1856-1932
Clara Laddey was an important suffragist in New Jersey, who served as President of the New Jersey Woman’s Suffrage Association (NJWSA) from 1908-1912. In this capacity she advocated for suffrage locally and nationally, including speaking at Military Park. A detailed biography of her suffrage work is available from Alexander Street Suffrage Database, linked below. In 1920, she was a founding member of the NJ League of Women Voters.
Later she served as Finance Chairman of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF).
Born Clara Schlee in Germany, Clara married Victor Laddey and emigrated in 1888. The couple had three children including Newark attorney Paula Laddey. They lived in Kearney for many years, where Clara was Chairman of the Civics Club of Arlington. Between 1915 and 1920 the family moved to 493 Summer Avenue in Newark, where Clara lived the rest of her life.
Clara was also associated with the Newark League for Women Voters, the Silver Lake Welfare Association, the Newark Quarter Collection and the Garden Society of Newark.
Clara died on Sept 11, 1932.
Bibliography
Biographical Sketch of Clara Schlee Laddey
Census records: Federal and NJ State
These NJ women fought for right to vote
“Social and Personal Activities” Newark News May 9, 1925
“Miss Clara S. Laddey Dies, Mother of Newark Lawyers” Newark News Sept 12, 1932
