A good student, Belva attended rural schools and by age 14 whet her appetite for lawyering. This had to wait, however, was offered a teaching position in Lockport. Here she had her while she faced the exigencies of supporting herself and her first taste of independence – as well as her first taste of sex dis- child. Immediately upon graduating, she accepted a position as crimination. As a female, she was paid less than half the salary preceptress of the Lockport Union School. In the ensuing years, paid to her male counterparts for the same work. She protested Belva worked in various schools, becoming active in statewide BBelvaelva LLocockkwoodwood aanndd thethe this inequity as “... an indignity not to be borne...” and through- academic organizations, always urging for a broad education out her life, seized every opportunity to advance “equal pay for for girls. equal work.” But her interest in law kept nagging at her. In 1866, she Though Belva yearned to continue her education, the vast enrolled her now 16-year-old daughter at the Genesee SStrugtruggglele fforor WWomeomenn’s’s EEqquuaalitylity majority of colleges were closed to women, plus her father Wesleyan Seminary and left for Washington, DC. There, she refused to allow it, arguing that education was unimportant for became intrigued by politicians and their power; fascinated by a girl. So, for the moment, she took the only road open to her: law and law-making. She saw limitless possibilities for herself, marriage. In 1848, at the age of 18, she married 22-year-old either as an owner of a small school or in following a career in By Maryann Saccomando Freedman Uriah McNall. They settled near the hamlet of Gasport where government or law. Being a pragmatist, she embarked upon they farmed and ran a mill. A year later, the couple welcomed both paths simultaneously. She started McNall’s Ladies Semi- their only child, Lura McNall. Marriage and motherhood failed nary and became involved in an effort to open the American to dampen Belva’s enthusiasm to pursue learning, however, Foreign Service to women. The latter failed, but it put her in though she acknowledged that marriage was usually the death touch with other women – and men – who encouraged and knell of an ordinary woman’s identity and independence. “For- supported her in her ambitions. ever after,” she would later observe in an 1888 article for Her move to Washington signaled the beginning of a Lippincott’s Monthly Magazine, “[a woman] is known by her lifetime career as a women’s rights activist. She was a founder husband’s name, takes his standing in society, receives only his of the Universal Franchise Association, befriended several friends, is represented by him and becomes a sort of domestic women journalists, joined the National Woman’s Press Associ- nonentity, reflecting, if anything, her husband’s religious, moral, ation and became a credentialed journalist. This latter position and political views, rising or falling in the world as his star shall also served to admit her into meetings otherwise closed to go up or down.” Finding such a future unacceptable, Belva women. instead “directly adapted the unwomanly habit of pursuing my In 1868, Belva met and married Ezekiel Lockwood, 29 years studies after my marriage, writing theses for literary gatherings her senior. A Baptist minister and dentist, Ezekiel supported and sometimes for the press.” Belva’s desire to become a lawyer, shared her commitment to In 1853, Uriah succumbed to tuberculosis, leaving her with women’s rights and not only accepted, but expected, her equal a three-year-old daughter and a meager estate, deeply in debt. contribution to the economics and finances of the family. Without an education, she saw the future as gloomy with no means to support herself or her toddler. As Jill Norgren notes in Belva’s biography, Belva Lockwood, the Woman Who Would Be President, “Tragedy ... freed [her] ... from a woman’s shackles.” Belva saw that education would provide the tools to earn a livelihood. She sold the mill and paid off the debt. Gathering up her few remaining dollars, she enrolled in the Gasport Acad- Belva Lockwood, about the time of emy over the objections and harsh criticisms of her father and her campaign for the presidency friends. Completing her studies at Gasport, she sought employ- in 1884. ment there, only to be told that the board would be hiring a LIBRARY OF CONGRESS man. Midway through the year, however, the man was fired and Belva was chosen to replace him. For the next year and a half, Belva saved her money. Then, in efore there was Hillary Clinton or Shirley Chisholm, there was Belva the fall of 1854, despite the criticism of friends, she left her daughter with her parents and set off on the 60-mile trip to enroll Lockwood. Born Belva Ann Bennett on October 24, 1830 into a in the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary in Lima, which was open to B both men and women. Soon she became aware that her male farming family in Royalton, NY, she would become the first woman classmates were preparing to enroll in Genesee College, which WESTERN NEW YORK HERITAGE had been opened by the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary to offer to practice law before the United States Supreme Court and the first further education for its graduates, and that the college had woman to appear on ballots as a legitimate candidate for the U.S. presidency. already allowed two women to matriculate. Despite the mis - givings of the preceptress of the seminary and the president of the Lockwood’s life and career would also have a lasting and profound impact college, she graduated from Genesee College on June 27, 1857. Belva McNall attended the Gasport Academy following the death of While attending the college, she had taken a law class her husband, Uriah, in 1853. Today, the structure houses apartments. on the legal profession and American society. offered in the village by an unaffiliated law professor, which WESTERN NEW YORK HERITAGE PHOTOGRAPH, 2017
