Elsie Lincoln Benedict (née Vandegrift; November 2, 1885 – February 5, 1970), also known as 'The Wonder Woman',[1][2] was advertised as the world's best known lecturer[3][4][5] 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.

[7] 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[8] and a successful participant in oratorical contests.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

[23] Catt's decision to recruit Elsie marked a significant turn in her career, transitioning from a local journalist to national suffrage spokesperson.

"[26] 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

One such moment of joy came with the signing of the suffrage bill by Governor Lynn Frazier of North Dakota in January 1917, granting women the right to vote after July 1.

With characteristic humor and sharp observation, she noted the predominance of obesity among lawyers, a remark that played on the physical and intellectual 'types' prevalent in the profession at the time.

This lighthearted commentary at the Palace Hotel was not just a display of Elsie's expertise in human analysis but also her ability to engage with diverse audiences, earning her accolades and echoing her status as a sought-after speaker on broader societal issues.

Her opening night in Los Angeles, for instance, attracted an overwhelming audience of 1,200, surpassing the venue's capacity of 1,000, showcasing her popularity and the public's eagerness to hear her insights.

[39] During her 1920 Human Analysis lecture series in Seattle, she drew larger audiences than those that greeted President Wilson, a testament to her extraordinary appeal and the high regard in which she was held as a speaker.

She built a cobblestone cottage in the Carmel Highlands, California, which became a hub for her and her husband, Ralph, to continue their creative endeavors and host friends.

In a 1922 lecture at Scottish Rite Auditorium, she commented, "Most people use less brains in selecting the person with whom they are to spend their lives than they do in choosing an automobile, a bicycle or a cut of steak.

[citation needed] In May 1926, American evangelist and Foursquare Church founder, Aimee Semple McPherson, disappeared for months and the case remains unsolved.

With her husband, Ralph, hospitalized and her son Elson serving in the Royal Australian Air Force in Libya, she endured a period marked by uncertainty and concern for her family's safety.

He later returned the United States with his wife, Shirley, and their two daughters, Merilyn and Leeanna, settling in Pasadena, California — a move made possible with Elsie's financial support.

She shared a special bond with her granddaughter, Merrilyn, often giving her $20 to ensure she could take the twilight flight to visit her in San Francisco at any time.

Motivated by Elsie's travel stories, Leeanna saved her earnings from babysitting and, at the age of 18, embarked on her own global journey, exploring destinations like Egypt and various countries throughout Europe.

Elsie Lincoln Benedict died at the age of 84 on February 5, 1970, at the Presbyterian Hospital of Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, California, due to mesenteric thrombosis.

[47] Dr. Beth Blum's 2021 article further explores Benedict's impact on modernist thought and the self-help movement, particularly through her work "How to Analyze People on Sight.

"[48] Blum describes Benedict as a pioneering figure who, beyond her suffrage activism, turned her talents to self-help and personal development, positioning her as a forerunner in the field long before it gained widespread recognition.

[51] In 2013, Elsie's original travel scrapbooks, pictures, journal, lecture award trophies, and an unpublished manuscript on Australia were rediscovered and returned to her great-granddaughters.