Daniella Ortiz

In history, women were often treated of a lesser value than men. This included not being allowed to vote, getting paid a less amount while doing the exact same job as men, not being allowed to hold property, hold a jury position, and more. The Suffragette Movement was introduced by many important women, one of them being Abigail Adams. Not only did she help introduced this movement, but she also helped make a difference in the world that we live in today. It is because of her and many other brave women that my grandmother, Evarista Cantu-Ortiz, had the privilege of voting.

My grandmother, Evarista Cantu-Ortiz was born on May 1, 1920. She was born and raised in Laredo, Texas. She married my grandfather, Carlos Ortiz, also known as Chale, on September 11, 1949. With her husband she had 6 children, Carlitos, Rosie, Rafael (aka Papoose), Danny (my father), Federico, and Mary Lou. For my grandmother, her children meant the world to her. She would go out of her way to make sure they had clean clothes, a clean house, and food to eat. She was a housewife, but also helped own and operate the family dairy called “San Andres Dairy” along with my aunt and uncle. Her husband and family were all planning to move to California but soon realized that something was going on with my grandmother. In 1966, at the age of 46, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. This held a major role in her family; therefore, they decided to stay in Laredo. Even when she was sick, she always made time for her children. However, on July 24, 1970, at the age of 50, she passed away. During her lifetime, she was an amazing mother, wife, and friend that will always be remembered.

Throughout her lifetime, my grandmother had the opportunity to vote. When the 19th Amendment passed, which stated that women were allowed to vote, my grandmother was able to have the privileged of doing so. She was able to choose what governor, next president, or whoever was running for office. The reason she was able to do this was because around the 1800’s, a group of women introduced the idea that women should be allowed to do many things that men were able to do. It is because of these women that women today have the opportunity to hold jobs, vote, and more.

Abigail Adams was the wife of the former President John Adams. This woman was one of the first suffragists that empowered many women rights, education, and voting. In a way, many people will say that she had an advantage because she was the wife of the President but in reality, she did not.

Abigail Adams was born on November 22, 1744, in Weymouth, Massachusetts. Her parents were Elizabeth Quincy Smith (mother) and William Smith (father). William Smith was a minister of the First Congregational Church in Weymouth. Her mother helped her with the church and they were both a part of wealthy families in New England. Abigail for all her elementary through high school years was home schooled. There she would read most of the time, which greatly helped her gain much knowledge.

When she was 17, she met this lawyer named John Adams. Once he saw her, he instantly was attracted to her and loved her. They then, got married on October 24, 1764. They both got married at a young age, but were both very committed in their marriage. Soon right after getting married, they had 6 children, but sadly only four of their children made it to adulthood. While they were married, John Adams became Vice President, and then in 1797, he became President.

During the Second Continental Congress, Abigail Adams wrote to her husband a letter, which mentioned many things, and the main point of the letter was on how he should not forget about women and their rights. Abigail supported many women rights and believed that men and women should be treated equally. When John read her letter, he replied to it in a joking matter, which triggered Abigail. She did not let that discourage her so she continued to fight for women’s rights.

As the First Lady, Abigail Adams had the duties of hosting parties in the White House just like any First Lady would. Even though she followed her role, she still believed that women should have the right to vote. She would tell her husband to think about his mother, grandmother, and ancestors, and about their daughter. She made it clear for him to think about women and the future. To see if it is right for his daughter to serve and listen to what men tell her. Abigail Adams would not give up without a fight to make it clear to her husband that women should have rights.

Abigail Adams died at the age of 73 on October 28, 1818. She did so many movements that helped women get to where they are today. Not only did she influence the idea of women rights but also never lost hope in what she believed in. It is because of her and many other amazing suffragists, that women are now able to vote, run for President, and do many things that men are doing. Her legacy and influence, on American culture, especially on women’s rights, are still remembered today.
 

From all the research that I did, I find myself greatly impacted by the things that both my grandmother did and the actions that the women suffragettes did as well. One main reason why their actions stood out to me was because no matter how difficult things would get they never gave up. The women who were a part of the Suffragette Movement were often made fun of for having that “silly idea” in their head, believing that women should have the right to vote and more. Although they faced many difficulties, they never stopped striving to reach their goal. For instance, my grandmother could have easily stopped being as active as she used to be when she got diagnosed with cancer, but instead she chose to still be there when her family needed her.

All in all, women are now allowed to participate in many actions that they used to not be able to because of women who simply chose to never give up.