20 Summer 2017 WESTERN NEW YORK HERITAGE 21 A good student, Belva attended rural schools and by age 14 whet her appetite for lawyering. This had to wait, however, was offered a teaching position in Lockport. Here she had her while she faced the exigencies of supporting herself and her first taste of independence – as well as her first taste of sex dis- child. Immediately upon graduating, she accepted a position as crimination. As a female, she was paid less than half the salary preceptress of the Lockport Union School. In the ensuing years, paid to her male counterparts for the same work. She protested Belva worked in various schools, becoming active in statewide BBelvaelva LLocockkwoodwood aanndd thethe this inequity as “... an indignity not to be borne...” and through- academic organizations, always urging for a broad education out her life, seized every opportunity to advance “equal pay for for girls. equal work.” But her interest in law kept nagging at her. In 1866, she Though Belva yearned to continue her education, the vast enrolled her now 16-year-old daughter at the Genesee SStrugtruggglele fforor WWomeomenn’s’s EEqquuaalitylity majority of colleges were closed to women, plus her father Wesleyan Seminary and left for Washington, DC. There, she refused to allow it, arguing that education was unimportant for became intrigued by politicians and their power; fascinated by a girl. So, for the moment, she took the only road open to her: law and law-making. She saw limitless possibilities for herself, marriage. In 1848, at the age of 18, she married 22-year-old either as an owner of a small school or in following a career in By Maryann Saccomando Freedman Uriah McNall. They settled near the hamlet of Gasport where government or law. Being a pragmatist, she embarked upon they farmed and ran a mill. A year later, the couple welcomed both paths simultaneously. She started McNall’s Ladies Semi- their only child, Lura McNall. Marriage and motherhood failed nary and became involved in an effort to open the American to dampen Belva’s enthusiasm to pursue learning, however, Foreign Service to women. The latter failed, but it put her in though she acknowledged that marriage was usually the death touch with other women – and men – who encouraged and knell of an ordinary woman’s identity and independence. “For- supported her in her ambitions. ever after,” she would later observe in an 1888 article for Her move to Washington signaled the beginning of a Lippincott’s Monthly Magazine, “[a woman] is known by her lifetime career as a women’s rights activist. She was a founder husband’s name, takes his standing in society, receives only his of the Universal Franchise Association, befriended several friends, is represented by him and becomes a sort of domestic women journalists, joined the National Woman’s Press Associ- nonentity, reflecting, if anything, her husband’s religious, moral, ation and became a credentialed journalist. This latter position and political views, rising or falling in the world as his star shall also served to admit her into meetings otherwise closed to go up or down.” Finding such a future unacceptable, Belva women. instead “directly adapted the unwomanly habit of pursuing my In 1868, Belva met and married Ezekiel Lockwood, 29 years studies after my marriage, writing theses for literary gatherings her senior. A Baptist minister and dentist, Ezekiel supported and sometimes for the press.” Belva’s desire to become a lawyer, shared her commitment to In 1853, Uriah succumbed to tuberculosis, leaving her with women’s rights and not only accepted, but expected, her equal a three-year-old daughter and a meager estate, deeply in debt. contribution to the economics and finances of the family. Without an education, she saw the future as gloomy with no means to support herself or her toddler. As Jill Norgren notes in Belva’s biography, Belva Lockwood, the Woman Who Would Be President, “Tragedy ... freed [her] ... from a woman’s shackles.” Belva saw that education would provide the tools to earn a livelihood. She sold the mill and paid off the debt. Gathering up her few remaining dollars, she enrolled in the Gasport Acad- Belva Lockwood, about the time of emy over the objections and harsh criticisms of her father and her campaign for the presidency friends. Completing her studies at Gasport, she sought employ- in 1884. ment there, only to be told that the board would be hiring a LIBRARY OF CONGRESS man. Midway through the year, however, the man was fired and Belva was chosen to replace him. For the next year and a half, Belva saved her money. Then, in efore there was Hillary Clinton or Shirley Chisholm, there was Belva the fall of 1854, despite the criticism of friends, she left her daughter with her parents and set off on the 60-mile trip to enroll Lockwood. Born Belva Ann Bennett on October 24, 1830 into a in the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary in Lima, which was open to B both men and women. Soon she became aware that her male farming family in Royalton, NY, she would become the first woman classmates were preparing to enroll in Genesee College, which had WESTERNbeen opened by the Genesee Wesleyan SeminaryNEW to offer YORK HERITAGE to practice law before the United States Supreme Court and the first further education for its graduates, and that the college had woman to appear on ballots as a legitimate candidate for the U.S. presidency. already allowed two women to matriculate. Despite the mis - givings of the preceptress of the seminary and the president of the Lockwood’s life and career would also have a lasting and profound impact college, she graduated from Genesee College on June 27, 1857. Belva McNall attended the Gasport Academy following the death of While attending the college, she had taken a law class her husband, Uriah, in 1853. Today, the structure houses apartments. on the legal profession and American society. offered in the village by an unaffiliated law professor, which WESTERN NEW YORK HERITAGE PHOTOGRAPH, 2017
20 Summer 2017 WESTERN NEW YORK HERITAGE 21 money in hand. On October 7, 1869, she received a terse note from the school’s president advising that her admission would not be expedient, as it would likely distract the attention of the young men. That same year, a law school was established as part of the newly founded National University (which would merge with George Washington University in 1954). Unlike Columbian, it invited several women, Belva included, to attend classes. In early 1871, Belva and 13 other women enrolled. Male students objected, however, proclaiming they would not attend classes with “any woman,” and so the female students were given the option of com- pleting their studies in a segregated program. Belva was one of only two women to complete the course, thus expecting to receive their law diplomas. However, the male students refused to appear on the same stage with women. Not only would Lockwood not appear on stage to graduate, she would not even receive her diploma. Typically, successful candidates of a graduating law class were presented as a group for admission to the District of Colum- bia bar. Without a diploma, however, Belva would be excluded. If she was to have a successful, full-scale law practice, she had to be admitted to the District of Columbia Supreme Court bar. With the traditional path denied, she decided to pursue another avenue. The bar examination committee agreed to have a panel of local practitioners examine Lockwood orally. While the committee declared her proficient in the law, anonymous letters sent to the court opposing her admission succeeded in blocking it.
