Emma Gillett Oglesby

Emma Susan Gillett Oglesby (February 11, 1845 – January 14, 1928) was an American social leader, anti-suffragist activist, and the wife of Illinois Governor Richard J. Oglesby.

As the First Lady of Illinois, Oglesby was a prominent figure in state and national social circles, known for her extensive hospitality and involvement in various civic activities, including the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition.

She was also a vocal opponent of women's suffrage, serving as the 2nd vice-president of the Illinois Association Opposed to the Extension of Suffrage to Women. Oglesby married twice and had eight children.

Biography

Early life Emma Susan Gillett was born on February 11, 1845, in Cornland, Illinois. She was the daughter of John Dean Gillett (1819–1888), a prominent cattle baron, and Lemira Parke Gillett (1821–1901).

She received a well-rounded education. Until the age of sixteen, she attended public schools. Her father then arranged for her to be tutored by his cousin, a scholar of the classics, who guided her through a rigorous course of reading that included works by Shakespeare, Plutarch, Rollin, Gibbon, Guizot, Motley, Bancroft, and others. This early exposure to classical literature fostered a lifelong love of reading.

Later life She married Governor Richard J. Oglesby, and the couple lived in Washington, D.C., during his terms as governor and U.S. senator before returning to Illinois in 1884.

As the state's First Lady, Oglesby was a prominent figure both in Illinois and nationally. She was a social leader, a board director for the World's Columbian Exposition, and gained further recognition through her international travels.

On April 1, 1898, Oglesby attended an IAOESW meeting at her former residence at Decatur, alongside Corbin. The residence is now owned by Mary Elizabeth (Morrison) Bering. Corbin argued against women's suffrage, asserting that men were uniquely suited to fight for freedom and that women, when protected from temptations, had not proven morally superior. She believed women's involvement in politics would lead to increased immorality and intrigue.

Marriage and children Emma married Hiram David Keays of Bloomington, Illinois, and birthed Hiram Gillett Keays. Her husband he died in 1868.

In 1915, Emma Gillett Oglesby commissioned the replacement of the wooden bridge with a concrete one in 1915 to honor her brother, John P. Gillett. The bridge connects to Elkhart Cemetery through Gillette Memorial Arch on County Road 10.

Personality According to The Decatur Daily Review, her charm, beauty, dignity it is said it remained notable throughout her life. She is described as the best-looking woman to have occupied the executive mansion at Springfield.

Around 1926, Oglesby suffered a stroke, which left her an invalid. She died on January 14, 1928, at her family estate after a prolonged illness.