Belva Lockwood, American Lawyer and Author

Belva Ann Bennett Lockwood (October 24, 1830 - May 19, 1917) was an American attorney, politician, educator, and author, who frequently wrote essays about women's suffrage and the need for legal equality for women. Lockwood overcame many social and personal obstacles related to gender restrictions. After college, she became a teacher and principal, working to equalize pay for women in education. She supported the movement for world peace, and was a proponent of the Temperance movement. Lockwood graduated from law school in Washington, D.C. and became one of the first female lawyers in the United States. In 1879, she successfully petitioned Congress to be allowed to practice before the Supreme Court, becoming the first woman attorney given this privilege. Lockwood ran for president in 1884 and 1888 on the ticket of the National Equal Rights Party and was the first woman to appear on official ballots. Representing a third party without a broad base of support, Lockwood did not have a serious chance of winning the presidency. Notable American Women stated she received about 4, 100 votes. Since women could not vote, and most newspapers were opposed to her candidacy, it was unusual that she received any votes. Lockwood died in 1917 at the age of 86. Brady-Handy Collection, 1880-1890

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12697440

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47703752

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3137px x 4500px (1.3MB)

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LOC/Science Source/Mary Evans