The Yellow Rose: Symbol of the Suffrage Movement

In August 1920, the 19th Amendment was one state shy of ratification when it came up for vote in Tennessee. The Suffragists, led by Carrie Chapman Catt, descended on Nashville to lobby for ratification along with Tennessee women of every background, race and social class. Despite their diversity, they were united under a single symbol: the yellow rose -- which was worn everywhere by supporters of the amendment. Unfortunately, red roses -- the flower of choice for Anti-Suffragists -- were also very much in evidence. What ensued that hot summer so many years ago was nothing less than the second "War of the Roses," only this one was fought in America. The events surrounding the eventual ratification of the 19th Amendment were very dramatic, and quite a few colorful legends now surround those historic events.

House Speaker Seth Walker was an anti-suffragist, and called for a vote, believing he had enough votes to defeat the measure. However, Rep. Banks Turner came over to the Suffragists’ side in the first roll call, tying the vote at 48 to 48. The Speaker then tried to table the measure, but the vote remained deadlocked. With the suffrage forces still one vote short, a local paper ran a cartoon of an old woman chasing the letters "R-A-T" with a broom, trying to drive them up in front of "IFICATION." Febb Ensminger Burn (shown below right in her 1894 college graduation photo), a widow back in Mouse Creek, Tennessee, saw the picture and sent a letter to her son, Representative Harry Burn (shown below left in 1918), a 24-year-old fledgling state legislator who had previously voted to table the amendment. (Pictures courtesy of Harry T. Burn Jr. and the McClung Historical Collection at the East Tennessee History Center, Knoxville TN.)

Harry T. Burn "Dear Son" she wrote. "Don't forget to be a good boy and help Mrs. Catt put the RAT in ratification." Febb Ensminger Burn

When the legislators squared off for the third roll call, Harry Burn voted in favor of the bill. Apparently surprised by this turn of events, Speaker Walker changed his own vote from "no" to "aye" to stand with the prevailing side. With his "yea," Burn delivered universal suffrage to all American women. The young Representative later explained his change of heart by referring to his mother's letter. "I know that a mother's advice is always safest for her boy to follow," said Burn.

Many accounts of the ratification describe how outraged opponents chased Burn around the room after his tie-breaking vote, forcing him to climb out a window and hide in the Capitol attic to save himself. Certainly there was pandemonium on the floor when the amendment passed, and certainly this is a great story. However, "the only objectionable thing about this very entertaining tale is that is is untrue," writes none other than Harry T. Burn Jr., son of Representative Burn and Grandson of Febb Burn. He continues, "The past cannot be reconstructed with complete accuracy. However, I believe the information [below] is as close as it is possible to come to the truth of the accounts."

"After the pivotal vote when my father was leaving the floor to keep an appointment, he was met by the house chief sergeant-at-arms, who told him that Governor Roberts had heard of threats made against him as a result of his vote and that he, the chief, had been instructed by the governor to see that my father remained on the house floor until state troopers could arrive to provide a bodyguard. Being under 'house arrest' infuriated my father, in part as he had an appointment, and especially as he thought the concerns for his safety were silly. From the house floor he went into the clerk's room closest to the lobby, out the window, scooted along a very narrow ledge with a two or three story drop, and then back in the window of the next office, which opened onto the lobby."

"The chief sergeant-at-arms was standing in the opening between the floor and the lobby, facing the floor and the speaker's dais, trying to locate my father visually. The chief's back was turned to the lobby and the exit door. There were people milling about in the lobby, so my father was able to make his way through the lobby to the hallway and quietly leave the capitol. End of story."

Alas! Mr. Burn also reports that the story of the red rose in his father's lapel on that fateful day is likely also "just a legend," as his father did not recall wearing one, nor could he recall many other legislators wearing them. Regardless of the myths that now surround the event, there is no question about the central fact: Over 144 years after the Declaration of Independence, American women finally won the right to vote -- thanks to Febb Ensminger Burn and her son, Harry. And it all came down to a single vote!

The League of Women Voters of Okaloosa County proudly introduces the "Yellow Rose Award," in honor of Mrs. Burn, whose letter convinced her son to cast the deciding vote for Women's Suffrage in 1920. A stunning reminder that every vote really does count, the "Yellow Rose" will recognize outstanding efforts by an individual to promote democracy and civic involvement in Okaloosa County. The first "Yellow Rose" will be presented in the fall of 2008.

Do you know someone who cherishes our democratic heritage, sets an example for civic involvement and community activism, and demonstrates pride in American governmental institutions? Make sure that individual is honored for his or her contributions to progress on the Emerald Coast: Nominate them today!

Selection Criteria

Nominee must be a resident of Okaloosa County.
Nominee must be an individual:

Who has promoted political responsibility through informed and active participation in government;
Who has significantly contributed to educating citizens and facilitating participation in the democratic process; and
Whose life and works have improved and enhanced life for all citizens of Okaloosa County.

Criteria for Judging

The Board of the League of women Voters of Okaloosa county will assess each nominee on the following:

Amount of contributions specific to the selection criteria
Leadership
Community service
Length of residence in Okaloosa County

It's not necessary to have made contributions in all of the above areas. No contribution is considered trivial or unimportant, so please mention all the contributions your nominee has made. If your nominee is not selected this year, you may submit his or her name again next year.

Submit your nomination by September 15, 2008.