Bloomer, Amelia Jenks

(May 27, 1818-Dec. 30, 1894). Social reformer. She was born in Homer, Cortland County, New York. She married Dexter C. Bloomer, editor of the Seneca County Courier. With his encouragement, she began to publish articles in newspapers on moral and social issues. Bloomer was baptized at Trinity Episcopal Church, Seneca Falls. She attended the first women's rights meeting in Seneca Falls but was not an active participant. In Jan., 1849, she began publishing the Lily, probably the first paper published by a woman. She wrote about women's suffrage and worked in the temperance movement. She published a picture of herself in the Lily wearing trousers, which were later called “bloomers.” After several years in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, the family moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where she continued to work on numerous reforms. Bloomer died in Council Bluffs. She is commemorated in the Episcopal calendar of the church year on July 20. See Stanton, Elizabeth Cady; see Truth, Sojourner; see Tubman, Harriet Ross.