Martha B. O'Donnell

Martha B. O'Donnell ( Cole; after adoption, Barnum; after first marriage, Dickinson; after second marriage, O'Donnell; 1836–1925) was an American newspaper and magazine editor as well as a temperance and suffrage activist. She was associated with the International Organisation of Good Templars (IOGT), serving as International Superintendent of Juvenile Work, and with the Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), where she served as president of the Lewis County, New York branch. A pioneer suffragist, O'Donnell knew and worked with Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. Martha's surname was changed to Barnum by adoption into the family of Zalmon P. Barnum, Martha's mother having died when the child was approximately four years of age. for the children's society connected with the IOGT. Upon the adoption of the ritual containing that pledge, she was elected chief superintendent of that department of work by the right worthy grand lodge. She had charge of introducing the juvenile work in the international movement. During the first year, she succeeded in securing the introduction and adoption of the "Triple Pledge" ritual in Africa, India, Australia, England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland, and also in every State in the U.S. She was re-elected four successive years, holding this position until 1878, when she declined re-election.