Early Life
Susan B. Anthony was born on February 15, 1820, in Adams, Massachusetts. She was the second oldest of seven children in a family that was deeply rooted in Quaker beliefs and activism. Her parents, Daniel Anthony and Lucy Read Anthony, were strong advocates of social reform, which laid the foundation for Susan's future endeavors in women's rights and social justice.
Daniel Anthony was a cotton manufacturer and later became a school teacher. He was a staunch abolitionist who encouraged a sense of equality and justice in his children. Lucy Read Anthony was equally dedicated to reform efforts, fostering an environment that valued education and activism.
Education played a significant role in Susan's early years. Her father established his own school in their family's home, where Susan received her initial education. Unlike many girls at the time, Susan was afforded the opportunity to pursue more than just basic education. When she was six, her family moved to the village of Battenville, New York, where her father managed a cotton mill. Here, Susan continued her education at a local school, which was supported by her father’s progressive views on women's education.
In Battenville, Susan was exposed to the ideas of the temperance movement, which advocated for the moderation or prohibition of alcohol consumption. This movement was significant in shaping her understanding of social issues and her eventual commitment to reform causes.
The Anthony family faced financial difficulties during the Panic of 1837, which led to the loss of their Battenville home. In 1845, they relocated to Rochester, New York, a significant hub for political activism and reform movements, including abolitionism and women's rights.
Susan’s upbringing in a family dedicated to social justice and equality greatly influenced her future work as an activist. Her education and early experiences with reform movements, such as those advocating for temperance and abolition, provided her with the skills and passion necessary to pursue a life dedicated to the fight for women's suffrage and civil rights.