Carrie Nation

Carrie Nation
Nation with her hatchet in 1910
Born	Carrie Amelia Moore (1846-11-25)November 25, 1846 Garrard County, Kentucky, United States
Died	June 9, 1911(1911-06-09) (aged 64) Leavenworth, Kansas, United States
Other names	Carry A. Nation

Carrie Amelia Moore Nation (first name also spelled Carry; born Carrie Amelia Moore; November 25, 1846 – June 9, 1911) was an American woman who was a radical member of the temperance movement, which opposed alcohol before the advent of Prohibition. She is particularly noteworthy for attacking alcohol-serving establishments (most often taverns) with a hatchet.

Nation also had concerns about tight clothing for women. In fact, she refused to wear a corset and urged women not to wear them because of their harmful effects on vital organs. Nation was a relatively large woman, almost 6 feet (180 cm) tall and weighing 175 pounds (79 kg). She described herself as "a bulldog running along at the feet of Jesus, barking at what He doesn't like", and claimed a divine ordination to promote temperance by destroying bars.

The spelling of her first name varies; both "Carrie" and "Carry" are considered correct. Official records say "Carrie", which Nation used for most of her life; the name "Carry" was used by her father in the family Bible. Upon beginning her campaign against liquor in the early 20th century, she adopted the name "Carry A. Nation", saying it meant "Carry A Nation for Prohibition". After gaining notoriety, Carrie officially registered "Carry" as a trademark.

Nation was born in Garrard County, Kentucky, to George and Mary Campbell Moore. Her father was a successful farmer, stock trader, and slaveholder of Irish descent. During much of her early life her health was poor, and her family experienced financial setbacks. The family moved several times in Kentucky and finally settled in Belton, Missouri in 1854. She had poor education and informal learning.

In addition to their financial difficulties, many of her family members suffered from mental illness, her mother at times having delusions. There is speculation that the family did not stay in one place long because of rumors about Nation's mother's mental state. Some writers have speculated that Nation's mother, Mary, believed she was Queen Victoria because of her love of finery and social airs. Mary lived in an insane asylum in Nevada, Missouri from August 1890 until her death on September 28, 1893. Mary was put in the asylum through legal action by her son, Charles, although there is suspicion that Charles instigated the lawsuit because he owed Mary money.