In the fall of 1854, Belva enrolled in the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, in Lima, NY. By 1857, Undeterred, she tried again – this time with a three-day oral she would graduate from the affiliated Genesee College. examination. Weeks passed following this second examination COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON and nothing happened. She started a court action and still nothing happened. Belva was furious. Ezekiel was dying and she again Service in the Civil War had left Ezekiel in failing health, however, and Belva faced economic disaster. It seemed the woman whom the press soon found herself the primary earner for the family. was calling “the irrepressible Mrs. Lockwood” was up against an Around the time of her second marriage, the debate over the 15th Amend- impenetrable wall. ment – which would ensure voting rights to black men – was dividing women’s In the midst of her bar battle, newspaper editor Theodore rights activists. Belva supported rights for freed men but, like Susan B. Anthony, Tilton offered her a temporary job: a three-month tour of the believed women should not wait any longer for their political rights. Thus, she South as a canvassing agent and correspondent for the New-York joined the National Woman Suffrage Association, which also championed her Tribune. Just before she began her trip, Tilton approached her views on equal education and employment opportunities for women. Regarding with an additional request – would she campaign for Horace the latter issue, Belva focused on the discrimination against women in federal Greeley, the presidential candidate for the newly-formed Liberal government agencies. On the rare occasions when such organizations did hire Republican Party? Despite his refusal to endorse women’s suffrage, women, they were paid less than men, even when working at the next higher level Lockwood agreed. With money tight in the Lockwood house - of employment. hold, it was the only option. With the NWSA’s support, Lockwood became a one-woman show. She began Belva quickly learned to fend for her self on her southern trek, lobbying Congress in private meetings while drumming up support through a traveling alone, making arrangements for accommodations, meals, petition drive. She learned to compromise and use the press. Her efforts resulted public appearances and perfecting the art of meeting the public in in a major victory. While no additional positions were created, women were a grassroots campaign. Twelve of her articles were eventually pub- finally able to be employed in the District and were paid equally. A wrong was lished. When the tour ended, she presented Tilton with an article righted and precedent set. titled, “The Women of Washington.” The article was an exposition of the accomplishments of women professionals in the PursuingWESTERN a Career in Law NEW YORKWomen’s HERITAGE rights icons, Elizabeth Cady Stanton Capital District. She made her point – Washington was full of #"##! ! !! (seated) and Susan B. Anthony, ca. 1890. Though educated, sensible and accomplished women deserving of the vote. !!#"! Throughout her efforts on behalf of women’s rights, Belva continued to be Belva would initially ally herself with these women Following her tour, Belva resumed her law practice as best she ! fascinated by the law. She read legal treatises but was unable to find a lawyer to by joining the National Woman Suffrage Associa - could. She gave legal advice and occasionally even argued in court. tion, their support of Republican candidate James # #! take her on as a “student.” In 1869, she attended a lecture at the Columbian Blaine was one of several reasons Lockwood would This won her the support of several men in the court. Police, Jus- College (which would become George Washington University in 1904), whose sever ties with them in the 1880s. tice Court judges and practitioners alike saw her as practical, per- new law class was looking for students. Belva presented herself for matriculation, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS suasive and likeable. Several of those judges and the judge of the
22 Summer 2017 WESTERN NEW YORK HERITAGE 23 money in hand. On October 7, 1869, she received a terse note from the school’s president advising that her admission would not be expedient, as it would likely distract the attention of the young men. That same year, a law school was established as part of the newly founded National University (which would merge with George Washington University in 1954). Unlike Columbian, it invited several women, Belva included, to attend classes. In early 1871, Belva and 13 other women enrolled. Male students objected, however, proclaiming they would not attend classes with “any woman,” and so the female students were given the option of com- pleting their studies in a segregated program. Belva was one of only two women to complete the course, thus expecting to receive their law diplomas. However, the male students refused to appear on the same stage with women. Not only would Lockwood not appear on stage to graduate, she would not even receive her diploma. Typically, successful candidates of a graduating law class were presented as a group for admission to the District of Colum- bia bar. Without a diploma, however, Belva would be excluded. If she was to have a successful, full-scale law practice, she had to be admitted to the District of Columbia Supreme Court bar. With the traditional path denied, she decided to pursue another avenue. The bar examination committee agreed to have a panel of local practitioners examine Lockwood orally. While the committee declared her proficient in the law, anonymous letters sent to the court opposing her admission succeeded in blocking it.
