Bertha Lowenthal
Women's Suffrage Work
Newspaper reports suggest that Bertha was a member of at least three women's suffrage societies:
When the Huddersfield Suffrage Society was re-formed in 1904, 'Miss Lowenthal' was made Secretary. In 1907, she became one of the Vice Presidents of the Huddersfield branch and her name continues to appear in newspaper reports until 1912, although always listed as 'Miss Lowenthal'. See Huddersfield NUWSS Branch.
Bertha is also listed as one of the first members of the Huddersfield WSPU branch, formed in 1907. Her role gradually grew and on 21st August 1910 she is reported as speaking at an open air meeting with Dr. Marion Mackenzie on the East Pier at Scarborough. The Votes for Women newspaper reported, 'In spite of heavy rain the crowd stood wonderfully.' By 1911 she had taken over the role of Honorary Secretary and became the key figure in the Huddersfield WSPU Branch.
- The Huddersfield NUWSS Branch, also known as the Huddersfield Suffrage Society
- The Huddersfield WSPU Branch
- The League of the Church Militant
When the Huddersfield Suffrage Society was re-formed in 1904, 'Miss Lowenthal' was made Secretary. In 1907, she became one of the Vice Presidents of the Huddersfield branch and her name continues to appear in newspaper reports until 1912, although always listed as 'Miss Lowenthal'. See Huddersfield NUWSS Branch.
Bertha is also listed as one of the first members of the Huddersfield WSPU branch, formed in 1907. Her role gradually grew and on 21st August 1910 she is reported as speaking at an open air meeting with Dr. Marion Mackenzie on the East Pier at Scarborough. The Votes for Women newspaper reported, 'In spite of heavy rain the crowd stood wonderfully.' By 1911 she had taken over the role of Honorary Secretary and became the key figure in the Huddersfield WSPU Branch.
From 1912 onward, Bertha's name appears in the newspaper of the The League of the Church Militant and her importance to the organisation was made clear following her death in 1920.
In Memoriam. BERTHA S. LOWENTHAL - The League of the Church Militant has lost one of its earliest members and staunchest friends through the death of Miss B.S. Lowenthal of Huddersfield. Her interest in our activities is sufficiently evidenced by the legacy of £50 which she left for the continuance of our work; but indeed she was a woman to whom no effort for the welfare of others appealed in vain. Rescue and Preventative Work, Public Health, the Deaf and Dumb, the National Council of Women, the Royal Infirmary (Huddersfield), all these are public services which will miss her active support. her earthly service is ended, but the inspiration of her example will live on in the hearts of those who knew her, provoking to good works. Requiescat in pace.
- The Church Militant, March 1921
Whilst Bertha was a key figure in the fight for women's suffrage in West Yorkshire, her younger brother Charles Francis Lowenthal was lead prosecutor in the case against suffragette Lilian Lenton, accused of arson in Doncaster. See: The Prosecution of Lilian Lenton.
Biography
Bertha Susan Lowenthal was born in Huddersfield in 1857 to German parents Joseph and Bertha. Her father was a wool merchant and became very active in Huddersfield as President of the Council of the Chamber of Commerce, a borough Magistrate and through involvement with the Mechanics Institute, Technical College and Savings Bank.
Bertha was one of eight children: five boys and three girls. Throughout her life the family lived at The Grange in Edgerton, Huddersfield with between three and four female servants.
On 25th March 1886, Bertha and her two sisters, Alice and Helen, were baptised at St. Thomas' Church in Huddersfield. Their mother's death at the age of 55 was registered a short time after.
After their father's death in 1903, Bertha, Alice and brother George remained at The Grange.
Bertha died on 24th September 1920 at the age of 64.
On 25th March 1886, Bertha and her two sisters, Alice and Helen, were baptised at St. Thomas' Church in Huddersfield. Their mother's death at the age of 55 was registered a short time after.
After their father's death in 1903, Bertha, Alice and brother George remained at The Grange.
Bertha died on 24th September 1920 at the age of 64.
