Emma Maddox Funck Explained

Emma Maddox Funck (November 19, 1853 – March 21, 1940) was an American suffragist and served as president of the Maryland Woman Suffrage Association (MWSA).

Biography

Funck was born in Baltimore on November 19, 1853, where she attended public school, graduating from Eastern High School.[1] [2] Her sister, Etta Haynie Maddox, was the first Maryland woman to pass the state bar. Funck attended the Peabody Conservatory of Music and was involved in music in Baltimore. She also sang, performing with her sister, Etta.[3]

She married a member of the Men's League for Woman Suffrage, Dr. J. William Funck, in 1892. Emma Funck led the Baltimore City Society starting in 1897 and continued until 1920.[4] She became the president of the Maryland Women Suffrage Association (MWSA) in 1904, also holding that position until 1920. During her tenure at MWSA, Funck worked on drafting resolutions for an amendment to the Maryland State Constitution allowing women's suffrage.[5] In 1906, Funck brought the National Women's Suffrage Convention to Baltimore.[6]

Funck was also involved in advocating for women to work in the Baltimore police force.[7] She also raised issues about women in the workplace.[8]

In 1920, after women gained the right to vote, Funck helped to organize the Maryland Federation of Republican Women and served as the first president. Funck ran for Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in Baltimore in 1928, becoming the "first woman to run for a city-wide office in Baltimore."

Funck died in her home in Baltimore on March 21, 1940, after suffering a week-long illness. She was buried in Greenmount Cemetery.[9]

Notes and References

  1. News: Pioneer Feminist of Maryland Dies. 1940-03-22. The Baltimore Sun. 2020-01-11. 28. Newspapers.com.
  2. Spiegelman. Hannah. Biography of Emma Maddox Funck, 1853-1940. Biographical Database of NAWSA Suffragists, 1890-1920. Alexander Street.
  3. News: Concert and Readings, at Odd Fellows' Hall. 1878-10-19. The Cecil Whig. 2020-01-12. 2. Newspapers.com.
  4. Book: National American Woman Suffrage Association. The History of Woman Suffrage. J.J. Little & Ives Company. 1922. Harper. Ida Husted. VI. New York. 254.
  5. Schaefer. Kate Murphy. Maryland Woman Suffrage Association, 1867–1920(?). Biographical Database of NAWSA Suffragists, 1890–1920. Alexander Street.
  6. News: What the Woman Suffragists Will Do Today. 1906-02-09. The Baltimore Sun. 2020-01-11. 7. Newspapers.com.
  7. News: Lady Cops One of Country's Needs. 1910-08-16. The Daily Oklahoman. 2020-01-11. 1. Newspapers.com.
  8. News: Laws for Women Earners. 1909-11-18. Tyro Telegram. 2020-01-12. 8. Newspapers.com.
  9. News: Mrs. Emma Maddox Funck. 1940-03-23. The Baltimore Sun. 2020-01-11. 7. Newspapers.com.