Rebecca Felton’s 1835-1930, was born in De Kalb County, Georgia. She is the first Woman to join the U.S. Senate, (67th 1921-23). Her brief and essentially symbolic service in the Senate stood in contrast to her decades of participation in Georgia politics and civic affairs. It was her participation in managing Georgia’s exhibits at the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 held in Chicago that sparked her interest in national politics. Felton had come into contact with other women activists from around the nation and endorsed many of the crusades of Southern progressivism, including temperance and prison reform. Rebecca also was a gifted writer. It was through her writings that Felton became a visible presence in Georgia politics. She supported women’s suffrage, Prohibition, and public education, especially vocational training for girls, while fighting the state’s system of convict leasing.
Creator
Library of Congress - National Photo Company Collection
Date
Between 1909 and 1932
Source
Wikimedia & Alchetron
Rebecca Latimer Felton. First Woman to serve as a U.S. Senator, 1921-23