In the fall of 1854, Belva enrolled in the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, in Lima, NY. By 1857, Undeterred, she tried again – this time with a three-day oral she would graduate from the affiliated Genesee College. examination. Weeks passed following this second examination COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON and nothing happened. She started a court action and still nothing happened. Belva was furious. Ezekiel was dying and she again Service in the Civil War had left Ezekiel in failing health, however, and Belva faced economic disaster. It seemed the woman whom the press soon found herself the primary earner for the family. was calling “the irrepressible Mrs. Lockwood” was up against an Around the time of her second marriage, the debate over the 15th Amend- impenetrable wall. ment – which would ensure voting rights to black men – was dividing women’s In the midst of her bar battle, newspaper editor Theodore rights activists. Belva supported rights for freed men but, like Susan B. Anthony, Tilton offered her a temporary job: a three-month tour of the believed women should not wait any longer for their political rights. Thus, she South as a canvassing agent and correspondent for the New-York joined the National Woman Suffrage Association, which also championed her Tribune. Just before she began her trip, Tilton approached her views on equal education and employment opportunities for women. Regarding with an additional request – would she campaign for Horace the latter issue, Belva focused on the discrimination against women in federal Greeley, the presidential candidate for the newly-formed Liberal government agencies. On the rare occasions when such organizations did hire Republican Party? Despite his refusal to endorse women’s suffrage, women, they were paid less than men, even when working at the next higher level Lockwood agreed. With money tight in the Lockwood house - of employment. hold, it was the only option. With the NWSA’s support, Lockwood became a one-woman show. She began Belva quickly learned to fend for her self on her southern trek, lobbying Congress in private meetings while drumming up support through a traveling alone, making arrangements for accommodations, meals, petition drive. She learned to compromise and use the press. Her efforts resulted public appearances and perfecting the art of meeting the public in in a major victory. While no additional positions were created, women were a grassroots campaign. Twelve of her articles were eventually pub- finally able to be employed in the District and were paid equally. A wrong was lished. When the tour ended, she presented Tilton with an article righted and precedent set. titled, “The Women of Washington.” The article was an exposition of the accomplishments of women professionals in the Pursuing a Career in Law Women’s rights icons, Elizabeth Cady Stanton CapitalWESTERN District. She made her point – Washington NEW was full of YORK HERITAGE#"##! ! !! (seated) and Susan B. Anthony, ca. 1890. Though educated, sensible and accomplished women deserving of the vote. !!#"! Throughout her efforts on behalf of women’s rights, Belva continued to be Belva would initially ally herself with these women Following her tour, Belva resumed her law practice as best she ! fascinated by the law. She read legal treatises but was unable to find a lawyer to by joining the National Woman Suffrage Associa - could. She gave legal advice and occasionally even argued in court. tion, their support of Republican candidate James # #! take her on as a “student.” In 1869, she attended a lecture at the Columbian Blaine was one of several reasons Lockwood would This won her the support of several men in the court. Police, Jus- College (which would become George Washington University in 1904), whose sever ties with them in the 1880s. tice Court judges and practitioners alike saw her as practical, per- new law class was looking for students. Belva presented herself for matriculation, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS suasive and likeable. Several of those judges and the judge of the
22 Summer 2017 WESTERN NEW YORK HERITAGE 23 sought to take on cases involving vet- Court’s rule for admission: “Any attorney erans’ pensions and property claims. in good standing before the highest Although a member of the District of court of any State or Terri tory for the Columbia bar, Belva still needed admis- space of three years shall be admitted to sion to the U.S. District Court, the this court when presented by a member Court of Claims and the Supreme Court of this Bar.” in order to plead cases in each court’s Clearly, she fell within the rule. She bar. Thus she asked a lawyer friend, was an attorney, a member in good A.A. Hosmer, a member of the Court of standing of the District bar, and would Claims bar, to move her admission. On be for three years by the time her case April 1, 1874, he did so. A painful pause got there. She filed her appeal and asked ensued from the panel of five judges, a friend to move her admission. followed by an exclamation from Chief An amazed bench reserved decision. Justice Charles Drake: “Mistress Lock- One week later it rendered its opinion wood, you are a woman.” Belva later that since it knew of no English prece- wrote, “For the first time in my life I dent for the admission of women to the began to realize that it was a crime to be bar, it declined to do so unless there a woman; but it was too late to put in a was a clamor from the public or special denial, and I at once pleaded guilty to legislation. Belva Ann Lockwood became the first woman to be admitted to the bar of the United States Supreme Court in 1879. The following year, she took pride in moving the admission of Samuel Theodore Tilton, editor of the New-York Tribune. the charge.” If the court needed legislation, then Lowery (left center), the