Elijah Lovejoy November 8th 1802 – November 7th 1837
But, gentlemen, as long as I am an American citizen, and as long as American blood runs in these veins, I shall hold myself at liberty to speak, to write, to publish whatever I please on any subject--being amenable to the laws of my country for the same." Elijah Lovejoy
In infancy she was taken to Portage, New York, where she remained until her twelfth year, when she came west with her father's family. Her family were aggressive abolitionists and stanch friends of the Lovejoys. The story of the murdered martyr, Elijah Lovejoy, as recounted by a friend of her youth, Owen Lovejoy, made a deep impression upon her mind. Thus early was implanted a hatred of slavery and injustice in the soul of one who was destined in subsequent years to bear a conspicuous part in freeing her sex from some of the conditions of vassalage in which it had stood, a champion who broke one of the strongest barriers to woman's enfranchisement, the bar, and paved the way for women into the upper halls of justice. As a student, possessed of a keen, logical mind, with the soul of a poet, she early evinced a deep love for learning and made the most of the limited educational advantages which were then deemed more than sufficient for girls. After studying in Kenosha and at a seminary in Elgin, Myra engaged in teaching. In this work she was signally successful. Endowed in a marked degree with all the attributes of a teacher, she had the abilit'y not alone to teach but to inspire.
May 18, 1852, Myra Colby was married to James B. Bradwell, and soon after her marriage she removed with her husband to Memphis, Tennessee. While there she proved herself a veritable helpmate, conducting with her husband the largest select school in the city. After two years' residence in the south, they returned to Chicago, where her husband engaged in the practice of law, and here they made their permanent home. With the ardor of a true patriot she could not remain inactive when danger threatened the government which her Revolutionary ancestors fought to establish. During the war, the soldier who helped to write the name nation above the name state, was the object of her solicitous care. The Soldiers' Fair of 1863, and the Fair of 1867, for the benefit of the families of soldiers, had no more active or efficient worker than Mrs. Bradwell. She was a member and secretary of the committee on arms, trophies and curiosities of the great Northwestern Sanitary Fair, and was the leading spirit in producing that artistic and beautiful exhibition in Bryan Hall, in 1865. When the war was over she assisted in providing a home for the scarred and maimed and dependent veterans who shouldered the musket to preserve the Union. During this period she was also very active in philanthropic work among the poor of the city, helping to establish a sewing exchange where the needy were given an opportunity to earn a livelihood.
misfortune, she stood cheery and indomitable,
uttering brave prophecies of future good. Not an issue of her paper was
lost; but, hastening to Milwaukee, she had the paper printed and
published on the regular publication day.
She finally decided to
apply for admission to the bar and to practice law. She had been
permitted to work side by side with her husband as a most successful
teacher; why not as a lawyer? And why not? Because, forsooth, of hoary
precedent and musty precept, relics of feudal ages. In 1869 she passed a
most creditable examination for the bar, but was denied admission by
the supreme court of Illinois upon the ground that she was a married
woman, her married state being considered a disability. She knew that
the real reason had not been given. Marshaling her forces with that rare
generalship so characteristic of her, she filed an additional brief
which combated the position of the court with great force and compelled
the court to give the true reason. In due time the court, by Chief
Justice Lawrence, delivered an elaborate opinion in which it was said,
upon mature deliberation, the court had concluded to refuse to admit
Mrs. Bradwell upon the sole ground that she was a woman. She sued out a
writ of error against the state of Illinois in the supreme court of the
United States. Her case in that tribunal was argued in 1871 by Senator
Matt. Carpenter. In May, 1873, the judgment of the lower court was
affirmed by the United States supreme court. Chief Justice Chase, who
never failed to give his powerful testimony to aid in uplifting woman
from dependence and helplessness to strength and freedom, true to his principles, dissented.
Myra Bradwell; Oregon; General; Supreme; Decision; Negative Saturday, June 20, 1885 Topeka Tribune and Western Recorder (Topeka, KS) Page: 2
Myra Bradwell; Oregon; General; Supreme; Decision; Negative Saturday, June 20, 1885 Topeka Tribune and Western Recorder (Topeka, KS) Page: 2
As has been well said, "Discussion of the Myra Bradwell case had the inevitable effect of letting sunlight through many cobwebbed windows. It is not so much by abstract reasoning as by visible examples that reformations come, and Mrs. Bradwell offered herself as a living example of the injustice of the law. A woman of learning, genius, industry and high character, editor of the first law journal in the west, forbidden by law to practice law, was too much for the public conscience, tough as that conscience is."
Although Mrs. Bradwell, with Miss Hulett, was
instrumental in securing the passage of a law in Illinois granting to
all persons irrespective of sex freedom in the selection of an
occupation, profession or employment, she never renewed her application
for admission to the bar. Twenty years after, the judges of the supreme
court of Illinois, on their own motion, performed a noble act of justice
and directed license to practice law to be issued to her, and March 28, 1892,
upon petition of Attorney-General Miller, Mrs. Bradwell was admitted to
practice before the supreme court of the United States.
