Biography of Frances Elizabeth Willard


Index

Willard, Frances Elizabeth. Born near Rochester, NY, September 28, 1839. Died in New York, February 18, 1898. After some years spent in teaching, she became professor of aesthetics in the Northwestern University, and was made dean of the Woman's College in 1871. She began her active temperance work in 1874 as secretary of the National Woman's Christian Temperance Union. In 1879 she was made president of that organization, and held the office until her death. She was chosen president of the World's Christian Temperance Union in 1888 and, in 1892, visited England as the guest of Lady Henry Somerset, the well-known temperance worker. She was an orator of great eloquence, humor, and power.