated at a school in Colchester, she developed a keen interest in the suffrage movement from an early age.
In July 1896, Myra married Ernest Brown, a co-founder of Brown Brothers, a prominent bicycle parts supply company. The couple’s shared love for cycling brought them together, and they celebrated their wedding at the Congregational chapel in Maldon. Significantly, they adorned the venue in purple, white, and green, which later became the colors of the Women’s Social and Political Union.
Moving to London, Myra and Ernest started a family, raising four children together. Their names were Myra Sadd Brown, Emily Price Brown, and Jean Frances Brown. Making the most of their entrepreneurial spirit, Brown Brothers diversified their business interests, expanding into electrical appliances, prams, and even motor car manufacture. Their success ensured the Sadd Brown family’s financial security, allowing Myra to devote herself to her activism.
Myra Sadd Brown’s involvement in the women’s suffrage movement remained steadfast after her marriage. She became a dedicated subscriber to the Central Society for Women’s Suffrage in 1902 and joined the Women’s Social and Political Union in 1907. Simultaneously, she maintained her membership in other suffrage groups such as the Women’s Freedom League and the Free Church League for Woman Suffrage.
Her passion for the cause was evident in her letters, which frequently appeared in publications like the Christian Commonwealth. Myra consistently used her voice and platform to advocate for women’s rights, effectively raising awareness and mobilizing support. In a particularly inspiring act, she persuaded her teenage daughter to stand in the streets, selling copies of The Woman’s Dreadnought.
Myra Sadd Brown’s dedication to women’s suffrage knew no limits. In 1912, she broke a window at the War Office, an act of protest for which she was sentenced to two months in prison with hard labor. While incarcerated, she bravely went on a hunger strike, enduring force-feeding as a consequence. Her resilience and sacrifice were recognized and honored when she was awarded a Hunger Strike Medal by the Women’s Social and Political Union after her release.
Throughout her life, Myra Sadd Brown found inspiration in the arts and fostered meaningful friendships with prominent figures such as George Bernard Shaw, Henry Holiday, and Jessie Mothersole. Her love for the arts paralleled her unwavering commitment to social justice and gender equality, encapsulating her multifaceted persona.
Myra Sadd Brown’s tireless efforts and indomitable spirit continue to inspire women around the world to this day. By fighting for women’s rights and breaking societal barriers, she played a vital role in shaping the course of women’s history. Her legacy serves as a reminder that progress can be achieved with unwavering determination and a firm belief in the inherent equality of all individuals.
Awards:
– Hunger Strike Medal (awarded by the Women’s Social and Political Union)
[Character Count: 4,440]