Jane Addams, founder of the Settlement House Movement and first American woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize, was born in Cedarville, Illinois, in 1860. Jane achieved many things including founding the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, founding the Settlement House Movement, and founding the American Civil Liberties Union.

Jane grew up in Cedarville, Illinois, with five brothers and sisters. Her mother died when she was two and her wealthy father remarried. The new stepmother brought two sons with her to the family. Jane made excellent grades in school and decided to work toward getting a degree in medicine. This concerned her parents who were worried she would not marry. All upper-class women were expected to marry well and have children. Jane felt it was unfair that her brothers could have a career when she could not. She did not want to be a housewife; she wanted to have a career! Jane wanted the same rights as her brothers. Jane became extremely depressed, for she would soon have to decide between pleasing her parents and pleasing herself. Jane's father died and her depression increased. Her illness became so bad that she could not walk without feeling pain.

After her recovery, Jane did some sightseeing in Europe, where she was inspired to open a settlement house. Jane returned to the U.S and started a settlement house in Chicago. People were drawn to Jane because of her leadership skills.

Jane campaigned for many rights, including the right for women to vote. During the 1930's, many rights Jane campaigned for were granted. Jane won many awards for her life's work, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931. In 1935, Jane Addams died and was buried in her hometown of Cedarville, Illinois.

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