Camden in Benton County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Senator Mildred Jolly Lashlee
1906-1966
Photographed By Karen Emerson-McPeak, October 15, 2017
1. Senator Mildred Jolly Lashlee Marker
Inscription.
Senator Mildred Jolly Lashlee. Mildred Jolly Lashlee was the first woman elected to the Tennessee Senate for a full “regular” term. Elected in November 1944, she represented the 26th Senatorial District. Before her election she was appointed to complete the term of her husband, Senator John Wyly Lashlee, who died on July 9, 1944. She was the first woman on the Senate Finance Committee. A graduate of Huntingdon High School, she studied at Columbia College of Dramatic Arts and the Chicago Conservatory of Music and taught music and dramatic arts in Bruceton and Camden schools. The Lashlees’ sons, John and Frank, both served in elective offices. Mildred J. Lashlee served one senatorial term from 1945 to 1947. In 1960 she served as a national delegate to the Democratic National Convention. She worked as chief personnel interviewer for the Department of Employment Security until her death on February 23, 1966. She is buried beside her husband in the Camden City Cemetery.
Mildred Jolly Lashlee was the first woman elected to the Tennessee Senate for a full “regular” term. Elected in November 1944, she represented the 26th Senatorial District. Before her election she was appointed to complete the term of her husband, Senator John Wyly Lashlee, who died on July 9, 1944. She was the first woman on the Senate Finance Committee. A graduate of Huntingdon High School, she studied at Columbia College of Dramatic Arts and the Chicago Conservatory of Music and taught music and dramatic arts in Bruceton and Camden schools. The Lashlees’ sons, John and Frank, both served in elective offices. Mildred J. Lashlee served one senatorial term from 1945 to 1947. In 1960 she served as a national delegate to the Democratic National Convention. She worked as chief personnel interviewer for the Department of Employment Security until her death on February 23, 1966. She is buried beside her husband in the Camden City Cemetery.
Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4A 55.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Women. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1945.
Location. 36° 3.492′
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N, 88° 5.82′ W. Marker is in Camden, Tennessee, in Benton County. Marker is on E Main St. Benton County Courthouse Square. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Camden TN 38320, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, March 8, 2020
2. Senator Mildred Jolly Lashlee Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 9, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 17, 2017, by Karen Emerson-McPeak of Triune, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 416 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on October 17, 2017, by Karen Emerson-McPeak of Triune, Tennessee. 2. submitted on March 9, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
