Elsie Lincoln Benedict ( Vandegrift; November 2, 1885 – February 5, 1970), also known as 'The Wonder Woman', was advertised as the world's best known lecturer during the 1920s and 1930s, speaking to over 3 million people in her lifetime and writing on what Napoleon Hill and Dale Carnegie and a long list of men would do later. Renowned for her collegiate debate skills, emerged as a key figure in the national suffrage movement being personally recruited by Carrie Chapman Catt for national suffrage advocacy as the second-highest paid American suffragist leader. She would later take to the worldwide stage promoting the law of attraction through her many free and paid lecture series. She was the founder of Brainology, a famous course on scientific mind training.
Early life Elsie Lincoln Vandegrift was born on November 2, 1885 in Osborne, Kansas to William and Adella (Allen) Vandergrift. As the eldest of six siblings, she moved with her family to Montrose, where she developed a foundation for her future as an editor of her high school newspaper and a successful participant in oratorical contests.
Family background The Vandegrift family experienced pivotal changes during Elsie's early adulthood. In 1912, her parents underwent a legal separation, with her mother Adella being granted a divorce due to William's non-support.
Tragedy struck in 1913 when Elsie's father, William Vandegrift, succumbed to pneumonia in Salt Lake City, Utah. His entrepreneurial spirit and community engagement were well-noted in his obituary. The following thirteen years later, her mother, Adella M. Vandegrift, died in San Diego on May 6, 1926.
Education and early achievements Amidst these family events, Elsie's high school years were marked by significant accomplishments. She won first place in the first oratorical contest between western slope high schools, held in Montrose. Her speech, "The Advantage of Difficulties," not only displayed her oratory skills but also her ability to captivate an audience, a trait that would define her subsequent career.
She attended the University of Denver from 1905 to 1907 studying psychology. After her time at Denver University, at the age of 22, Elsie participated in a dramatic recital at the Montrose Opera House alongside Myrtle Goodrich in 1907. The event was well-received, with Elsie delivering compelling performances in various monologues and dramatic readings. Her portrayal of intense scenes, such as the chariot race from "Ben Hur," earned enthusiastic applause and recognition, highlighting her dramatic talents and early popularity within her community. Then, she went on to obtain a law degree at the University of Colorado in Boulder. She joined the debate team, to which she was the only female, and held over 12 gold medals for oratory. She was the first woman to win a place in an intercollegiate debate team.
A notable early accomplishment occurred during the annual oratorical contest at the University of Colorado Boulder in 1908. Vandegrift gained unique recognition as the first woman student to participate in this contest, competing against four male contestants. Although she did not win the top prize, her participation marked a significant milestone in the university's history and in the broader context of women's evolving roles in academia and public life. The Montrose Press reported this event, highlighting her trailblazing role and the novelty of her participation as a first-year student in such a prestigious contest.
Reflecting back on her early career in 1926, Elsie Lincoln Benedict emphasized the value of authenticity and resilience. Advising to "put aside fear and dispense with false social standards...be yourself," she reflected on her university days as a step scrubber. Despite being snubbed by some, she cherished the kindness of those who were "friendly and encouraging — and complimented my clean steps." Her core message to young people was to "make up their minds what they want to do and start to do it, regardless of discouragements."
Early career In 1909, Colorado Governor John F. Shafroth appointed her the official reporter of the Colorado Senate.[Colorado Session Laws, 1910, "State Officers"](http://lawcollections.colorado.edu/colorado-session-laws/islandora/object/session%3A2228) (accessed February 5, 2024). After serving this capacity for three years, she was appointed Chief of the Advertising Department of the State Land Office, where she became involved in a notable controversy. According to a 1912 report in the Montrose Daily Press, Elsie, known for her militant suffragette stance, clashed with Judge George Thorne, the chief clerk of the Land Board, over questions of authority. This feud, which escalated to involve the governor's office, eventually led to her transfer to the office of the state insurance commissioner. This episode showcased her assertive character and her willingness to stand her ground in professional disputes. Interestingly, her earlier support of Governor Shafroth as a delegate from Montrose at the Democratic state convention played a part in her initial appointment to the land board and possibly influenced the resolution of this dispute. In 1912, she resigned to become a political editor of the Denver Press and later of the Denver Post, the largest daily in Colorado at the time.
Role in the women's suffrage movement Elsie Lincoln Vandegrift, known for her oratory skills and work at the Denver Post, caught the attention of national suffrage leaders not for direct involvement in Colorado's suffrage movement, but for her exceptional public speaking ability. Her eloquence, honed during her college years, paved the way for her recruitment into the national suffrage movement.
