Lide Meriwether
| Lide S. Meriwether | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
Lide Parker Smith October 16, 1829 Columbus, Ohio |
| Died | September 28, 1913 (aged 83) Haverstraw, New York |
| Resting place | Elmwood Cemetery, Memphis, Tennessee |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Writer, teacher, suffragist |
| Years active | 1871-1913 |
| Known for | Women's Suffrage Movement |
| Notable work | Soundings (1872) |
Lide Smith Meriwether (October 16, 1829 – September 28, 1913) was a leader of the first generation of feminists and women's rights activists. She lobbied for prohibition, raising the legal age of consent, and woman's suffrage. Meriwether was president of the Tennessee Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) from 1884 to 1897, and then as an honorary president for life. In 1889, she organized the first Equal Rights Association in Memphis, and served as president of the Tennessee Equal Rights Association from 1897 to 1900, and subsequently was made honorary president for life.
Lide Meriwether (née Lide Parker Smith) was born in Columbus, Ohio, on October 16, 1829, while her parents were visiting away from their home in Virginia. Her father was a prominent educator, and her mother died a few days after her birth. She and her sister attended school at the Emma Willard Seminary (later known as the Washington Female Seminary) in Washington, Pennsylvania, which was run by Sarah Foster Hanna, a graduate of the famous Troy Female Seminary. Soon after graduation, the sisters headed west and became teachers in Memphis, Tennessee. In 1856 she married Niles Meriwether, with whom she had three daughters. The marriage linked her to another prominent activist, Elizabeth Avery Meriwether. The Meriwethers become outspoken on a wide range of issues related to woman's position in society, and their position as southern ladies insulated them from a great extent of damaging criticism. Their husbands were supportive of their wives' public activities, and played important roles in the Taxing District oligarchy. The two families shared a residence in Memphis for a time, and were productive as influential and civic-minded members of society.
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