To the editor:

I read the  report about President Trump pardoning Susan B. Anthony for illegal voting in 1872. At that time, women could not vote in her hometown in New York, nor almost anywhere. A Utah woman, Seraph Young voted in Utah in 1870, but Utah was a rarity.

Susan B. Anthony gave various speeches nationwide. Her speech in Chicago was probably most notable for getting people’s attention toward giving all adult women the right to Vote in elections. Even President William McKinley invited Susan B. Anthony to the White House to celebrate her 80th birthday.  

The 19th Amendment was ratified 100 years ago on Aug. 18, 1920. In commemoration of that, President Trump posthumously awarded Susan B. Anthony a full and complete pardon. He even said he was surprised a pardon for her hadn’t been  issued earlier.   

I commend Susan B. Anthony for her  role in Women’s Rights. She was the first “real” woman depicted on U.S. coinage on a one-dollar coin. I, myself, don’t care for Susan B. Anthony coins; not due to her image, but because their size is too close to that of a quarter-dollar. Despite its unique shape, it fell out of favor. I also prefer real 90% silver dollars such as Morgan or Peace Dollar coins. 

Susan B. Anthony is said to have gone to parties as a teen, but no record of her having a serious romance with a man at all. In today’s world that is personal choice; yet it is a bit odd. She was, however, highly critical of laws giving a man complete control over the marriage, whether it be property rights or anything else.   

I am pleased that women have enjoyed the Right to Vote. It is up to all eligible voters (men and women) to exercise their rights to vote. It is a right we shouldn’t take for granted.

James A. Marples

Esbon