Josephine Pearson

Josephine Anderson Pearson (June 30, 1868 – November 3, 1944) was an American educator, writer, lecturer, and anti-suffragist. She is best known for her leadership in the movement opposing women's suffrage in Tennessee during the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

Life and education Pearson was born on June 30, 1868, in Gallatin, Tennessee, to Rev. Philip A. Pearson and Amanda Roscoe Pearson. She grew up in McMinnville, Tennessee, where she received her early education. Pearson graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Irving College in McMinnville in 1890. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master of Arts degree from Cumberland College (now Cumberland University) in Lebanon, Tennessee, in 1896. She also pursued additional studies at Vanderbilt University and the University of Missouri.

Pearson worked for many organizations and held positions such as the women's auxiliary president for the Dixie Highway Council of the Cumberland Divide and commissioner for the Woman's Board of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition.

Pearson and other antis feared that women's suffrage would disrupt traditional gender roles and potentially enfranchise Black voters, which they believed would threaten white supremacy.

Although at this time she lived in Monteagle with her father, she traveled throughout Tennessee for three years working for the association. In mid-July 1920, Pearson traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, due to a special session being called by the governor to vote on the 19th amendment. During her fight for the 19th amendment, Pearson set up headquarters at the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville, where she urged legislators to oppose ratification. The ratification of the 19th Amendment, which ultimately granted women the right to vote in 1920.

In 1920, she became the president of the Southern Woman’s League for Rejection of the Susan B. Anthony Amendment.

Later life Although Pearson never cast a vote in her lifetime, she spent the remainder of her life writing, teaching, and protesting women’s suffrage. Pearson continued to lecture across the Southern United States and authored numerous articles and books until her death on November 3, 1944.

She was laid to rest in Monteagle Cemetery.