at Painesville, her home, in May, 1885, and a State association
regularly organized. On the list of officers were placed three persons
who through all these years have made the enfranchisement of women
their paramount work--Mrs. Casement, Mrs. Segur of Toledo and Mrs.
Coit of Columbus. Mrs. Casement, who was made president, always has
given generously of time and money and is still a member of the
executive committee. Mrs. Segur, who was elected corresponding
secretary, also continues her activity. She does much press work and
is one of the main supports of the Toledo W. S. A., which has held
regular monthly meetings since its organization in 1869. Mrs. Coit was
chosen treasurer and held the office fourteen years, during which she
seldom missed a convention or an executive meeting. In 1900 she was
made honorary president without one dissenting vote.[403]

In addition to the State conventions from two to five executive
committee meetings have been held yearly since 1885. Before the
adoption of the biennial sessions of the Legislature, there were
usually conferences at Columbus in midwinter to influence legislation,
and different members remained there for weeks. Mrs. Sarah C.
Schrader, Mrs. Martha H. Elwell and Mrs. Louisa Southworth rendered
especially valuable service in such matters.

Mrs. Southworth, in her home at Cleveland, also had charge of the
systematic enrollment of persons indorsing woman suffrage, which has
been very effective in answering the objection that women do not want
to vote. This was begun in 1888, when she was made national
superintendent of enrollment, as she was a thorough advocate of this
method of petition. Bills for woman suffrage introduced into the
Legislature need the backing of many names, and in this way more can
be added each year. The blanks are headed: "We believe that women
should vote on equal terms with men;" and an effort is made to keep
the names of men and women separate. The original lists are carefully
preserved, but typewritten copies for reference are made and
classified according to towns, counties and Congressional districts,
pains being taken each year not to register duplicates. The entire
expenses, amounting to several thousand dollars, have been borne by
Mrs. Southworth. All of the canvassers have contributed their
services.[404]

Good educational work has been done through Woman's Day at colleges,
camp meetings and county fairs. A memorable occasion was that of th