Belva Ann Lockwood

Belva Ann Lockwood. Patriot, Pioneer, Lawyer, Suffragist. , Born Belva Ann Bennett in 1830, Mrs. Lockwood began her career as a teacher. After being widows at a young age, she relocated from upstate New York to Washington, D.C. in 1866 to open a seminary for women and take charge of the Union League Hall, a hub of the burgeoning suffragette movement., In 1873, Mrs. Lockwood, along with 15 other women, gained admission to the National University Law School (later the George Washington University). Despite initial opposition from school administrators, she successfully petitioned President Ulysses S. Grant to ensure she received her diploma. Overcoming prejudice against women in her field, Mrs. Lockwood was later admitted to the D.C. Bar. She became a prominent figure on Capitol Hill, known for her travels on her "iron horse" tricycle, advocating for women's suffrage and other legal matters., On March 3, 1879, Mrs. Lockwood achieved admission to practice before the Supreme Court, having successfully lobbied Congress for legislation permitting qualified women to join the bar. Subsequently, she became the first woman to argue a case before the Supreme Court of the United States., Beyond her legal accomplishments, Mrs. Lockwood's legacy extended to the political sphere. She became the Equal Rights Party's candidate for President of the United States in both 1884 and 1888, becoming the first woman to legally run for President. Additionally, she played a crucial role in advocating for peaceful conflict resolution in international disputes, representing the Universal Peace Union at several Paris conferences., As a member of the District of Columbia Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Mrs. Lockwood was actively involved in reform activities during the Progressive Era. Her dedication and that of other members helped turn the dream of women's voting rights into a reality., Belva Ann Lockwood passed away in 1917, three years before the passage of the 19th Amendment which granted women the right to vote., Information Plaque donated in her honor by the Judge Lynn Chapter, District of Columbia Society, Daughters of the American Revolution. Credit for information: Supreme Court of the United States Archives; George Washington School of Law; National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. All images courtesy of the Supreme Court of the United States., Born: Circa 1830 , Died: Circa 1917 .