Caroline Love Goodwin O'Day

Caroline O'Day
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's at-large district
In office January 3, 1935 – January 3, 1943 Seat 2
Preceded by	Elmer Studley
Succeeded by	Winifred Stanley
Personal details
Born	Caroline Love Goodwin O'Day (1869-06-22)June 22, 1869 Perry, Georgia, U.S.
Died	January 4, 1943(1943-01-04) (aged 73) Rye, New York, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Daniel O'Day

Caroline Love Goodwin O'Day (June 22, 1869 - January 4, 1943) was an American politician. She was the third woman, and first woman Democrat, elected to Congress from New York.

Life

She graduated from Lucy Cobb Institute in Athens, Georgia. She studied art in Paris, Munich, and Holland. On April 20, 1901, she married Daniel O'Day. He was secretary and treasurer of Standard Oil Company.

She was President of the Rye School Board. She was a commissioner of the State Board of Social Welfare from 1923 to 1934.

She was vice chairwoman of the New York State Democratic Committee from 1916 to 1920, and Associate Chairwoman from 1923 to 1942. She was a delegate to the 1924, 1928, 1932 and 1924 Democratic National Conventions.

In 1934, 1936, 1938 and 1940, O'Day was elected at-large as a Democrat to the 74th, 75th, 76th and 77th United States Congresses, holding office from January 3, 1935, to January 3, 1943. While in the House she was Chairwoman of the Committee on Election of President, Vice President, and Representatives (75th through 77th Congresses). Among the legislation she sponsored or co-sponsored was the Wagner-O'Day Act, the predecessor to the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act.

She was buried at the Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, New York.

Legacy

The United States Post Office - Rye was renamed the Caroline O'Day Post Office on October 23, 2010 in recognition of her public service.

References

• United States Congress. "Caroline Love Goodwin O'Day (id: O000033)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
• Bio at the Eleanor Roosevelt Papers project