Harriet Williams Russell Strong American inventor and social activist Date of Birth: 23.07.1844 Country: USA

Biography of Harriet Williams Russell Strong

Harriet Williams Russell Strong was an American inventor and social activist. She was considered one of the key figures in the early women's rights movements and is a member of the National Women's Hall of Fame. She was born in Buffalo, New York, the fourth daughter of Henry Pierrepont and Mary Guest Russell.

In 1852, the Russells moved to California due to Mary's declining health. In 1861, the family relocated again to Carson City, Nevada, where Harriet met her future husband, Charles Lyman Strong. They were married in Virginia City, Nevada when Harriet was only 19 years old.

During their 20-year marriage, Harriet and Charles faced numerous business failures, leading Charles to take his own life in 1883. Harriet had to take control of their estate and support their four daughters. Fortunately, their estate was profitable due to the cultivation of oranges and nuts.

In 1897, Harriet dug several artesian wells on her land, purchased additional land, and established the Paso de Bartolo Water Company. She became the president of the company, with two of her daughters serving as treasurer and secretary. After four years, Harriet sold the company for a substantial sum of money.

Harriet was actively involved in water-related issues, particularly water storage and flood control. She proposed a dam system in the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River, which could be used for irrigation and hydroelectric power. In 1887, she received a patent for her dam and reservoir project. She later received another patent in 1894 for a new water storage method. Her inventions earned her two medals at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

In addition to being an inventor, Harriet was a talented composer and published several songs and a collection of musical sketches. She also served as the vice president of the Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra Association for many years. Harriet founded the women's club "Ebell" in Los Angeles and served as its president for three terms. She was also a member of other city clubs such as "Friday Morning" and "Ruskin Art." Harriet was remembered as the first woman to become a member of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and serve on the board of the Inland Waterways Association.

In 1918, Harriet attended the United States Chamber of Commerce convention in Chicago, representing the trade chambers of Whittier and Los Angeles. She was the first female delegate in the history of the convention. Tragically, on September 6, 1926, Harriet Strong died in a car accident.