First Woman's National Temperance Convention

The First Woman's National Temperance Convention was a founding event in the establishment of the American Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU).

In November, 1874, a Woman's National Temperance Convention was held in Cleveland, Ohio, at which Jennie Fowler Willing presided, and to whose efforts this national organization is chiefly due. At this convention a constitution was adopted, and a plan of organization projected, which was to reach every city, town, and hamlet in the United States. Appeals to the women and girls of America, a letter to other countries, and a memorial to Congress, were in order. A national temperance paper, to be edited and published by women, was projected, whose financial basis was US$.01 per week, to be given by all the members of the Union. A special committee was appointed on temperance work, among the children.

The permanent officers of the society then organized were, Annie Turner Wittenmyer, President; Frances Willard, Corresponding Secretary; Mary Coffin Johnson, Recording Secretary; Mary Bigelow Ingham, Treasurer; with one vice-president from each of the States represented in the convention. The spirit of this assembly was shown in the closing resolutions adopted.