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The Kansas Suffragist mural, 'Rebel Women,' was unveiled at the statehouse on January 29, 2025 (Kansas Day), with over 400 attendees. This 20-by-8-foot mural features thirteen Kansas suffragists who led campaigns from 1859 to 1912, successfully achieving women's suffrage in Kansas. The mural is organized chronologically from left to right, highlighting events from the sacking of Lawrence in 1856 to the ratification of women's voting rights in 1912 at the state Capitol. A three-part series will explore these women's contributions in recognition of Women's History Month.
The top left corner shows the burning of Bleeding Kansas, a conflict triggered by the Kansas-Nebraska Act concerning slavery. Below the flames is the home of Anna O. Anthony (1844-1930) standing at the door of her residence. She is the sister-in-law of Susan B. Anthony. Her husband Daniel covered the travel costs for his sister, Susan, for 30 years. Anna hosted suffragists at her home in Leavenworth, offering support to the suffrage movement.
Seated: Lutie A. Lytle (1875-1955, Topeka) After graduating from Topeka High School in 1890, Lutie served as an appointed assistant enrolling clerk for the Kansas legislature. She earned her degree from Central Tennessee College as valedictorian and subsequently became the first African-American woman admitted to the Kansas Bar Association. Following this achievement, she delivered lectures on marriage and divorce throughout Kansas.
Seated: Anna. G Waite (1837-1916- Lincoln) After organizing women suffragists in Lincoln County in 1879, Anna cofounded the Kansas Equal Suffrage Association (KESA) in 1884. She wrote the Kansas chapter in History of Woman Suffrage (Vol. 3) and explained the successful 1887 municipal campaign. As owner and editor of the Lincoln Beacon, she spread suffrage news across the state for 20 years.
Lilla D. Monroe (1858-1929—WaKeeney/ Topeka) Initially working as a teacher, Lilla became the first woman admitted to practice before the Kansas Supreme Court in 1895 and served as KESA president in 1907. While publishing the Kansas Woman’s Journal, she began compiling 800 stories of women’s pioneering experiences in western Kansas. Her great-granddaughter, Joanna Statton, completed the project with the publication of Pioneer Women in 1981.
Annie L. Diggs (1848-1916, Lawrence/Topeka) was an author, journalist, temperance advocate, and speaker. Beginning in 1884, she spoke at national woman suffrage conventions. She first registered to vote in Lawrence in 1887, despite male opposition. She lobbied for the Populist Party in Topeka in 1890 and became KESA president in 1899. Annie contributed to History of Woman Suffrage (Vol. 4), helped design the Capitol’s state library, and became the first female state librarian.
Note the groups of men and women jeering and cheering below the V formation line of suffragists. Four women—Laura Johns, Mary Dillard, Jane Brooks, and Lucy Johnston—are next in the second series.