Brazil in Clay County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Elizabeth Eaglesfield
Photographed by Bruce InCharlotte, July 5, 2026
1. Elizabeth Eaglesfield Marker, Side One
Pioneering lawyer and entrepreneur Elizabeth 'Bessie' Eaglesfield was born in Clay County in 1853. Indiana's constitution denied women suffrage while also requiring attorneys to be voters. Nevertheless, she gained admittance to the bar in 1875 and practiced in Indiana and Michigan. By 1885, she became active at local and state levels in the fight for women's suffrage.
Eaglesfield was a noted community member, but her litigation work was limited by potential clients' concerns that biases against female lawyers could impact trial outcomes. As a result, she pivoted into the business sector, piloting boats and using her local skills in the operation of her shipping business on the Great Lakes. Eaglesfield died in Michigan in 1940.
Erected 2025 by Indiana Historical Bureau, Clay County Historical Society, Indiana Women's History Association, Indiana Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission, and community partners.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Industry & Commerce • Women. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series
this page online
Location. 39° 31.478′ N, 87° 7.149′ W. Marker is in Brazil, Indiana, in Clay County. It is on South Harrison Street north of East Jackson Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 609 E National Ave, Brazil IN 47834, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Indiana. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Civil War Cannons Rededicated - Restoration (within shouting distance of this marker); Clay County (Indiana) Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Vietnam War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); James R. "Jimmy" Hoffa (approx. 0.3 miles away); You Are Here (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Great Dane Dog
Photographed by Bruce InCharlotte, July 5, 2026
2. Elizabeth Eaglesfield Marker, Side Two
Another marker is no longer nearby. Memorial Building (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
More about this marker. The marker stands on the grounds of the Clay County Courthouse in Brazil.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2026, by Bruce InCharlotte of Charlotte, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 24, 2026, by Bruce InCharlotte of Charlotte, North Carolina. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of the marker in context. • Can you help?
