I, Zeb the Duck, and Soapy Smith Duck, are impressed with Wyoming women.   In Laramie, Wyoming we visited the Ivinson Mansion.   In 1870 Edward Ivinson bought this city block for his personal residence.

Ivinson Mansion in Laramie

When completed, the mansion had central heating, electric lights and running water. The Ivinson Mansion was the “crown jewel” of Laramie.   Today the mansion contains the Laramie Plains Museum, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today I want to tell you about the women of Wyoming.   On the grounds of the Ivinson Mansion this statue of Elizabeth Cody Stanton is a tribute to Wyoming women as they shattered the political barriers of the times.

Tribute to the early women of Wyoming

In 1870 the first women were on a jury.

First women on jury:  Eliza Stewart, Amelia Hatcher, G.F. Hilton, Mary Mackel, Agnes Baker and Sarah Pease

In the same year and for the same trial, Martha Symons-Boies became the first woman bailiff in the world.

First woman bailiff, Martha Symons-Boies

In the same year on September 6, 1870 Louisa Gardner Swain became the first woman to vote.

First woman to vote:  Louisa Gardner Swain

If that were not enough firsts for the women of Wyoming, in 1910 Mary Godat Bellamy, Mollie to her friends, became the first woman to be elected to the Wyoming state legislature and began serving in 1911.

First woman elected to Wyoming legislature was Mary Godat Bellamy

She was elected again in 1918.  Wyoming is a fascinating state and the early women of Wyoming were fantastic!   Now I like Wyoming even more than before.

Ivinson mansion from statue honoring women in politics