National recognition and recruitment by Carrie Chapman Catt In 1914, Carrie Chapman Catt, a prominent figure in the women's suffrage movement and president of the International Suffrage Association, sought a capable and articulate advocate from Colorado to represent and speak for the movement in New York. Elsie, with her proven oratory skills and youthful enthusiasm measured up to Catt's requirements was recommended for this role by Mary C. C. Bradford. Catt's recruitment criteria specifically sought a "young Colorado woman college graduate, must not be too old or too young, a voter, good orator and organizer, able to speak from public platform, private drawing room or soap box," a description that Vandergrift fulfilled with distinction. Catt's decision to recruit Elsie marked a significant turn in her career, transitioning from a local journalist to national suffrage spokesperson.
In New York, Elsie played a crucial role in the National Suffrage, Elsie's impact was immediate and profound. She received notable attention in the New York media, including a significant write-up in the New York Evening Mail. Her ability to articulate the suffrage cause effectively and win over audiences was highlighted in an incident at a debate in Brooklyn, where she successfully countered the arguments of an anti-suffragist debater. This exposure in New York was a testament to her skills and the influence she wielded in advancing the suffrage movement. She became known for her resilience and determination, as exemplified by an incident during an open-air suffrage meeting in Columbus Circle. A disruptive act, where water was poured on her, did not deter her; instead, she famously exclaimed, "You can't dampen my enthusiasm in that way." When checking into a hotel room, the lights suddenly went out an unknown assailant threw a blanket over her head and fled while she bravely screamed in defiance."
During World War I, Elsie reiterated the suffragists' commitment to national service while continuing to advocate for women's voting rights. As reported by The Rocky Mountain News in 1917, Elsie emphasized the suffragists' dual role as both contributors to the war effort and relentless campaigners for suffrage. She highlighted their determination to be "good soldiers" for their country, while simultaneously demanding the vote for women in non-suffrage states. This strategic approach, which involved proving their worth as national contributors, was central to the suffrage movement's tactics during the war. Elsie also noted the significant financial support from Miriam Leslie's $500,000 bequest to the suffrage cause, underlining the movement's preparedness for the upcoming campaigns.
The impact of Elsie's efforts was not confined to New York. Her reputation as an effective suffrage advocate spread rapidly, leading to her involvement in significant campaigns across the country. The Rocky Mountain News highlighted her influence in an article titled "DENVER GIRL SPEAKER TAKES EAST BY STORM," describing her six-month series of triumphs in the East and her subsequent selection to lead the Nebraska Woman Suffrage Fight. Carrie Chapman Catt praised Elsie as "the most capable organizer and the most eloquent speaker we have—the most effective worker in every phase of our work." Elsie's rapid ascent in the movement was a testament to her oratorical prowess, organizational skills, and her ability to captivate and persuade diverse audiences, whether in a drawing room or on a street corner.
Influence on legislative matters Elsie's impact extended beyond public advocacy to influencing legislative acknowledgment of the suffrage movement's success. In 1915, the Colorado Senate adopted a resolution recognizing the success of woman suffrage in the state after twenty years. This resolution, a testament to the suffrage movement's effectiveness in Colorado, was adopted at Elsie's request, reflecting her significant influence even after moving to New York to aid in the suffrage work there. This recognition by the Colorado legislature underscored the tangible results of the suffrage movement's efforts and Elsie's role in these achievements.
Personal sacrifices and dedication Elsie Lincoln Vandegrift's engagement to Ralph Paine Benedict was itself a testament to the modern age and her forward-thinking nature. In an era when long-distance communication was still a novelty, Elsie accepted Ralph's marriage proposal over a long-distance telephone call. This unique engagement, conducted across the miles, underscored the non-traditional and progressive spirit that Elsie embodied. The couple's engagement via telephone also highlighted their dedication to their respective careers and to the suffrage movement, willing to embrace a long-distance relationship amidst their busy professional lives. In a display of her unwavering dedication, Elsie postponed her wedding until after the Nebraska election, prioritizing the suffrage cause. She expressed her intent to remain in Omaha to await the outcome of the women's suffrage amendment before returning to Denver for her marriage. She married her husband, Ralph Paine Benedict, on November 1, 1914, by Judge Ben B. Lindsey of Colorado.
Even after her marriage, Elsie planned to continue her campaign work, with the full support of her husband, who shared her enthusiasm for the cause. Their relationship and brief honeymoon period exemplified the personal choices many women advocates faced during the suffrage movement.
Contributions to the national suffrage movement Following her marriage, Elsie continued to be a driving force in the National Suffrage Movement. She brought with her the experiences and perspectives of Colorado, a state progressive in women's suffrage, and used these insights to advance the movement on a national scale.