Belva Ann Lockwood

Washington, DC, lawyer and women's rights activist
Born Belva Bennett in Royalton, NY
Taught at a number of schools in upstate New York
Her first husband died in 1853
She resumed teaching and chose to continue her education
Graduated from Genesee College (later Syracuse University) in 1857
Relocated to Washington, DC
Attended the new National University Law School from 1871 to 1873 and was admitted to the District of Columbia bar in 1873
In 1872 she secured the passage of a law granting equal pay for equal work to women employees in the federal government
Became the first woman admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court (1879)
Lockwood ran twice for U.S. president as the National Equal Rights Party's candidate (1884 and 1888)
In 1903 she wrote the congressional amendments granting suffrage to women in the new states of Oklahoma, Arizona, and New Mexico
Lockwood was a delegate to various peace congresses in Europe

Next -->

Featured High School Resources