Every Woman an Intelligent Voter

In February of 1920, the newly formed League of Women Voters of Wisconsin elected an accomplished first leader in Jessie Jack Hooper, née Jack. Social reformer, suffragist, lobbyist, peace activist, and candidate for U.S. Senate in 1922, Jessie Jack Hooper led a remarkable life filled with progressive achievements. In Oshkosh, where she lived from 1888 until her death in 1935, she held local office in several women’s civic organizations and championed school reform. 

An ardent supporter of women’s suffrage, Jessie served as the legislative and congressional chairman for the Wisconsin State Suffrage Association (WSSA) and lobbied ardently for suffrage on the national stage as well. When the WSSA reorganized, becoming LWV of Wisconsin, Jessie stated, “We hope to make this League the finest thing the state has ever had. We want through it to spread knowledge which will make it possible for every woman in the state to vote intelligently on every subject that is to be voted upon, and to know so much of these subjects that men will be incited to study public questions with equal care.”  In her lobbying role and proven leadership she embodied the prevailing League motto at the time, "every woman an intelligent voter." 

In May of 1929, Oshkosh honored Jessie at a luncheon in recognition of her work with the National American Women’s Suffrage Association, the WSSA, LWV of Wisconsin and as a world peace activist. On June 19, 2019, LWV WINNEBAGO COUNTY is hosting a similar event in Jessie’s honor. Join them for a chance to meet and visit with Jessie Jack Hooper! - as portrayed by Dr. Helen Bannan, retired Director of Women’s Studies and Associate Professor of History, UW Oshkosh.

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Wisconsin