first freed black male lawyer, to the Supreme Court. COURTESY MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK The matter of her admission was held Lockwood was determined that legisla- FROM FRANK LESLIE’S ILLUSTRATED NEWSPAPER, JANUARY 1, 1880 over for a week, after which she again tion they would get. For two years, Belva Probate Court even recognized her as a presented herself at the appointed time. battled single-handedly to get special too daring for me to attempt.” She waged a relentless campaign. At last, the press trial counsel in their courts. This time, Drake exclaimed that she was legislation through Congress. She wrote became interested in the story and offered their support. @SaS`dObW]\a3aaS\bWOZ In late 1873, Belva resumed the pursuit “a married woman!” Without missing a the bill herself, secured sponsors, testi- The bill admitting women to the bar of the United States Supreme Court was passed of her law degree. She wrote to Ulysses S. beat, Belva responded, “Yes ... but I am fied before committees, lobbied senators and signed into law February 7, 1879. Three weeks later, Belva Ann Lockwood became Grant who, by virtue of being President of here with the consent of my husband,” at and congressmen, cajoled the bill’s spon- the first woman lawyer admitted to the bar of the nation’s highest court. the United States, was also ex-officio which Ezekiel offered the court a bow, sors and enlisted the support of male col- chancellor of the National University: to no avail. There was yet another week’s leagues. “Nothing,” she later wrote, “was A Run for President adjournment, and then another and Sir – You are, or you are not, President another. Finally, in an opinion that took Belva’s tenacity and astute preparation of the National University Law School. If an hour and a half to read, the court opened virtually every court in the coun- you are its President, I desire to say to you announced its position that “under the try – at every level – to women. She was that I have passed through the curriculum laws and Constitution of the United celebrated publicly by both women and of study in this school, and am entitled to, All 5 McGuire Facilities are RtdRated States a court is without power to grant men. Amidst these victories, her practice and demand my diploma. If you are not its such an application, and that a woman is thrived. In 1880, Belva took pride in 5 Stars Out of 5 by the Federal Government President, then I ask that you take your without legal capacity to take the office moving the admission of Samuel Lowery, name from its papers, and not hold out to ( ( (( of attorney.” the first freed black male lawyer, to the the world to be what you are not. ((( ( ( What a quandary. Belva had to file Supreme Court. She also took on other & ((#" ! Two weeks later, she received her her case. She had the claims assigned to women to read law under her tutelage. (( " &$ ( diploma and was subsequently admitted her so she would not be the attorney but Believing that “young women should "(( ( to the District of Columbia bar. the claimant representing herself. The not marry until they are able to support a (" (( (( Law degree in hand, Lockwood con- court summarily refused to hear her and husband,” she advocated for a national (( ( ( tinued her women’s rights activities, dismissed the cases. This experience set domestic relations law, which would give (( writing legal briefs, which were artic - the stage for what was to become one of wives half of a household’s assets, allow (( "& ! "% ( ulate and lucid constitutional arguments her most important achievements on them to enter civil contracts on their own ( supporting women’s rights to vote, to be behalf of women. and give them equal property rights. She employed and to be paid equally. Belva’s Her appeal from the District’s Court of advocated for a school curriculum that arguments were always lawyer-like, well Claims went directly to the United States would teach girls how to protect them- researched,WESTERN persuasive and pre-emptive Supreme NEW Court. A year YORKprior, in 1873, the HERITAGE selves and their children from economic of opposing arguments. Her arguments Supreme Court had upheld the State of dependency and exploitation. impressed male readers and provided her Illinois’ right to deny Myra Bradwell a When she was nominated by the Equal In the spring of 1884, the convention of Rights Party at their 1884 convention in San fellow women with well-reasoned and license to practice law because she was the Equal Rights Party in San Francisco Autumn View )(' !"#$%& &!& & Francisco, Belva Lockwood became the first articulate positions to use. a woman. But the District of Columbia woman to mount a full-fledged campaign for nominated Lockwood for the office of %& " (&& && Seeking to expand her legal business was not a state; it was a uniquely federal the presidency, along with running mate president of the United States. She had ( & | McGuireGroup.com (( and earn a steadier income, Lockwood district. Belva studied the Supreme Marietta Stow. PRIVATE COLLECTION not solicited the nomination, but in a bit
