Women of the West/Nevada
A Few of the Eminent Women of California and Nevada
Women of Nevada Interested In Politics
By Felice Cohn
(Attorney-at-Law, Reno)
What are all of Nevada women interested in? Well, primarily, as we are normal women we are interested in all the things that appeal to women the length and breadth of our country. In varying degrees, of course, according to our individual tastes, education and position—likewise, pocketbooks. Some of us married ones are devoted to our husbands, our families, our homes—a domestic life is the life for us. Some of us, married or unmarried, as the case may be, prefer less domesticity and have gone into the business world with marked success. A few outstanding ones have chosen professional careers and are gallantly fighting our way thru life. All this is interwoven with the usual social interests that include bridge, dancing, golf, organizations of all kinds from the frankly frivolous ones to the splendid study or welfare clubs that demand (and receive) much unselfish devotion on the part of the members.
Nothing unusual in all this. On the surface of things, at least the lives of us Nevada women appear much like the lives of our sisters in other states—broadened and sweetened, mayhap, by the splendid liberty that is ours.
But, no matter how varied our tastes may be; no matter whether we be homemakers or business women, or perhaps both (for we frequently combine these talents); no matter whether we be young or old, rich or poor, active or ailing, we have one great interest that appeals to us all. We are all sisters under the skin. There is one clarion call that we all respond to and one topic of conversation that never grows old or stale or loses interest, and that is Politics! Yes, Politics—capital "P" at that!
Not that we are all politicians or running for office or anything like that! Far from it, tho we have our quota of women politicians who perform their duties as well as any men could. But we are all just naturally interested in the subject of politics for the very simple and understandable reason that we know all, or nearly all, of our politicians personally. If we don't know them, we do know their families, or their in-laws! We have seen them; we have met them; we have talked to them and, like as not, we have entertained them in our homes. Often we have grown up with them and frequently, they are members of our own family. At all events, they are not abstract personalities, these politicians of ours. We don't have to take their measure through the newspapers. Whether they be senators, or congressmen, or governors or other state officials or merely petty county officers, we are well acquainted with them or somebody belonging to them, and we are not afraid to speak our minds about them, either.
The cause of all this lies in the fact that, although Nevada with her some 110,000 square miles is the third state in point of size, her population is below 100,000, thus giving, as one witty woman said, "A square mile for every square man (or woman)." So our women, as well as our men, take a decidedly keen interest in knowing that the friend or neighbor is running for office. It follows that, what in other states might be a more or less perfunctory duty, in this state of ours, it is a personal pleasure to vote for, or against, our politicians. With the strong Kleig light of private opinion (much more pitiless than public opinion) turned on them, it is no wonder that the old battle-cry, "Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their party" is heard in the land. But then, politicians are politicians the world over, and we are all beguiled by their smiling faces and fair promises and we are vitally concerned over the fate of the least of these. We are not unmindful of the political doings of our neighboring states but, of course, they lack the personal element that gives such a tang to our conversations at home, at clubs, over the tea-table or at bridge, for we certainly mingle our politics with all our activities and who shall say us nay?
Western Women In Government
By Reah Whitehead
(Justice of the Peace, Seattle, Washington)
Women are in Government objectively and subjectively; objectively in the sense of holding public positions, subjectively in their influence upon Government through clubs, civic organizations and other groups.
Referring first to "Women in Government" objectively, available sources reveal the following in my own State of Washington.
There are 39 counties in the State. The following county offices are now held by women.
ELECTIVE
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Supt. of Schools
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20 |
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Auditor
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6 |
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Clerk
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8 |
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Treasurer
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8 |
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Assessor
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1 |
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Justice of the Peace
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2 |
APPOINTIVE
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Deputy Prosecuting Attorney—(1 designated as "Divorce Proctor")
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2 |
The following state positions are held by women:
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Supt. of Schools (elective)
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Supervisor of Women in Industry (appointive)
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Senator
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1 |
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Representative
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1 |
A woman, Mrs. Bertha K. Landes, has just completed a two-year term (elective) as Mayor of Seattle, a city of nearly 500,000.
The following appointive positions in Seattle are also filled by women:
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Member Public Library Board
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1 |
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Member Park Board
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2 |
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Member Civil Service Commission
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1 |
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Supt. of City Schools
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1 |
In at least one city in the State, a woman holds the elective position of city attorney.
There are approximately seventeen police women in the State—eight in Seattle. The movement for police women generally is growing rapidly throughout the United States. Prevention and protection are their chief objectives.
Women of Washington are qualified jurors. In actual practice, about an equal number of men and women participate in this important governmental service.
By a recent act of the State Legislature, the State Committee of any political party must consist of one committee woman and one committee man from each county.
