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Many people participated, in many ways, in the fight for women's voting rights. One such person was Marietta Holley (1836-1926) of Jefferson County, NY. Holley was an author who wrote in favor of women's rights. She was probably the first writer to use humor in the argument for women's rights. She was referred to as a female Mark Twain and was a best-selling author with over 20 books.

 

Holley's first book, My Opinions and Betsy Bobbet's. Designed as a Beacon Light, to Guide Women to Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, but Which may be read by the Sterner Sect, Without Injury to Themselves or the Book, was published in 1872. The book did not say "by Marietta Holley" but rather "by Josiah Allen's Wife". Holley writes from the viewpoint of Samantha, who is married to widower Josiah Allen. They live on a farm in upstate NY. Her books became known as "the Samantha books"; many of which were translated into foreign languages. 

 

Susan B Anthony wrote at least one letter to Holley, thanking her for her contributions and telling her how much she enjoyed her latest book.

 

Near the end of her career Holley let it be known that she was Josiah Allen's wife. Many did not believe her saying that a woman could not be so funny!

 

The following is part of a conversation between Josiah and Samantha in My Opinions...:

"    "If wimmin know when they are well off, they will let poles and 'lection boxes alone, it is too wearing for the fair sect."

    "Josiah Allen," says I, "you think that for a woman to stand up straight on her feet, under a blazin' sun, and lift both her arms above her head, and pick seven bushels of hops, mingled with worms and spiders, into a gigantic box, day in, and day out, is awful healthy, so strengthenin' and stimulatin' to wimmin, but when it comes to droppin' a little piece of clean paper into a small seven by nine box, once a year in a shady room, you are afraid it is goin' to break down a woman's constitution to once.""