Paulina K. Davis

Elizabeth Stanton
Julia Ward Howe
Paulina K. Davis
Digital Bibliography
Chronology

Paulina Kellogg Wright shocked and offended many when, in 1846, she gave lectures in anatomy and physiology for women only using a mannequin. Paulina would later recall that some women would faint upon seeing the nude female mannequin, some would leave the lecture in anger, and a few, a rare few, had the "moral hardihood and scientific curiosity to appreciate it and examine the fearful and wonderful manner in which they were made."

Born in New York in 1813, Paulina Kellogg lost her parents when she was seven. Paulina lived with a strict orthodox Presbyterian aunt and was religiously educated about religion until, as she was to say later, she "outgrew my early religious faith and felt free to think and act from my own convictions."

Paulina wanted to become a missionary but the church did not allow single women that option. In 1833 Paulina met and married Francis Wright, a wealthy merchant from Utica, New York. The two were active in church until their church took an proslavery stance. Along with activist Abby Kelley, Paulina and Francis organized meetings for anti-slavery societies.

Although Francis was outspoken on slavery, and shared Paulina's passion for causes, including women's rights reforms, Francis did not allow Paulina to speak in public. Paulina honored this demand as long as the two were married.

Paulina joined forces with Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony and Ernestine Rose on petitioning the New York legislature, in the late 1830's, for married women's property rights. The efforts failed but the relationship and political reform activity of these women would continue for another fifty years.

Francis Wright died in 1845 and Paulina embarked on a career as a lecturer. Her anti-public speaking restraints were no longer in place. Paulina's study of medicine, and its practices concerning women, led to her innovative and provocative use of the mannequin. Paulina continued to lecture on women's anatomy for several years.

Paulina married Thomas Davis, an active anti-slavery politician in 1849. Husband number two was more supportive of Paulina's public speaking endeavors. In 1850 Paulina Kellogg Wright Davis worked on organizing the National Woman's Rights convention. Thomas was speaking a lot as well on other issues. Thomas was elected to Congress in 1853.

The activity of Paulina Davis in the women's movement coincides with her values concerning human rights -- for all humans, whether they be man, woman or slave. Paulina's early awakening, despite or because of the restraints of strict religion, led to her social reform activity as an adult.

After the Civil War, Paulina Davis had attained the status of being too serious for society women and too radical for the education community. One friend referred to her as "...a radiant figure in a circle of literary, artistic and reformatory people."

Paulina Davis traveled to Europe in the late 1870's, indulging her love of art. Crippling arthritis forced a return to Rhode Island and in 1876 Paulina Kellogg Wright Davis died. The measure of Paulina's contribution to the cause of women's rights can be gauged by the fact the Elizabeth Cady Stanton delivered her eulogy.