Biographical Database of NAWSA Suffragists, 1890-1920

Biography of Christine Corse (Mrs. R. M.) Pollock, 1854-1937

By Rachel Reichow, Undergraduate: University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Director of Federated Women's Clubs in North Dakota, President of the Fargo Fortnightly Women's Club, organized Votes for Women Club of Grand Forks

Christine Corse was born in Racine, Wisconsin on February 14, 1854 to Scottish settlers James and Thomma Corse. Her father was a mason while her mother stayed at home and raised her and her three brothers. She married Robert Middleton Pollock, a prominent judge and community figure in Racine, Wisconsin, on December 31, 1881. They moved to Casselton, North Dakota where they had seven children: Evelyn (adopted), Christine Mina, James, John C., Curtis, Robert S., and Philip Hewison. In 1897, the family relocated to Fargo, North Dakota. Mrs. Pollock died in Fargo on October 29, 1937 due to a stroke and heart condition.

Mrs. Pollock was involved in the North Dakota and federal women's suffrage movement. In 1913 she was a member of the Legislative Council which was the group dedicated to submitting suffrage bills to the state Legislature. The Grand Forks Herald reported on March 30, 1914 that she gave an inspiring speech at a suffrage tea held by the Votes for Women League in Fargo. She also helped to organize the Votes for Women Club, Grand Forks, North Dakota chapter. Her husband composed the suffrage measures proposed to the North Dakota legislature.

Mrs. Pollock was involved in the Presbyterian churches in Racine, Casselton, and Fargo where she taught Sunday school and was a Bible study leader. In Fargo, she was a secretary and served as a member on many church committees. Mrs. Pollock was also a prominent member of various women's clubs in Fargo. She held the position of director of the Federated Women's Club and president of the Fargo Fortnightly Club which did charitable work focusing on families. She was also highly involved in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, editing their White Ribbon Bulletin for many years. Her husband was credited as responsible for the liquor prohibitory clause in the North Dakota state constitution. Mrs. Pollock also gave a speech titled, "Chinese and Japanese in the United States." This speech focused on the missionary work that was being done in San Francisco for the immigrants there.

Right before suffrage was won and following immediately after, Mrs. Pollock was elected to the school board in Fargo, North Dakota, serving from 1914 through 1924. After suffrage, Mrs. Pollock once again focused on serving in her church. She remained a Bible study leader and started a women's Bible study that she led for sixteen years. She retired from these positions shortly before her death in 1937.

Sources:

"Gave Suffrage Tea," Grand Forks Daily Herald, Monday Evening, March 30, 1914 p. 5

"Mrs. R. M. Pollock, Pioneer in Women's Activity, Dies," Fargo Forum, [Fargo, ND], 29 Oct. 1937, pp. 1-2.

National American Woman Suffrage Association. The History of Woman Suffrage, vol. 6. Edited by Ida Husted Harper, J. J. Little & Ives Company, 1922. [LINK]

The Register of Women's Clubs. Frederick A. Stokes Company, 1916.

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