Women Who Made A Difference
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Carrie Bahrenberg
(1861-1929)
Nationally Recognized Suffragette and Social Activist
Received national recognition for her social activism. Her activities in the Women's Relief Corp and the women's suffrage movement made her a close friend of Jane Addams, the famous Chicago suffragette. Bahrenberg was elected a Univ. of Illinois trustee in 1900. She served 12 years. In 1915, she was elected national president of the WRC and in 1919 Chairman of the Civic League which replace the Equal Suffrage Assoc. of Illinois.
Received national recognition for her social activism. Her activities in the Women's Relief Corp and the women's suffrage movement made her a close friend of Jane Addams, the famous Chicago suffragette. Bahrenberg was elected a Univ. of Illinois trustee in 1900. She served 12 years. In 1915, she was elected national president of the WRC and in 1919 Chairman of the Civic League which replace the Equal Suffrage Assoc. of Illinois.
Ethlyn Bott
(1895-1984)
Awarded the American Mother of the Year in 1953
In 1953, Ethlyn Bott was named American Mother of the Year. Bott was the first stepmother selected by the American Mothers Committee of the Golden Rule Foundation to receive the award. In 1966 she recieved the "Woman of Achievement" award for civic participation by the St. Louis Globe Democrat. Bott also served as National President of Sigma Iota Chi for a record 46 years and was active in the DAR, serving as regent. Ethlyn was a teacher and authored a book in 1967 entitled "In the Web of the Pink Spider".
In 1953, Ethlyn Bott was named American Mother of the Year. Bott was the first stepmother selected by the American Mothers Committee of the Golden Rule Foundation to receive the award. In 1966 she recieved the "Woman of Achievement" award for civic participation by the St. Louis Globe Democrat. Bott also served as National President of Sigma Iota Chi for a record 46 years and was active in the DAR, serving as regent. Ethlyn was a teacher and authored a book in 1967 entitled "In the Web of the Pink Spider".
Molly Bunsen
President of the Ladies Union of Belleville in 1851 and a member of the Committee on Teachers of the Belleville School Association in 1850. Molly shared the Bunsen family interest in education and reform.
Caroline Fleming
(b. 1832)
The only female Belleville resident to receive a U.S. Patent in the 19th Century. In 1868 she was awarded a patent on her improvement of an agitating clothes washing machine.
Sophia Engelmann Koerner
(b. 1815)
First President Of Belleville Kindergarten Association
Sophia Koerner and Henry Raab worked together to form the Belleville Kindergarten Assoc. in 1874. The association had 150 members and Sophia was their first president. 70 shares of stock at $30 each was sold to start the school of 201 pupils.
Marguerite Meyer
(1902-1987)
Business woman, international traveler, suffragette.
Named GMC 1940 Parts Manager of the Year
While her brothers were serving in WWI, Ms. Meyer hustled an auto agency for Belleville. Through her initiative, Meyer Bros sold Scripps, Booths and Hupmobiles, and in 1919, a Pontiac/Cadillac dealership was secured. She traveled internationally; but, was most interested in traveling to St. Louis, Chicago and New York in connection with women's suffrage.
Named GMC 1940 Parts Manager of the Year
While her brothers were serving in WWI, Ms. Meyer hustled an auto agency for Belleville. Through her initiative, Meyer Bros sold Scripps, Booths and Hupmobiles, and in 1919, a Pontiac/Cadillac dealership was secured. She traveled internationally; but, was most interested in traveling to St. Louis, Chicago and New York in connection with women's suffrage.
Mary Noser Mueller
(1852-1931)
Vice President of Orbon Stove Co. 1910-1918
Occasionally, a woman seized the opportunity to run a family-owned business upon the death of her spouse. Mary Mueller became Vice President of Orbon Stove Co. when her husband, Solomon, died. She served from 1910 to 1918. She proved to be a formidable woman, traveling to Colorado and Kansas to follow-up on real estate interests and journeying to Texas to secure her husband's business interests. On occasion, she took her young grandchildren as companions!
Maria Catherine Neu
(1830-1918)
Founded the Frauenverein of St. Paul's Evangelical & Reformed Church in 1861. She served as president for 25 years. The Frauenverein was a large women's organization which raised operating funds for the church.
Florence Pruessing
(1904-1990)
Civic Supporter Organized Belleville Playground & Recreation Referendum 1945; PTA Life Member Award; Member, Illinois Congress of PTA
"When I was a grade school pupil I liked to think of some type of recreation for all the children in the community." Pruessing's childhood dream became a reality in 1945 with the implementation of what we know as Belleville Parks & Rec. She served as president of the board from 1945-1950. Her efforts were recognized years later by Mayor Charles E. Nichols.
Pruessing was also recognized by many organizations which indicate her deep interest in the quality of life in her community of Belleville. She served 9 years as a member of the District 118 School Board and PTA Council. As a member of the WWI American Legion Post Auxiliary she organized the Unit 58 Past President Parlay. The WWII Production Board, the American Red Cross and the USO organizations recognized her. The Zonta Club named her "Woman of the Year". The Memorial Hospital Volunteers honored her with an Emeritus Award. The Fraternal Order of Eagles and AARP officially recognized her efforts to further the aims of their organizations. As a retail clerk, she held a membership in Retail Clerks Local 219.
Pruessing was also recognized by many organizations which indicate her deep interest in the quality of life in her community of Belleville. She served 9 years as a member of the District 118 School Board and PTA Council. As a member of the WWI American Legion Post Auxiliary she organized the Unit 58 Past President Parlay. The WWII Production Board, the American Red Cross and the USO organizations recognized her. The Zonta Club named her "Woman of the Year". The Memorial Hospital Volunteers honored her with an Emeritus Award. The Fraternal Order of Eagles and AARP officially recognized her efforts to further the aims of their organizations. As a retail clerk, she held a membership in Retail Clerks Local 219.
Ruth A. Sterling
(1905-1994)
President of Belleville Casket Manufacturing Co. 1953-1972
A St. Louis Washington Univ. graduate and president of Belleville Casket Manufacturing Co. Sterling served as president from 1953 until her retirement in 1972. She was a founding member of the Belleville League of Women Voters, served on the Belleville Grade School Board of Education and was the first woman to be elected to the National Board of Casket Manufacturers.