Ohio Women's Convention at Salem in 1850

[4] A local group of the Progressive Friends, an association of Quakers who separated from the main body partly so they could be freer to work for such causes as abolitionism and women's rights, was formed in Salem in 1849.

[6] The call to the Salem convention declared that its purpose would be, "[T]o secure to all persons the recognition of equal rights, and the extension of the privileges of government without distinction of sex, or color".

Cowles, who had ties to both wings of the abolitionist movement, was a long-time advocate for the rights of African Americans.

[10] Josephine Griffing, another prominent activist against slavery and for women's rights, served on the business committee.

[13] The memorial concluded by saying: The law should sustain and protect all who come under its sway, and not create a state of dependence and depression in any human being.

The laws should not make woman a mere pensioner on the bounty of her husband, thus enslaving her will and degrading her to a condition of absolute dependence.

Believing that woman does not suffer alone when subject to oppressive and unequal laws, but that whatever affects injuriously her interests, is subversive of the highest good of the race, we earnestly request that in the New Constitution you are about to form for the state of Ohio, women should be secured, not only the right of suffrage, but all the political and legal rights that are guaranteed to men.

"[14] Letters were read to the convention from prominent women's rights leaders who were unable to attend, including Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, and Lucy Stone.