DeVoe Mansion Bed & Breakfast

An ardent worker for women's rights since girlhood, she was a nationally recognized organizer, leader, and lecturer for the National American Woman Suffrage Association. In 1905 she moved to Washington and became the President of the Washington Equal Suffrage Association. She was successful in winning the vote for women in 1910, making Washington the fifth state to grant women suffrage.

Following this success, Emma went on to found the National Council of Women Voters (the for-runner of today's League of Women Voters). After the passage of the 19th amendment in 1920, Emma remained active in politics by writing a weekly column "The Viewpoint of a Republican Woman" for the Tacoma News Tribune. She also was selected as the first Elector on the Harding ticket. She was encouraged to run for Lieutenant Governor of the state of Washington, but declined, preferring to retire to her beautiful country home. She died on September 3, 1927 at the age of 79. In October 2000, Emma was added to the National Women's Hall of Fame in honor of her amazing achievements in the fight for women's suffrage.

John "Henry" DeVoe was born on September 8, 1846 in Wayne County, New York. At the age of fourteen he joined the Union Army as a drummer. Wounded during the Civil War, he recuperated in an army hospital where he developed a deep appreciation for the dedication of the nurses who nursed him back to health. Henry worked as a lawyer, business man, police magistrate, and as an official for the railroad. Throughout his marriage to Emma he supported her dedication to the suffrage cause and her role in the movement. Henry died on December 25, 1928 at the age of 82.

Emma and Henry married on January 30, 1880 and soon after moved to Huron, South Dakota, where Henry opened a shoe store. The DeVoes had a very important house guest during the time they lived in South Dakota — Miss Susan B. Anthony. During her stay with the DeVoes, Anthony enlisted Emma's help in the South Dakota campaign and discovered Emma's talent for speaking and organizing.

Henry and Emma returned to Illinois in the 1890's settling in Harvey, where Henry worked as an attorney and a police magistrate. In 1905 the DeVoes packed their belongings and moved again, this time westward to Washington. Henry went to work for the railroad, and Emma began her successful fight to gain the ballot for the women of Washington State and the entire U.S.

Whether you're researching Emma, or simply intrigued by her life and achievements, our history tours provide a detailed look at very important American women. We offer private hour-long tours of the mansion and grounds to groups of 2-6 people (by advanced reservation only). The cost is $15 per person and includes a guided tour of the mansion and a packet of information on Emma's life and times.

During the tour you'll learn how this lovely home was designed to meet Emma's needs as President of the Washington Suffrage Association, as well as what it was like to live here at the turn of the century. Tour the parlor and get the feel for what it would be like to be a guest of the DeVoes. Hear how the house was used to promote woman's suffrage.

During the tour you can browse an original copy of the 1910 "Votes For Women Cookbook," and a 1920 phone book listing the DeVoes and their occupations. Read the suffrage victory clipping in the original Tacoma Daily newspaper archive and an article written by a guest of the DeVoe's in 1910. Come and ask your questions — your hosts will be glad to answer as many as they are able. You just may learn some little known facts. At the very least, you'll get an opportunity to see Emma's lovely home.

Call (253) 539-3991 to reserve your tour. Please note, there is a minimum of two people, maximum of six. Sorry, but we can not allow any video or still photography.

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