24 Summer 2017 WESTERN NEW YORK HERITAGE 25 sought to take on cases involving vet- Court’s rule for admission: “Any attorney erans’ pensions and property claims. in good standing before the highest Although a member of the District of court of any State or Terri tory for the Columbia bar, Belva still needed admis- space of three years shall be admitted to sion to the U.S. District Court, the this court when presented by a member Court of Claims and the Supreme Court of this Bar.” in order to plead cases in each court’s Clearly, she fell within the rule. She bar. Thus she asked a lawyer friend, was an attorney, a member in good A.A. Hosmer, a member of the Court of standing of the District bar, and would Claims bar, to move her admission. On be for three years by the time her case April 1, 1874, he did so. A painful pause got there. She filed her appeal and asked ensued from the panel of five judges, a friend to move her admission. followed by an exclamation from Chief An amazed bench reserved decision. Justice Charles Drake: “Mistress Lock- One week later it rendered its opinion wood, you are a woman.” Belva later that since it knew of no English prece- wrote, “For the first time in my life I dent for the admission of women to the began to realize that it was a crime to be bar, it declined to do so unless there a woman; but it was too late to put in a was a clamor from the public or special denial, and I at once pleaded guilty to legislation. Belva Ann Lockwood became the first woman to be admitted to the bar of the United States Supreme Court in 1879. The following year, she took pride in moving the admission of Samuel Theodore Tilton, editor of the New-York Tribune. the charge.” If the court needed legislation, then Lowery (left center), the first freed black male lawyer, to the Supreme Court. COURTESY MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK The matter of her admission was held Lockwood was determined that legisla- FROM FRANK LESLIE’S ILLUSTRATED NEWSPAPER, JANUARY 1, 1880 over for a week, after which she again tion they would get. For two years, Belva Probate Court even recognized her as a presented herself at the appointed time. battled single-handedly to get special too daring for me to attempt.” She waged a relentless campaign. At last, the press trial counsel in their courts. This time, Drake exclaimed that she was legislation through Congress. She wrote became interested in the story and offered their support. @SaS`dObW]\a3aaS\bWOZ In late 1873, Belva resumed the pursuit “a married woman!” Without missing a the bill herself, secured sponsors, testi- The bill admitting women to the bar of the United States Supreme Court was passed of her law degree. She wrote to Ulysses S. beat, Belva responded, “Yes ... but I am fied before committees, lobbied senators and signed into law February 7, 1879. Three weeks later, Belva Ann Lockwood became Grant who, by virtue of being President of here with the consent of my husband,” at and congressmen, cajoled the bill’s spon- the first woman lawyer admitted to the bar of the nation’s highest court. the United States, was also ex-officio which Ezekiel offered the court a bow, sors and enlisted the support of male col- chancellor of the National University: to no avail. There was yet another week’s leagues. “Nothing,” she later wrote, “was A Run for President adjournment, and then another and Sir – You are, or you are not, President another. Finally, in an opinion that took Belva’s tenacity and astute preparation of the National University Law School. If an hour and a half to read, the court opened virtually every court in the coun- you are its President, I desire to say to you announced its position that “under the try – at every level – to women. She was that I have passed through the curriculum laws and Constitution of the United celebrated publicly by both women and of study in this school, and am entitled to, All 5 McGuire Facilities are RtdRated States a court is without power to grant men. Amidst these victories, her practice and demand my diploma. If you are not its such an application, and that a woman is thrived. In 1880, Belva took pride in 5 Stars Out of 5 by the Federal Government President, then I ask that you take your without legal capacity to take the office moving the admission of Samuel Lowery, name from its papers, and not hold out to ( ( (( of attorney.” the first freed black male lawyer, to the the world to be what you are not. ((( ( ( What a quandary. Belva had to file Supreme Court. She also took on other & ((#" ! Two weeks later, she received her her case. She had the claims assigned to women to read law under her tutelage. (( " &$ ( diploma and was subsequently admitted her so she would not be the attorney but Believing that “young women should "(( ( to the District of Columbia bar. the claimant representing herself. The not marry until they are able to support a (" (( (( Law degree in hand, Lockwood con- court summarily refused to hear her and husband,” she advocated for a national (( ( ( tinued her women’s rights activities, dismissed the cases. This experience set domestic relations law, which would give (( writing legal briefs, which were artic - the stage for what was to become one of wives half of a household’s assets, allow (( "& ! "% ( ulate and lucid constitutional arguments her most important achievements on them to enter civil contracts on their own ( supporting women’s rights to vote, to be behalf of women. and give them equal property rights. She employed and to be paid equally. Belva’s Her appeal from the District’s Court of advocated for a school curriculum that arguments were always lawyer-like, well Claims went directly to the United States would teach girls how to protect them- researched, persuasive and pre-emptive Supreme Court. A year prior, in 1873, the selvesWESTERN and their children from economic NEW YORK HERITAGE of opposing arguments. Her arguments Supreme Court had upheld the State of dependency and exploitation. impressed male readers and provided her Illinois’ right to deny Myra Bradwell a When she was nominated by the Equal In the spring of 1884, the convention of Rights Party at their 1884 convention in San fellow women with well-reasoned and license to practice law because she was the Equal Rights Party in San Francisco Autumn View )(' !"#$%& &!& & Francisco, Belva Lockwood became the first articulate positions to use. a woman. But the District of Columbia woman to mount a full-fledged campaign for nominated Lockwood for the office of %& " (&& && Seeking to expand her legal business was not a state; it was a uniquely federal the presidency, along with running mate president of the United States. She had ( & | McGuireGroup.com (( and earn a steadier income, Lockwood district. Belva studied the Supreme Marietta Stow. PRIVATE COLLECTION not solicited the nomination, but in a bit
