At the International Council of Women in 1888, Susan B. Anthony introduced Matilda Joslyn Gage, who reminisced about her childhood, her growing up years, and the year she officially joined the woman’s rights movement, at the 1852 national convention held in Syracuse. It was Susan B. Anthony’s first convention as well. Here is Anthony’s introduction followed by Gage’s words, from the Proceedings.

MISS ANTHONY  I now present to you Mrs. Matilda Joslyn Gage, who, though not at the convention of 1848, in person, was there in spirit. She attended the Syracuse convention in 1852 at which she and I first met the leaders of the Woman's Rights movement. I never saw Lucretia Mott or Lucy Stone, or any of the earlier champions of the cause, except Mrs. Stanton and Abby Kelly, until that day.

MRS. GAGE  I have frequently been asked what first turned my thoughts towards woman's rights. I think I was born with a hatred of oppression, and, too, in my father's house, I was trained in the anti-slavery ranks, for it was one of the stations on the underground railway, and a home of anti-slavery speakers. Well I remember the wonder with which, when a young girl, I looked upon Abby Kelly, when she spoke of the wrongs of black women and black men. Then I remember, before the Round House in my city of Syracuse was finished, a large and enthusiastic anti-slavery convention was held there, attended by thousands of people who all joined in singing William Lloyd Garrison's song, "I'm an Abolitionist and glory in the Name," and as they rang out that glorious defiance against wrong, it thrilled my very heart, and I feel it echoing to this day.

I am indebted to my father for something better than a collegiate education. He taught me to think for myself, and not to accept the word of any man, or society, or human being, but to fully examine for myself. My father was a physician, training me himself, giving me lessons in physiology and anatomy, and while I was a young girl he spoke of my entering Geneva Medical College, whose president was his old professor, and studying for a physician, but that was not to be. I had been married quite a number of years when Elizabeth Blackwell was graduated from that institution, which opened its doors to admit her, closing them, upon her graduation, to women, until since its union with the Syracuse University. But with regard to woman's rights proper, when I saw the reports of the first convention in the New York Tribune, I knew my place; and when I read the notice of a convention to be held in Syracuse, in 1852, I at once decided to publicly join the ranks of those who spoke against wrong. But I was entirely ignorant of all parliamentary rule, or what was necessary to be done. I prepared my speech, and going to the convention, sat near the front, and with a palpitating heart waited until I obtained courage to go upon the platform, probably to the interference of arrangements, for I knew nothing about the proper course for me to take. But I was so sweetly welcomed by the sainted Lucretia Mott, who gave me a place, and, when I had finished speaking, referred so pleasantly to what I had said, and to her my heart turned always with truest affection. [The text of Gage's speech is on the Speeches page.]

Soon after the close of the convention, almost immediately afterwards, it was criticized from the pulpit by the Rev. Mr. Ashley, of the Episcopal Church, and Rev. Mr. Sunderland, now of this city, but then established at Syracuse. With the latter gentleman I carried on a long newspaper controversy. As Miss Grew has truly said, it is not religion that has opposed woman suffrage, because true religion believes in undoing the heavy burdens and letting the oppressed go free. But from the church and from theology this reform has met opposition at every step.

Report of the International Council of Women, assembled by the National Woman Suffrage Association, Washington, D.C., March 25 to April 1, 1888. Washington, D. C.: National Woman Suffrage Association, 1888, p. 347.