Turner, Eliza Sproat (1826–1903)
Turner, Eliza Sproat (1826–1903)
American author and suffragist. Name variations: Eliza L. Sproat Randolph Turner. Born Eliza L. Sproat, 1826, in Philadelphia, PA; died June 20, 1903, in Chadds Ford, PA; dau. of a farmer and Maria (Lutwyche) Sproat; m. Nathaniel Randolph (lumber merchant), 1855 (died Sept 1858); Joseph C. Turner (attorney and dairy farmer), 1864; children: (1st m.) 1 son.
Wrote reform-minded fiction and poetry in magazines such as Christian Keepsake, Sartain's, Graham's, and National Era (1847–55); published collection of poetry, Out-of-Door Rhymes (1872); helped organize Pennsylvania Woman Suffrage Association (1869); wrote suffrage tract, Four Quite New Reasons Why You Should Wish Your Wife to Vote (1875); organized Children's Country Week Association of Philadelphia (1875); served as corresponding secretary and president (1879–81) of New Century Club in Philadelphia; established evening classes and community center for working women and girls (1881), which eventually became New Century Guild of Working Women.