Louisa Stevenson

Louisa Stevenson (15 July 1835–1908) was a Scottish campaigner for women's university education, women's suffrage and effective, well-organised nursing.

Family

Stevenson was born at Glasgow, the daughter of James Stevenson (1786–1866), a merchant of Glasgow and his wife Jane Stewart Shannan, daughter of Alexander Shannan, a merchant of Greenock. Louisa was one of a large family including her fellow-campaigner and sister Flora, the architect John James Stevenson, and MP James Cochran Stevenson. The family moved to Jarrow in 1844 when James Stevenson became partner in a chemical works. After he retired in 1854 the family moved to Edinburgh shortly before Mrs Stevenson died, and in 1859 they settled in a house in Randolph Crescent where Louisa, Flora, Elisa Stevenson (1829–1904), an early suffragist, and Jane Stevenson (1828–1904) spent the rest of their lives. Jane was a strong influence within the family but did not join in her sisters' activities beyond the home. After their father died leaving them comfortably off they were able to contribute financially to various causes.