Susan Lawrence Dana

Susan Lawrence Dana (October 13, 1862 – February 20, 1946) was an American philanthropist and heiress to a substantial fortune, including silver mines in the Rocky Mountains. After her father died, Lawrence Dana took over his western mines and properties throughout central Illinois. She was also a leading philanthropic figure in Illinois. In the early 1900s, Dana commissioned the architect Frank Lloyd Wright to design and build the Dana–Thomas House in Springfield, as well as a library for the Lawrence Education Center, named after her father.

In the 1920s, Lawrence Dana was heavily involved with the National Woman’s Party (NWP) and its efforts to gain equal rights for women. The NWP appointed Dana as the legislative chairwoman for the Illinois branch in 1923. In this role, she organized meetings and communications, and lobbied the legislature. She was in regular correspondence with Alice Paul and Burnita Shelton Matthews regarding these efforts. Lawrence Dana also arranged for Anita Pollitzer, National Secretary of the NWP, to give a speech at her house in 1923. She also hosted a number of other events that focused on social justice. Lawrence Dana was appointed by Illinois Governor Edward Fitzsimmons Dunne as the only woman member of the Commission Half-Century Anniversary of Negro Freedom in 1913. She also served as a member of the Executive Committee of the Sangamon County Republican women's organization. After experiencing the death of family members and two husbands, Lawrence Dana began a spiritual journey, which led to her efforts in the creation of Springfield’s Unity Church of Practical Christianity.