Elizabeth Scott Chew Dell (1880-1955) - MOVER & SHAKER

This is Elizabeth Scott Chew Dell, the wife of my 2nd cousin twice removed, Albert Harned Dell. I love this photo and the things I learned about Lizzie so much that I had to write about her.

She was born in Piney Hollow, New Jersey, 6 Jun 1880, and married Albert 17 Sep 1898, in Pleasantville, New Jersey, when she was 18 and he was 22.

Their first child, Jeannette, was born the next year. (see photo below) In 1902, Albert H., named for his father, was born, but sadly passed away after just a month. Then followed two more sons, Thomas William (1904-1968) and Albert Harned Jr. (1919-1983) [Names were frequently reused if a child died.]

Lizzie, Albert H. and Jeannette 1900

In searching the newspapers for anything about her life, I came across several articles that mentioned her being president of the Woodbury Women's Republican Club (1924) and involvement with the Campfire Girls. She also was part of the Gloucester County Health Association, established in 1921, which was founded to "establish and maintain an efficient system to advance and promote the public health..."

Most of our female ancestors are little more than a name and a couple of dates, so I was tickled to find her obituary that shared a whole list of her volunteer activities in her 75 years.

• "One of the prime movers in the organization of the American Red Cross under Federal Government auspices"
• Former president of the local WCTU (Women's Christian Temperance Union)
• Former president of the Home and School League (which became the Woodbury, New Jersey - Parent Teacher Council)
• Local leader in the Campfire Girls organization, called a 'guardian'
• Member of the state Tuberculosis board
• Member of the Alturian Glass of Kemble Memorial Church (I can't find anything about this.)
• Member of the Suffrage League
• Member of the Needlework Guild
• Member of the Woman's Club
• Member of the Philadelphia Music Club
• Member of the Matinee Music Club
• Member of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution)
• Former president of the Women's Republican Club of Woodbury NJ

Lizzie was one busy lady throughout her life. Wouldn't it be fun to chat with her about all her many volunteer duties? And why she chose to be so busy?