Caroline Fairfield Corbin

Caroline Fairfield Corbin (born Caroline Fairfield; November 9, 1835 – March 27, 1918) was an American author, social reformer, and anti-suffragist from Illinois. She is best known for her opposition to women's suffrage and her writings on social issues. Her known literary works include Rebecca, or Woman's Secret, The Marriage Vow, and others. Corbin founded the Illinois Association Opposed to the Extension of Suffrage to Women.

Early life and education Caroline Fairfield was born on November 9, 1835, to Jason William Fairfield and Hannah Dana (Chandler) in Pomfret, Connecticut. She came from a well-known, upper-class New England family and was raised as a Trinitarian Christian. She studied everything from trigonometry to theology, and her interests settled on writing.

Corbin is a descendant of Solomon Cleveland, a notable figure from Connecticut. Her lineage includes her grandparents, Charles Chandler and Hannah Cleveland. She is the great-granddaughter of Solomon Cleveland, who served as a captain of a company in the Battle of Long Island.

Career and activism After graduating, Corbin spent two years working as a teacher in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. During a visit to family in Alton, Illinois, she met Calvin Rich Corbin, a merchant's agent. They married in 1861, and by 1862, they had their first child. Corbin primarily engaged with the broader public through her roles as a wife and mother. She later moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she would spend most of her life.

Disillusionment with the suffrage movement In 1862, Corbin published her first novel, Rebecca, or a Woman's Secret, which she dedicated to John Stuart Mill for his "noble efforts in behalf of the Enfranchisement of Women." Initially, Corbin was an advocate for women's suffrage and was among the first members of the Evanston, Illinois Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU). However, her views on suffrage changed dramatically after meeting Eleanor Marx, daughter of Karl Marx, in 1886. This encounter, coupled with her deep exploration of socialism, led Corbin to become a staunch opponent of women's suffrage.

In letters to Frances Willard in 1888 and 1889, Corbin reflected on her evolving perspective:

Corbin’s perspective on the suffrage movement evolved significantly over time. Initially supportive, she began to view suffrage as a threat rather than a means of empowerment. In her view, the movement endangered "the foundation of what is highest and purest" in society. She believed that being a woman did not imply inferiority to men but signified a different role.

She was a member of the New England Congregational Church in Aurora, Illinois.

Death and legacy Corbin died on March 27, 1918, in Petoskey, Michigan, just two years before the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. Despite her efforts, the women's suffrage movement ultimately succeeded in achieving its goal. Corbin's work represents a significant voice in the anti-suffrage movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One Woman's Experience of Emancipation (Chicago: Illinois Association Opposed to the Extension of Suffrage to Women, 1904) - Corbin's changed views after encountering socialist ideas. The book examines Corbin’s critique of feminist and suffrage movements from an anti-suffragist perspective. Influenced by Edward Aveling and Eleanor Marx, who discussed socialism’s effects on marriage and women's roles, Corbin responds by arguing that political emancipation for women conflicts with traditional values and societal norms. Woman Under Socialism (Chicago: Truth Society, April 1903) - Corbin critiques socialism by arguing that its promises of industrial and political emancipation for women are often vague and fail to address the complexities of real-world application. She points out a discrepancy between the idealistic goals of socialism and its actual impact, suggesting that the benefits proclaimed by socialist leaders may not be as substantial or just as claimed. Additionally, Corbin critiques the romanticized view of socialism, noting that the movement's historical context and origins in social grievances do not necessarily translate into effective solutions for social issues. Rebecca; or, A Woman's Secret (Chicago: Jansen, McClurg & Co., 1877) - The narrative follows Dr. Rebecca and offers insights into leading a principled life. It examines contemporary views on gender roles and the status of women. The Position of Women in the Socialistic Utopia (Chicago: American Association Opposed to Socialism, 1902) - Corbin included strong accusations linking women’s suffrage to socialism. Equality (Chicago: Illinois Association Opposed to Woman Suffrage, 1910) - The pamphlet questions whether women's suffrage truly achieves equality, arguing that it does not significantly improve women's capabilities or influence. It suggests that despite some early successes, women's roles in politics remain limited and that true equality involves recognizing inherent differences between sexes rather than imposing uniformity.