Anna Howard Shaw
Female Minister and Women's Rights Activist
What Was "Wrong" With the World Before This Reform?
Before this reform, women were treated badly and didn't get equal rights. Also, men were very abusive and controlling towards them.
Childhood and Education Highlights
Childhood
During Shaw's childhood, her family immagrated to the U.S. (1851) and her father left most of the family on an isolated farm in Michigan when she was only 12. Soon after, she had to take care of her older brother after he became ill. Anna also had to maintain her families land.
Education
Shaw was determined to get a college education, so while staying with her sister in Big Rapids, she attended high school. Around this time she began preaching as well. Shaw's family offered to pay for her college if she stopped preaching, but Shaw decided to take her own path. She became a liscensed preacher in 1871. Eventually Shaw could attend college, using the funds she earned on preaching and lectures on temperance. For two years she attended Albion College and afterwards she studied at Boston University's School of Theology. She was the only woman in her class so it was a struggle until she graduated in 1878.
What Did Anna Do to Make Changes?
Motivation to Become a Reformer
Interesting Facts
- Anna refused to marry people if the man insisted that the woman had to obey him.
- Shaw recieved the Distinguished Service Medal in 1919 for her wartime service.
- Her first sermon was held in Ashton, Michigan.
Anna Howard Shaw Statue
The Literary Digest: Anna Howard Shaw
Academic Robe
Birth and Death
February 14, 1847- July 2, 1919