Berrien, Laura M. (Laura Maria), 1877-1962

She was the daughter Moore and Elizabeth (Palmer) Berrien. She had one brother, John Berrien. Laura’s grandfather, John Berrien, fought in the Battle of the Jerseys during the American Revolution, becoming an original member of the Cincinnati of Georgia. Now known as the Society of the Cincinnati, this organization is the nation’s oldest voluntary society, founded by officers of the Continental Army and French soldiers "to promote knowledge and appreciation of the achievement of American Independence." Due to her lineage from her grandfather, Ms. Berrien was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and is found in the Daughters of the American Revolution lineage books (vol. 152).

Miss Berrien was active in both the National American Woman Suffrage Association and the National Woman's Party. When there was a dispute among party members about the use of its resources, Miss Berrien took an active role in the debate. The debate was about whether to use its resources to further the campaign internationally, or to press exclusively for the Equal Rights Amendment. Berrien stood firm that it needed to be put toward the passage of the Amendment.

When the Georgia League of Women Voters formed by NASWSA-affiliated suffragists in 1919, Laura went from serving as Corresponding Secretary to Second Vice President.

Laura Berrien appears not to have married, passed away 14 August 1962, and was buried in Burke County, Ga., where she had been born.