Encyclopedia Dubuque
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WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION
WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION. The Dubuque chapter of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union was formed by thirty women on October 13, 1875. Officers of the organization included Mrs. J. P. Poor, president; Mrs. R. E. Bishop, Mrs. J. L. McCreery, Mrs. W.. P. Large, Mrs. C. E. Whdeler, Mrs. C. E. Hetherington, and Mrs. M. M. Trumbull, vice-presidents; Miss I. W. Hetherington, recording secretary; Mrs. D. N. Cooley, corresponding Secretary; ad Mrs. S. D. Nichols, treasurer. Mrs. D. N. Cooley was also appointed the Superintendent of Young People's Work.
It was declined for the time being to unite with the GOOD TEMPLARS in a series of Sunday afternoon meetings.
Reverend J. H. Rhea and Rev. Ostrander assured the members of their personal cooperation.
A proposition was made that the Union address a petition to the ladies of Dubuque asking them to refrain from offering intoxicating liquors to their callers New Year's Day. This was printed in the Times and Herald.
A committee was appointed by the president to go to each church urging the pastors and official members of the necessity of a reform in the use of fermented wine at the Lord's Supper.
There were at the time 150 saloons in the city: German, 125; Irish and American, 15; English and French, 10.
Francis Murphy have four lectures for the union and three hundred people sign the pledge of total abstinence.
On January 29, 1878 the organization changed its name to the LADIES TEMPERANCE LEAGUE OF DUBUQUE.
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Source:
Drummond, A. A. Mrs. "History of the W. C. T. U. of Dubuque," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, February 29, 1920 p. 3