Jennie Fowler Willing

Jennie Fowler Willing, born on January twenty-second, eighteen thirty-four, was a remarkable Canadian-born American who made significant contributions as an educator, author, preacher, social reformer, and suffragist. At the tender age of nineteen, she married a lawyer and Methodist pastor, which set the stage for her influential career in academia and social advocacy.

In eighteen seventy-three, Willing and her husband took on the roles of professors at Illinois Wesleyan University, where they dedicated themselves to educating the next generation. Beyond her teaching responsibilities, she emerged as a prominent leader in the temperance movement, gaining recognition for her commitment to social reform.

Willing's leadership was particularly notable during her time with the Illinois Woman's State Temperance Union, where she served as a leader for several years. Her efforts culminated in her involvement with Emily Huntington Miller in organizing the First Woman's National Temperance Convention in eighteen seventy-four in Cleveland, which led to the formation of the National Woman's Christian Temperance Union. She also contributed as the editor of the organization's journal for a significant period.

In eighteen ninety-five, she founded the New York Evangelistic Training School, further showcasing her dedication to education and social change. Throughout her life, Willing authored several books, including 'From Fifteen to Twenty-five: A Book for Young Men,' along with various serials for newspapers, leaving a lasting impact on her readers and the movements she championed.