24 Summer 2017 WESTERN NEW YORK HERITAGE 25
campaign – something that had never before even been envisioned. She gave stump speeches, drawing large crowds wherever she appeared, distributed broadsides, wrote articles, gave inter -
views and publicly challenged the other candidates to a public discussion of the issues. Her campaign caught the attention of both public and press. As a bona fide candidate, she garnered edito-
rial support and was fair game for the cartoonists of the day. By election’s end, Belva Lockwood had received votes in nine states, had electors pledged to her in seven states, Lockwood’s accomplishments and legacy were recognized by the U.S. Postal Service when they garnered over 4,711 votes and her treas- issued a stamp bearing her likeness in 1986. COURTESY NIAGARA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY ury reported all expenses paid and in the black by $125. Belva’s point was made. • • Women were ready, willing and able to merits, however. No movement can place her there simply because she is a woman. It will be serious players at all levels of Ameri- come if she proves herself mentally fit for the position. • • can politics including the highest office Following the election, Belva returned to her law practice and went on the lecture – and they were certainly entitled to circuit. Always a pacifist, she now turned her attention, talents and stature to the cause vote. She would run for president again of world peace. She lobbied for a permanent international tribunal of arbitration, in 1888, solidi fying her message. engaged in issues of social justice and foreign policy, was a delegate to international Years later, at the age of 84 and still peace conferences and gave counsel to United States presidents. She became a very While she was generally respected by the press, Belva’s candidacy also presented an easy not permitted to vote, she was asked if target for cartoonists of the period. This political card depicts Lockwood wearing a hinged skirt public peace advocate while still lending her voice and pen in vigorous support there would ever be a woman in the which, when raised, revealed Greenback candidate Benjamin Butler, another third-party of women’s rights. In 1909, Syracuse University, which had acquired Genesee College’s presidency. She replied: candidate in the 1884 election. PRIVATE COLLECTION assets, recognized her achievements and renown with an honorary Doctor of Laws. I look to see women in the United States Belva continued to work in her 80s. She Senate and the House of Representatives. If maintained her law practice, argued cases of historical irony, she would run against • Women on every bench, including [a woman] demonstrates that she is fitted to and lobbied for the vote and women’s Buffalo’s favorite son, Grover Cleveland. the Supreme Court be president she will some day occupy the rights. Greatly admired, her views and If the women’s suffrage movement • Women prosecutors, notaries, and White House. It will be entirely on her own had been divided during the earlier 15th in every vocation and profession counsel were highly valued by public, Amendment debates, it was now fully • High tariffs to protect/foster Amer- politicians and press. splintered. Lockwood believed that the ican industry On May 19, 1917, Belva Lockwood died time had come for women to strike out • Free trade at the age of 86 in Washington. Newspaper on their own for their own cause. She • Extension of commercial relations obituaries praised her, claim ing her as a publicly challenged the political leader- with foreign countries to promote pioneer for women’s rights, an advocate ship of Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth friendship for peace, the first woman to be admitted Cady Stanton. They had every right to • Establishment of an International to the bar of the United States Supreme support James Blaine and the Repub- High Court of Arbitration to re solve Court and a candidate for president. She lican ticket, but she could not see any commercial and political differences is buried in the Congressional Cemetery advantage in standing by the party “that • Citizenship for Native Americans where a simple gravestone bears witness does not stand by us.” She wrote to and allotment of tribal lands to an extraordinary life that wielded an G Marietta Stow, who would become her • Use of tariff revenues for veterans extraordinary impact still felt today. running mate, “we shall never have equal and their dependents Maryann Saccomando Freedman is a rights until we take them, nor respect • Support for temperance advocates native of Buffalo and a graduate of the until we command it.” • Nationalization and reform of University of Buffalo School of Law. She BelvaWESTERN waged a full-fledged campaign, NEW family law making YORK women equal HERITAGE was the first woman president of the Erie becoming the first woman to do so and economic partners County and New York State Bar Associa- the first woman to actually appear on a • Remaining public lands to go to Belva Ann Lockwood received an honorary tions as well as the New York Bar Founda- ballot. Her platform included: people – not railroads Doctor of Laws degree from Syracuse Uni- tion. She is a founder and president of • Fair distribution of public offices to versity in 1909. She is shown here in her aca- demic regalia, ca. 1915, with the U.S. Capitol the Association for a Buffalo Presidential women as well as men Saying “I cannot vote but I can be just visible in the right background. Center and on the board of directors of • Civil Service reform voted for,” she mounted a vigorous LIBRARY OF CONGRESS Western New York Heritage.
