Dakota Datebook: Dakota Women for Suffrage in 1888 Monday, February 24, 2020

Prairie Public

Since a first attempt at suffrage in Dakota Territory occurred in 1868, you might think that came about thanks to a concentrated effort. However, this was not the case. In fact, twenty years later, on Feb. 23rd 1888, Marietta Bones wrote to Linda Warfel Slaughter, well-known and prominent pioneer in the Bismarck area. Marietta said in part:

“…You can never know how gratified I am for your kindly suggestion to act in behalf of our worthy women; but must laugh when I think of the wonderful show we make – when the facts are, you and I are the only members of the N. W. S. A. [National Woman Suffrage Association] in Dakota—but let us not be discouraged in the good work—it will [get] better.”

Read more at: https://news.prairiepublic.org/post/linda-slaughter-and-dakota-women-suffrage-1888