Virginia Claypool Meredith
"Queen of American Agriculture"
As a writer, speaker, stockbreeder, and university professor, Meredith (born 1848) encouraged women to pursue education and careers related to farm life. She inherited Oakland Farm, three blocks south, 1882. Successfully grew business and reputation as farm expert. Appointed to 1893 World's Fair Board of Lady Managers. She was known as "Queen of American Agriculture."
By 1880s, Meredith promoted advancement of farm women to international audience through speeches for farmers’ institutes and women’s clubs, and in publications, including Breeders’ Gazette. She led efforts to establish home economics science education at University of Minnesota and Purdue University. First female Purdue Trustee, 1921, she served until death, 1936.
Erected 2014 by Indiana Historical Bureau, Western Wayne Heritage, Inc., Indiana National Road Association, Purdue University Extension, and Indiana Women’s History Association, Inc. (Marker Number 89.2014.1.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Education • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is November 5, 1848.
Location. 39° 48.767′ N, 85° 9.736′ W. Marker is in Cambridge City, Indiana, in Wayne County. Marker is on National Road (U.S.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Overbeck House and Studio (within shouting distance of this marker); Iron Brigade Commander (within shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln's Funeral Train (approx. 0.4 miles away); General Solomon Meredith (approx. 0.4 miles away); Cambridge City Veterans Memorial (approx. half a mile away); 1904-1925 "Dinkey" (approx. half a mile away); Cambridge City (approx. half a mile away); Indian Boundary Line (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cambridge City.
Also see . . .
1. Virginia C Meredith: The Queen of American Agriculture (YouTube, 10 min.). "Documentary on the life of Virginia Claypool Meredith, the first woman trustee at Purdue University. Narrated by Phyllis Mattheis co-author of "The Queen of American Agriculture". This book as available from Purdue University Press." (Submitted on July 19, 2018.)
2. Virginia Claypool Meredith (Wikipedia). "Virginia Claypool Meredith (November 5, 1848 – December 10, 1936) was an American farmer, lecturer, clubwoman, and university trustee, named the "Queen of American Agriculture" by the state of Mississippi in 1890." (Submitted on July 19, 2018.)
Additional keywords. National Road
Credits. This page was last revised on June 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2018, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 327 times since then and 92 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 17, 2018, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. 4. submitted on June 27, 2020, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.