Kate Sheppard (1848–1934) was the most prominent member of the women's suffrage movement in New Zealand, and is one of that nation's best-known historical figures. Born in Liverpool, England, she migrated to New Zealand with her family in 1868, joining religious and social organisations there, including the Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU). In 1887 she was appointed the WCTU's National Superintendent for Franchise and Legislation. Sheppard promoted women's suffrage by organising petitions and public meetings, by writing letters to the press, and by developing contacts with politicians. She was the editor of the White Ribbon, the first woman-operated newspaper in New Zealand. Through her skilful writing and persuasive public speaking, her work culminated in the grant of the vote to women on 19 September 1893, making New Zealand the first nation to grant universal suffrage.

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kate_Sheppard

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1692:

Salem witch trials: As Giles Corey was being crushed to death for refusing to enter a plea to charges of witchcraft, he reportedly kept telling officials, "More weight!" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giles_Corey

1940:

Polish resistance leader Witold Pilecki allowed himself to be captured by German forces and sent to the Auschwitz concentration camp in order to gather intelligence. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witold_Pilecki

1970:

The first Glastonbury Festival, the largest greenfield festival in the world, was held at Michael Eavis's farm in Glastonbury, England. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glastonbury_Festival

1982:

:-) and :-( were first proposed by Scott Fahlman for use as emoticons. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emoticon

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

Jolly Roger: The traditional flag used on European and American pirate ships, often pictured as a white skull and crossbones on a black field; the blackjack. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Jolly_Roger

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

There is a spell of unresisted power In wonder-working weak simplicity, Because it is not fear'd.   --Hartley Coleridge https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Hartley_Coleridge