There are doubtless other positions elective and appointive, held by women in Washington, but the above includes most of those of which records are available at this time.
In the three other states of the Northwest—Idaho, Montana and Oregon, many interesting and important positions have been held by women in the past few years. Here are a few selected a few selected at random:
MONTANA:
- State Supt. of Public Instruction and others in educational positions.
- Director of Child Welfare, State Board of Health.
- Member State Board of Charities and Reforms.
- Deputy Registrar State Lands.
OREGON:
- State Senator.
- State Librarian.
- Assistant to State Attorney General.
- Judge of District Court.
- Member of the following State Boards:
- Board of Regents, State Agricultural College, University of Oregon.
- Board of Examination of Graduate Nurses.
- Board of Text Book Commissioners.
- Board of Inspection of Child Labor.
- Child Welfare Commission.
- Vocational Education.
- Parole Board.
As to "Women in Government" subjectively, their numbers are legion. Ever since acquiring the right to vote, they have been seriously and intensively studying civics, science of government and practical politics, through their clubs, civic organizations and extension courses. The effectiveness of women in organized groups is evidenced by two national amendments adopted by the United States within the past nine years,—the 18th or Prohibition Amendment, and the 19th or Suffrage Amendment. The first was largely due to the ceaseless efforts of the W.C.T.U., and the second to the various woman suffrage organizations. These two amendments have, in many respects, revolutionized the course of our Government.
Upon the acquisition of suffrage their political garments were handed to women ready-made. These did not always fit, nor were they always comfortable. Women set about learning to make their own, through clubs and other groups. While they have been doing intensive work in their dress-making courses, they have not been unduly rushing. When they do step out and put to practical use the training they have acquired, they want to know how to make good garments,—garments made for and by themselves, and garments that will fit!
Citizenship has brought to women responsibilities as well as privileges. Men, during their centuries of citizenship, have fought and bled and died for their country, and the ideals it represented to them. Women will never fight on the field of battle. They, like most men, do not believe in war and, unlike men, are able to resist its urge because they have not the fear of the challenge of cowardice being hurled at them. Their battles will be fought on the field of human ideas, opinions and judgments, and there they will contend, struggle and suffer, if need be, for their country and the ideals it represents to them.
Women of the United States gained national suffrage only eight years ago. Adult women had grown up without full-citizenship consciousness; girl children who were then ten or twelve years old, have just now reached voting age with half-citizenship consciousness; those born at or since the granting of suffrage have not yet acquired their majority. What will be the result of "Women in Government" in the next decade or two, when a whole generation of young women will have been born and reared with full-citizenship consciousness?
NEVADA
CHAPPELLE, (Mrs. B. F.), born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 2, 1897, a resident of Nevada for the last 4 years. Married to Benjamin Franklin Chappelle. Assistant in Psychology, University of Nevada. State president, Nevada League of Women Voters; has studied in America and abroad, has specialized in French, Psychology and Anthropology. Member: Twentieth Century Club, League of Women Voters, American Ass'n of University Women, Zeta Tau Alpha, Phi Kappa Phi. Home: 576 Ridge Street, Reno, Nevada.
CHISM, Alice A., (Mrs.), a native of Bergen, New York, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. M. Hitchcock. Former resident of Iowa, living in Nevada for the last 52 years. Children: John Edward, Harry, Gardner. Charter member of Suffrage Society. Former teacher; past president of W. C. T. U. Member: W. C. T. U., D. A. R., Elderberry Club. Home: Box 808, Reno, Nevada.
CLARK, Euphenia, (Mrs. W. E.), born in Duanesburgh, New York, February 20, 1881; a resident of Nevada for the last 10 years. Married to Dr. Walter E. Clark. Children: Walter, Euphenia, Miriam, David. Very active in social service and musical activities. Member: American Ass'n of University Women, K. A. O., and several local clubs. Home: President's house, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada.
CLINEDINST, Lillie Barbour, (Mrs. J. B.), born March 3, 1885, in Rocky Mount, Virginia, daughter of J. R. and Abagail E. Barbour, a resident of Nevada for six years. Married to J. B. Clinedinst. Expert in factory inspection work. Identified with Labor Organization since 1904. Secretary-Treasurer, Nevada State Fed. of Labor, elected in 1924 (first woman in the United States to be elected to such a position). From 1910 to 1917, State Factory Inspector, Dept. of Labor, Richmond, Va. Has represented the National Child Labor Committee for a number of years. From 1917-19, Inspector Child Labor Division, U. S. Children's Bureau. Made inspections for violation of the Interstate Commerce Child Labor Act in workshops, canneries, shipyards, mills and manufacturing establishments. From 1919–22 Inspector, Child Labor Tax Division, U. S. Treas. Dept. Always active in civic and governmental affairs. State secretary, Nevada League of Women Voters. Home: P. O. Box 622, Carson City, Nevada.
