Born: October 20, 1873 (Chatsworth, Ontario)
Died: September 1, 1951
Biography:
Nellie Letitia McClung was a Canadian author, politician, and social activist, who is regarded as one of Canada’s most prominent suffragists. She played a significant role in advancing women’s rights and was instrumental in securing the right to vote for women in Alberta and Manitoba. As a member of the Famous Five, she also fought for women’s eligibility to serve in the Senate of Canada.
Born on October 20, 1873, in Chatsworth, Ontario, Nellie Letitia Mooney was the youngest of six children. Her parents, John and Letitia Mooney, faced financial challenges due to the poor quality of their property’s soil. In 1880, the family moved to the Souris River valley in western Manitoba, where they hoped to find better opportunities.
Nellie’s passion for education became evident at a young age. She graduated from the Manitoba Normal School at the age of sixteen and soon secured a teaching position in Hazel, Manitoba. Despite earning a modest salary of $40 a month, Nellie was determined to make a positive impact on the lives of her students.
During her time in Manitou, Nellie boarded with the McClung family and developed a close relationship with Mrs. Annie E. McClung, a suffragist and prominent member of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. Inspired by Mrs. McClung’s activism, Nellie married her son, Robert Wesley McClung, in August 1896. The couple went on to have five children between 1897 and 1911.
Nellie McClung’s involvement in various local organizations allowed her to engage with like-minded individuals and further hone her advocacy skills. She actively participated in the WCTU, the Methodist Ladies’ Aid, the Epworth League, and the Home Economics Association, all of which played vital roles in society.
In 1908, McClung published her first book, Sowing Seeds in Danny, which became an instant success. It sold over 100,000 copies in both Canada and the United States, earning her considerable acclaim and a substantial income. McClung’s subsequent literary works, including two autobiographies, solidified her reputation as a talented writer and influential social commentator.
Driven by her belief in equal rights for women, McClung joined the women’s suffrage movement. Her relentless efforts and powerful speeches helped secure women’s voting rights in Alberta in 1916, followed by Manitoba in the same year. McClung’s commitment to social justice and gender equality propelled her into the political arena.
In 1921, Nellie McClung was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, where she served as a member until 1926. During her tenure, she championed numerous causes, including temperance, workers’ rights, and education reform. Nellie McClung’s political career showcased her determination to effect positive change and better the lives of women and marginalized communities.
One of McClung’s most significant contributions to women’s history was her involvement in the landmark Persons Case. As part of the Famous Five, she spearheaded the legal battle to have women recognized as persons under the British North America Act. The case went all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada and, ultimately, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. In 1929, their victory granted women the right to serve in the Senate of Canada, marking a significant milestone for gender equality.
Beyond her domestic and political achievements, Nellie McClung’s influence extended to the international stage. She became the first woman appointed to the board of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in 1936. Moreover, in 1938, she served as a delegate to the League of Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, advocating for global cooperation and peace.
Nellie McClung’s legacy in the fight for women’s rights and social justice continues to resonate. Her relentless determination to empower women and challenge societal norms made a lasting impact on Canadian society. Through her books, speeches, and political activism, McClung inspired future generations of women to fight for equality and to use their voices to shape a better world.
Awards:
– Order of the British Empire (1938)
– Person of National Historic Significance by the Government of Canada (1981)
– Inductee into Canada’s Walk of Fame (1997)
– Honorary doctorates from the University of Alberta and the University of Manitoba