Famous Kentuckian: Laura Clay

Hello, my name is Laura Clay. I was born on February 9, 1849 in Richmond, Kentucky. My parents were Cassius M. Clay and Mary Jane Warfield Clay. I went to the Sayre School in Lexington. I never married. Instead I devoted my life to the women's suffrage movement. I was influenced by my older sisters and my mother. I spent much of my life in defending the rights of women.

I worked with Susan B. Anthony in establishing women's suffrage societies throughout Kentucky and I was a co-founder of the Kentucky Equal Rights Association. In the 1920 Democratic National Convention I made United States history as the first woman to be nominated for President by a major political party.

I died on June 29, 1941 and am buried in the Lexington Cemetery.

Posted by: Orangeleaf

Famous Kentuckian: Mary Todd Lincoln

Hello my name is Mary Todd Lincoln. I was born on December 13, 1818 in Lexington, Kentucky. My parents were Robert S. Todd and Eliza Parker Todd. I was married to Abraham Lincoln in 1842 who was the 16th president of the United States. Abe and I had 4 children. 

I was famous because I was the First Lady of the United States. 

Some unusual facts about me are: I acted in many plays. I once dated Stephen A. Douglas. I spoke French fluently. I also believed in freedom for all Americans. One of my famous quotes was “Clouds and darkness surround us, yet heaven is just” and “The day of triumph will surely come, when justice is served.’ 

I died after having a stroke in 1882 in Springfield, Illinois. and Eliza Parker Todd. I was married to Abraham Lincoln in 1842 who was the 16th president of the United States. Abe and I had 4 children.

I was famous because I was the First Lady of the United States. 

Posted by: Dance 14

Famous Kentuckian Helen Turner

Hello, my name is Helen Turner. I was born on November 13, 1858 in Louisville, Kentucky. I was never married and had no children. I died in 1958 at the age of 99. 

Before the Civil War my life was great. My father owned a successful coal mining business and we lived in a beautiful house.  Then, my mother died when I was only 7, and my brother got killed in a mining accident, my father lost his fortune, and then died.   I became an orphan at 13 years old.

Morning, ca. 1919, oil on canvas

My uncle took me and my other siblings to live in New Orleans with him. My uncle inspired me to become an impressionist painter.  I attended the Art Students League.  I also took free classes at Cooper Union School of Design for Women.  I studied at Columbia and received my teaching certificate.  I worked in New York at the YWCA for 17 years teaching ladies fashion illustrations. 

I became famous because I was an impressionist painter.  I did not do a preliminary sketch under my paintings and had a mosaic quality to my paintings. 

My paintings have been displayed in many museums.   

My accomplishments made a difference because my paintings make the world more beautiful and everyone is happy with them.  

 

Posted by: Puppygirl100