The Role Models of Susan B. Anthony

             Anthony's life influenced her in different ways. They all, however, showed her the importance of equality, and impacted her ideals. .
             Two of these people were Rhoda Brownell and Mary Perkins, both teachers who believed that all children should receive a education, no matter what race or gender. Susan met Miss Brownell while visiting her Grandmother Anthony during her mother's fourth pregnancy. Rhoda Brownell was boarding with the Anthonys while she instructed the students at the school that Susan's grandfather ran.
             An excited three-year-old Susan asked Miss Brownell if she could show her how to read. Miss Brownell told her that she could, and later, Susan could always be found with her nose in a book. Unfortunately, Susan contracted the disease whooping cough, and had to remain at her grandparent's house long after her mother gave birth. When Susan finally returned home, her mother cried that her eyes were crossed, and blamed it on the whooping cough and strain from reading so much. Nevertheless, Susan continued to learn, even with crossed eyes, which eventually corrected themselves.
             Miss Perkins was hired by Susan's father to start a community school after Susan complained that the boys were taught long division and the girls weren't. Mary Perkins was an excellent tutor, and soon grew to be Susan's role model. Susan especially loved the novels Miss Perkins brought with her. They had such colorful pictures that Susan spent hours gazing at them. Miss Perkins was also unique: she demonstrated how to do exercises when the children were tired of schoolwork. Later in her life, Susan, just like her mentors, became a teacher before turning to woman's suffrage.
             The former slave and poet Frederick Douglass also inspired Susan. He was a good friend of Susan's father, and called at the Anthony home whenever he was nearby. Frederick shared with Susan all the miseries of slavery, and early on Susan was convinced that blacks should be treated with as much respect as whites.