My Missouri Family: July 2016

Lenora Helen Botticher was born on May 29, 1889 in St Louis, Missouri to John and Lenora Flach Botticher. This was just before the end of the Spanish American War. There were soldiers in Camp Bell in Jefferson Barracks.

In 1004, the city hosted the World's Fair and the Summer Olympics, attracting millions of visitors to the city.

In 1911, she graduated from Washington University.

She lived with her parents at 4044 Flad Ave. Lenora's Mother, Lenora Helen Flach Botticher died on November 1, 1913. Her father John Louis Botticher died on July 9, 1916. After her father died, she lived at 2929 Henrietta, with her Aunt Clementine, Uncle Frank Richard Meyer and their family.

World War I took place between 28 July 1914 to 11 November 1918. The US did not enter the war until April of 1917. During the war, there was an increased demand for workers since many men were serving in the military. When they came home, it caused several problems.

Shortage of Jobs

In 1917 the United States had an active economy boosted by World War I. With many would-be workers absent for active service in the war, industries were in need of labor. Seeking better work and living opportunities, as well as an escape from harsh conditions, the Great Migration of African Americans out of the South toward industrial centers across the northern and Midwestern United States was well underway. For example, blacks were arriving in St. Louis during Spring 1917 at the rate of 2,000 per week.[2] When industries became embroiled in labor strikes, traditionally white unions sought to strengthen their bargaining position by hindering or excluding black workers, while industry owners utilizing blacks as replacements or strikebreakers added to the deep existing societal divisions.[3] Wikipedia

Flu Epidemic

State officials first reported on the presence of influenza in Missouri on October 11, 1918. However, influenza had appeared in the state long before that date. By the third week of October, 3,765 influenza cases and 90 deaths had been reported from St. Louis, with 558 cases and 13 deaths being reported for October 16th alone. (Source: The Influenza Epidemic of 181*-1819) Link

Women's Suffrage

In the spring of 1919, the 50th Missouri General Assembly passed the Presidential Suffrage bill, which gave women the right to vote in presidential elections.[1] St. Louis League President Christine Fordyce appealed to the legislature in a speech saying, "fifty years ago my grandmother came before the Missouri legislature and asked for the enfranchisement of women; twenty-five years ago, my mother came to make the same request; tonight I am asking for the ballot for women. Are you going to make it necessary for my daughter to appear in her turn?" Ms. Fordyce's daughter would not have to make the same appeal, as soon suffrage was supported at the federal level.[4] The Missouri legislature ratified the Susan B. Anthony Amendment to the U.S. Constitution during a special session in July of that year.[1] Governor Gardner called a special session and then amendment passed by a vote of 125 to 4 in the House and 29 to 3 in the Senate.[5] Missouri became the eleventh state to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment.[1] (Source: Wikipedia)

She could have voted for the first time in the 1920 presidential election. If she did, we don't know if she voted for Warren G Harding or James M Cox.

In 1920, she is teaching school and living with her Aunt Clementine & family.

In 1940, she living in Hamilton Hotel and working as a teacher.