26 Summer 2017 WESTERN NEW YORK HERITAGE 27
campaign – something that had never before even been envisioned. She gave stump speeches, drawing large crowds wherever she appeared, distributed broadsides, wrote articles, gave inter -
views and publicly challenged the other candidates to a public discussion of the issues. Her campaign caught the attention of both public and press. As a bona fide candidate, she garnered edito-
rial support and was fair game for the cartoonists of the day. By election’s end, Belva Lockwood had received votes in nine states, had electors pledged to her in seven states, Lockwood’s accomplishments and legacy were recognized by the U.S. Postal Service when they garnered over 4,711 votes and her treas- issued a stamp bearing her likeness in 1986. COURTESY NIAGARA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY ury reported all expenses paid and in the black by $125. Belva’s point was made. • • Women were ready, willing and able to merits, however. No movement can place her there simply because she is a woman. It will be serious players at all levels of Ameri- come if she proves herself mentally fit for the position. • • can politics including the highest office Following the election, Belva returned to her law practice and went on the lecture – and they were certainly entitled to circuit. Always a pacifist, she now turned her attention, talents and stature to the cause vote. She would run for president again of world peace. She lobbied for a permanent international tribunal of arbitration, in 1888, solidi fying her message. engaged in issues of social justice and foreign policy, was a delegate to international Years later, at the age of 84 and still peace conferences and gave counsel to United States presidents. She became a very While she was generally respected by the press, Belva’s candidacy also presented an easy not permitted to vote, she was asked if target for cartoonists of the period. This political card depicts Lockwood wearing a hinged skirt public peace advocate while still lending her voice and pen in vigorous support there would ever be a woman in the which, when raised, revealed Greenback candidate Benjamin Butler, another third-party of women’s rights. In 1909, Syracuse University, which had acquired Genesee College’s presidency. She replied: candidate in the 1884 election. PRIVATE COLLECTION assets, recognized her achievements and renown with an honorary Doctor of Laws. I look to see women in the United States Belva continued to work in her 80s. She Senate and the House of Representatives. If maintained her law practice, argued cases of historical irony, she would run against • Women on every bench, including [a woman] demonstrates that she is fitted to and lobbied for the vote and women’s Buffalo’s favorite son, Grover Cleveland. the Supreme Court be president she will some day occupy the rights. Greatly admired, her views and If the women’s suffrage movement • Women prosecutors, notaries, and White House. It will be entirely on her own had been divided during the earlier 15th in every vocation and profession counsel were highly valued by public, Amendment debates, it was now fully • High tariffs to protect/foster Amer- politicians and press. splintered. Lockwood believed that the ican industry On May 19, 1917, Belva Lockwood died time had come for women to strike out • Free trade at the age of 86 in Washington. Newspaper on their own for their own cause. She • Extension of commercial relations obituaries praised her, claim ing her as a publicly challenged the political leader- with foreign countries to promote pioneer for women’s rights, an advocate ship of Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth friendship for peace, the first woman to be admitted Cady Stanton. They had every right to • Establishment of an International to the bar of the United States Supreme support James Blaine and the Repub- High Court of Arbitration to re solve Court and a candidate for president. She lican ticket, but she could not see any commercial and political differences is buried in the Congressional Cemetery advantage in standing by the party “that • Citizenship for Native Americans where a simple gravestone bears witness does not stand by us.” She wrote to and allotment of tribal lands to an extraordinary life that wielded an G Marietta Stow, who would become her • Use of tariff revenues for veterans extraordinary impact still felt today. running mate, “we shall never have equal and their dependents Maryann Saccomando Freedman is a rights until we take them, nor respect • Support for temperance advocates native of Buffalo and a graduate of the until we command it.” • Nationalization and reform of University of Buffalo School of Law. She Belva waged a full-fledged campaign, family law making women equal was WESTERNthe first woman president of the Erie NEW YORK HERITAGE becoming the first woman to do so and economic partners County and New York State Bar Associa- the first woman to actually appear on a • Remaining public lands to go to Belva Ann Lockwood received an honorary tions as well as the New York Bar Founda- ballot. Her platform included: people – not railroads Doctor of Laws degree from Syracuse Uni- tion. She is a founder and president of • Fair distribution of public offices to versity in 1909. She is shown here in her aca- demic regalia, ca. 1915, with the U.S. Capitol the Association for a Buffalo Presidential women as well as men Saying “I cannot vote but I can be just visible in the right background. Center and on the board of directors of • Civil Service reform voted for,” she mounted a vigorous LIBRARY OF CONGRESS Western New York Heritage.
26 Summer 2017 WESTERN NEW YORK HERITAGE 27