Carthage Women in History

Martha Coffin Taaffe
1868 – 1957

1887: Graduated Carthage High School. Married Richard Taaffe.

1897: Lost son William.

1907: Joined Cosmos Club.

1908: Joined Missouri Federation of Women's Clubs; later
became board member & served in every state office except presidency.

1912: Organized Carthage Women's Civic League.

1913: Delegate to 4th American Peace Congress.

1914: Active in campaign to construct "Fair Acres."
Organized Carthage Suffrage League.

1915–16: Contributed to "Missouri Woman" magazine; board member of Missouri Suffrage League.

1920: Delegate to Democratic National Convention.

1924: Lost husband.

1926: Ran for State Representative; defeated by Emma Knell.

1935: Established Jr. Cosmos Club.

1930s – 1940s: Active in Committee to Defend America by Aiding the Allies; attended Conference on the Cause & Cure for Wars hosted by Eleanor Roosevelt.

1943: Lost second son George.

Also active in United Daughters of Confederacy, Fortnightly Study Club,
Grace Episcopal Church and Carthage Public Library Board.

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