COHN, Felice, (Miss), a native of Carson City, Nevada; resident of Reno for the last 5 years. Daughter of Morris and Pauline Sheyer Cohn. Attorney-at-law; admitted to practice in Nevada, Calif., Colo., and all United States Courts, including United States Supreme Court. Assistant, U. S. District Attorney, 1913; Hearings Attorney, U. S. Land Office, 1918-22 (first and only woman to hold said position); United States Referee in Bankruptcy for State of Nevada. Member: Reno Business and Professional Women's Club, Washoe County Bar Ass'n., Nevada State Bar Ass'n., American Bar Ass'n., National Women Lawyers Ass'n. Office: 14-15 Gray-Reid Building. Home: Colonial Apts., Reno, Nevada.
FLANIGAN, Minnie, (Miss), born in Owego, New York, October 23, 1878, daughter of James and Mary Flanigan, resident of Nevada for 27 years. Society Editor, Nevada State Journal. Was active in the campaign for woman's suffrage in the state of Nevada; past president of Twentieth Century Club. Member: Reno Club, Business and Professional Women's Club, Twentieth Century Club, American Penwomen. Home: 429 West Second Street, Reno, Nevada.
FRANZMAN, Mary C., (Mrs.), a native of Chask, Minnesota, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Souter, a resident of Nevada for 23 years. Married to John Franzman. Children: Herbert J., Eugene R., George W. Very active in Mother Clubs and for 13 years President of Ladies Aid in Reno. Elected 1928, Republican Nat'l Committeewoman and one of the organizers of the Women's Suffrage Movement, vice chairman of the Republican County Committee. Member: Republican Club (president), Women's Citizen Club, W. C. T. U. Home: P. O. Box 222, Reno, Nevada.
HAZLETT, Fanny G., (Mrs.), a native of Massachusetts, daughter of Stephen and Joan Whitcomb Gore. For 67 years a resident of Nevada. Married to the late Dr. John C. Hazlett. Children: Gertrude H. Randall. Pioneer. Writer. Crossed the plains in 1862 to Nevada in the days of the Comstock Mines. Has contributed considerably to newspapers. Member: Elderberry Club. Home: 701 University Ave., Reno, Nevada.
HUMPHREY, (Mrs. Frank Ellis), born in Lodi, California, January 26, 1874, resident of Reno, Nevada, for 14 years. Married to Frank Ellis Humphrey. Children: Marion Bender, Frank Ellis, Jr. Very active in club work in California; Grand President, Native Daughters of the Golden West; for several years executive secretary Native Sons and Daughters' Central Committee on Homeless Children; member of Board of Governors of Nevada State Industrial School for 12 years; served as president, Mary S. Daten Mothers' Club, Junior High School P. T. A., Twentieth Century Club. Member: Monday Literary Club, Senior High School P. T. A., Business and Professional Women's Club, Latimer Art Club. Home: 467 Ralston Street, Reno, Nevada.
JACOBS, Gussie, (Mrs.), a native of Russia, former resident of California, for the last 16 years living in Nevada. Married to Solomon S. Jacobs. Children: Joseph N. Takes part in many civic activities. President, Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood. Member: Rebekahs, Woodcraft, B. B. Auxiliary. Home: 779 W. 5th St., Reno, Nevada.
KENT, Rachel Fitch, (Mrs. C. H.), born in Renssalaer, N. Y., Nov. 24, 1898. A former resident of California but living in Reno, Nevada for the last eight years. Married to Clarence Hammond Kent. Instructor in English, University of Nevada. At present Chapter Regent, Nevada Sagebrush Chapter D. A. R. Member: Twentieth Century Club, Woman's Faculty Club of University of Nevada, American Ass'n of University Women. Home: 612 W. 5th St., Reno, Nevada.
MARTIN, Anne Henriette (Miss), born in Empire City, Nevada, September 30, 1875, daughter of William O'Hara and Louise Stadtmuller Martin. Publicist. A. B., University of Nevada. A. B., A. M., Stanford University. Studied at Columbia, in London and in Leipzig. Professor of history and lecturer on art history, University of Nevada. Traveled in Europe and Orient. Active in woman's suffrage movement in Nevada. The first woman member of Nevada Educational Survey Commission (1915). Ran twice on Independent ticket for U. S. Senator from Nevada. Has written many articles on economical, political and suffrage subjects. Member: Kappa Kappa Gamma, American Historical Ass'n, Phi Kappa Phi, S. F. Women's City Club, National Arts, N. Y., Lyceum, etc. Home: 429 West Second St., Reno, Nevada.
