History of Iowa From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century/4/Carrie L. C. Catt
CARRIE LANE CHAPMAN CATT was born in Wisconsin and came with her parents to Floyd County, Iowa, when she was seven years of age. Her maiden name was Carrie Lane and her early education was acquired in the public schools of Charles City. She taught several terms and was elected principal of the High School of Mason City. Miss Lane pursued her studies for some time at the State Agricultural College. Later she was chosen superintendent of the public schools of Mason City, serving two years, when she married Leo Chapman, editor of the Republican. His wife became a partner in the establishment, and associate editor of the paper. A few years later they removed to San Francisco where Mr. Chapman died. Mrs. Chapman secured a position on one of the city papers and is said to have been the first woman editor in San Francisco. While there she was deeply impressed with the wrongs of working women and gave lectures on women's rights and wrongs. She soon became warmly enlisted in the subject of equal suffrage and the advancement and social betterment of women. In 1891 she was married to George W. Catt. She had become one of the most popular and eloquent advocates of the suffrage reform and when the office of National Organizer was created in 1893 Mrs. Catt was chosen to fill the position. She soon acquired national fame as one of the most successful advocates of the cause and her powerful logic and winning oratory brought her to the front rank of successful workers. When the venerable President of the National Association, Susan B. Anthony retired, Mrs. Catt was by common consent chosen to succeed her. For several years she has resided in the City of New York.