His Mother's Letter and the 19th Amendment's Deciding Vote #Shorts
Pack: 43 - His Mother's Letter and the 19th Amendment's Deciding Vote
In August 1920, ratification of the 19th Amendment came down to Tennessee, and in the Tennessee House to a 24-year-old lawmaker, Harry T. Burn, with a letter from his mother in his pocket. The story in the original letter and period photographs.
- Thirty-five states had ratified; a 36th was needed, and Tennessee was next (National Archives, Prologue, 2003).
- Two votes to table ratification in the Tennessee House ended in ties, 48 to 48 (National Archives, Prologue; Tennessee history curriculum).
- Burn, born November 12, 1895, had voted with the anti-suffragists to table; he reportedly wore their red rose, a detail widely told but thinly documented (National Park Service).
- His mother, Febb Ensminger Burn, wrote: "Hurrah and vote for Suffrage and don't keep them in doubt." (letter of August 17, 1920; Knox County Public Library transcription)
- On the next roll call he voted aye. Tennessee ratified on August 18, 1920, and the amendment was certified on August 26 (National Archives; National Constitution Center).
His mother's letter or his own conscience: what really changed his vote? Tell us in the comments. Full story in our documentary, The Full History of Voting in America.
Quick answers
What is “His Mother's Letter and the 19th Amendment's Deciding Vote” about?
In August 1920, ratification of the 19th Amendment came down to Tennessee, and in the Tennessee House to a 24-year-old lawmaker, Harry T. Burn, with a letter from his mother in his pocket. The story in the original letter and period photographs.
What are the key facts?
Thirty-five states had ratified; a 36th was needed, and Tennessee was next (National Archives, Prologue, 2003). Two votes to table ratification in the Tennessee House ended in ties, 48 to 48 (National Archives, Prologue; Tennessee history curriculum).
What sources is this Short based on?
It cites Febb E. Burn to Harry T. Burn, August 17, 1920, transcription (Knox County Public Library); National Archives, Prologue, "The Nineteenth Amendment" (2003); National Park Service, Harry T. Burn; National Constitution Center, "The man and his mom who gave women the vote"; and 1 more. Links are in the Sources list below.
Sources
- Febb E. Burn to Harry T. Burn, August 17, 1920, transcription (Knox County Public Library)
- National Archives, Prologue, "The Nineteenth Amendment" (2003)
- National Park Service, Harry T. Burn
- National Constitution Center, "The man and his mom who gave women the vote"
- Tennessee history curriculum, "Don't Forget to Be a Good Boy"
Images
- Letter to Harry Burn from his mother, August 17, 1920, pages 1, 2 and 6 (McClung Historical Collection) — Febb Ensminger Burn — Public domain —
- Tennessee State Capitol, photo 2009 — Kaldari — Public domain —
- The Washington Times, August 19, 1920, front page (clipping) — The Washington Times — Public domain —
- Alice Paul sewing the thirty-sixth star on the ratification banner, 1920, Library of Congress 95507724 — National Photo Company — Public domain —
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