MOORE, Anna Virginia Chatham, (Mrs.), born in Maryland, May 26, 1890, daughter of James Thomas and Mary Virginia Chatham, resident of Nevada for the last 10 years. B.A., M.A., University of Nevada. Literary research worker. State vice-president, National League of American Penwomen (organized Reno Branch). Member of Phi Kappa Phi and Delta Alpha Epsilon (English Honor Society); for several years a patroness of Sigma Alpha Omega Sorority, University of Nevada. Member: Twentieth Century Club, Reno Country Club, Nevada League of Women Voters, League of American Penwomen, American Ass'n. of University Women, Mayflower Chapter, O. E. S. Home: 515 S. Virginia St., Reno, Nevada.
PATRICK, Fannie Brown, (Mrs.), born Fairfield, Iowa, August 29, 1864, daughter of Isaac H. and Sarah Ellen Brown. Former resident of Nebraska, living in Nevada for the last 24 years. Married to the late Frank Goodwill Patrick. Children: Octa Maude (dec.), Lloyd Brown. Music Teacher. Active in civic work. Chairman of Council of Education, Y. W. C. A.; past president, State Fed. of Women's Clubs of Nevada; past National Committee woman of Nevada Democratic Party; trustee and secretary of Southside Irrigating Canal Co. Member: Twentieth Century Club, Y. W. C. A., Hillcrest Chapter of Delphian (president). Home: P. O. Box 287, Reno, Nevada.
PRATT, Emma Diehm (Mrs.), born in Storm Lake, Iowa, daughter of William and Emma Diehm, a resident of Reno, Nevada, for nine years. Married to Walter E. Pratt. Supervisor of Music, teacher of piano and voice. Supervisor of Music, Malone, N. Y., Winchester, Mass.; Assistant in Music, Boston, Mass.; Instructor in Music, University of Nevada; organist and director of choir in First Baptist Church, Reno. Conductor Twentieth Century Choral Club, Reno Nevada; organizer and director, Ensemble Players String Orchestra, Reno. Member: Twentieth Century Club, Reno; Women's Faculty Club, University of Nevada. Home: 645 Mill Street, Reno, Nevada.
ROSE, Mary G. (Mrs. D. M.), born February 1, 1875, in Winnemucca, Nevada, daughter of Patrick and Ellen O'Donnell. Married to David M. Rose. Children: Donald, Helen (deceased). Ranch owner and stock raiser. Member of the State Legislature of Nevada (1925). Former school teacher; at one time librarian of Public Library, Winnemucca. Member: Winnemucca Civic Club (former secretary), P. T. A. Home: 1433 Tonapah St., Reno, Nev.
SOUTHWARD, Joan, (Mrs.), born in Lyons, France, April 13, 1886, former resident of New York living in Nevada for 4 years. Married to State Banking Commissioner, George Morland Southward. Artist producer. Has written several sketches and short plays to suit local needs. Instrumental in having bill passed in Nevada State Legislature to exempt Community Theatres from taxation. Founder of Community Theatre Movement in the state of Nevada; producer of pageant at Cathedral Gorge. Member: L. A. Opera and Fine Arts Club, Drama League of America, International Writers' League, Reno Twentieth Century Club; Reno Golf Club. Home: 325 Ridge St., Reno, Nevada.
SPANN, Harriet Gaddis (Mrs. S. T.), born in Alpine, Texas, 1888, daughter of Dr. John M. and Lucy T. Pugh Gaddis, a resident of Nevada for twelve years. Married to Dr. Samuel T. Spann. Children: Charles, John. Educator. Member of State Central Democratic Committee; National Committee Woman of Nevada. For three years, Dramatic Chairman, Drama Workshop, Century Club. Member: Delphian, Century Club, League of Women Voters, South Side Mothers Club. Home: 221 West Liberty St., Reno, Nevada.
WIER, Jeanne Elizabeth, Dr. (Miss), born in Grinnell, Iowa, April 8, 1870, daughter of Adolphus William and Elizabeth Wier. Former resident of Iowa, Oregon and California; living in Nevada for the last 29 years. B.A., LL.D. Professor University of Nevada. Founder and executive secretary, Nevada State Historical Society; head of Department of History and Political Science, University of Nevada, 1899-28; compiler and editor of all Nevada State Historical Society publications. Contributor to Encyclopaedia Britannica and Dictionary of American Biography. Former vice-president, Pacific Coast Branch, American Historical Ass'n. Member: American Historical Ass'n., American Political Science Ass'n., American Ass'n. of University Professors, Phi Beta Kappa, League of American Penwomen, Nevada Fed. of Women's Clubs (Honorary), Latimer Art Club, Pi Gamma Mu, Phi Kappa Phi. Home: 120 East Ninth St., Reno, Nevada.