A pioneer in opening the
legal profession for women, Myra Bradwell's signal service to her sex
has been in the field of law reform. With her, the conviction that a
principle was right brought with it a sense of duty to labor for its
adoption. With keen foresight she saw that the financial independence of
women was the stepping-stone to their emancipation. She drafted the
bill giving a married woman the right to her own earnings. A case in
point, so monstrous in its injustice, gave an added impetus to her zeal.
A drunkard who owed a saloon keeper for his whiskey had a wife who earned
her own living as a scrub woman, and the saloon keeper garnisheed the
people who owed the wife and took her earnings to pay her husband's liquor bill. It
needed but an application like this for her to succeed in her efforts to
pass the bill. She also secured the passage of the law giving to a
widow her award in all cases. Believing thoroughly in the principle
enunciated by John Stuart Mill, "of perfect equality, admitting no
privilege on the one side nor disability on the other," she was an
enthusiastic supporter of the bill granting to a husband the same
interest in a wife's estate that the wife had in the husband's.
She never missed an
opportunity to try and secure any change in the law which would enlarge
the sphere of woman. With this purpose in view she applied to the
governor to be appointed a notary public. Finding her womanhood a bar
even to this humble office, she induced her husband, who was in the
legislature, to introduce a bill making women eligible to the office of
notary public, which bill became a law. The bill drafted by her husband
permitting women to act as school officers and which was passed while he
was in the legislature, received her hearty support. Twice Mrs.
Bradwell was honored by special appointment of the governor, being
appointed a delegate to the prison reform congress of St. Louis, and it
was mainly by her efforts that women, after a severe contest, were
allowed a representation on the list of officers, she declining to
accept any office herself; subsequently she was appointed by the
governor as one of the Illinois Centennial Association to represent
Illinois in the centennial exhibition of 1876 and was treasurer of the
woman's branch of this association. After the completion of the work
several hundred dollars remained in her hands, which was voted to the
Illinois Industrial School for girls at Evanston. Mrs. Bradwell was one
of the founders of this school and for years a member of its executive
committee, and for fifteen years its treasurer. By her individual
efforts in 1869 Mrs. Bradwell obtained the signatures of all the judges
of the courts in Cook county and many of the lawyers and ministers of
the city to the call for the first great woman's suffrage convention to
be held in Chicago. She was one of the workers in the suffrage
convention held in Springfield in 1869 and for a number of years one of
the executive committee of the Illinois Woman's Suffrage Association.
She also took an active part in the convention at Cleveland which formed
the American Woman's Suffrage Association.
A thorough Chicagoan, in
the life, progress and best interests of her city she had a citizen's
interest and a patriot's pride. She was untiring in her efforts to
secure the World's Fair for Chicago, accompanied the commission to
Washington, and rendered valuable services there in obtaining the
location of the exposition in Chicago. She was appointed one of the
Board of Lady Managers and was chairman of the committee on law reform
of its auxiliary congress. It is interesting to note that the woman who
labored so courageously, persistently and effectively to secure for
women their rights was herself a representative in the first national
legislature of women to be authorized by any government.
Mrs. Bradwell was the
first woman who became a member of the Illinois State Bar Association
and the Illinois Press Association; was a charter member of the
Soldiers' Home Board, the Illinois Industrial School for Girls, the
Washingtonian Home and the first Masonic chapter organized for women in
Illinois;
was a member of the Chicago Woman's Club, the Daughters of the American
Revolution, the Grand Army Relief Corps, the National Press League and
the Woman's Press Association.
A gentle and noiseless
woman, her tenderness and refinement making the firmness of her
character all the more effective, Mrs. Bradwell was one of those who
live their creed instead of preaching it. She did not spend her days
proclaiming on the rostrum the rights of women, but quietly, none the
less effectively, set to work to clear away the barriers. If life is
service, then truly did Myra Bradwell live, for the life of this noble
woman was one of tireless activity of thought, of word and deed for the
weal of humanity. A noble refutation of the ofttimes expressed belief
that the entrance of women in public life tends to lessen their
distinctively womanly character, she was a most devoted wife and mother,
her home being ideal in its love and harmony. She was the mother of
four children, two of whom survive her, Thomas and Bessie, both lawyers,
and the latter the wife of a lawyer, Frank A. Helmer, of the Chicago
bar. Mrs. Bradwell died February 14, 1894.
Bessie Bradwell Helmer, daughter of Myra Bradwell, was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1882, after graduating as valedictorian of her class from Union College of Law. Helmer focused her career on legal writing and editing. She assisted and then in 1907 took over from her father, James Bradwell, the editorial and management duties of the Chicago Legal News. Helmer was also the editor of Hurd's Revised Statutes of Illinois for nearly twenty years, and edited nine volumes of the Illinois Appellate Court Reports.Bessie Bradwell Helmer (1858-1927), 1927.Courtesy of the Chicago Tribune
The Island Printer Volume 12 1953
Myra Colby Bradwell, wife of Judge James B. Bradwell, and the founder and managing editor of the Chicago Legal News, died at her home in Chicago on February 14, after an illness dating back nearly a year. With her accustomed vigor Mrs. Bradwell kept at her work until September 7, when, on returning from a meeting of the World's Fair Board of Lady Managers at Jackson Park, she went immediately to bed, and from that time was confined to her room until her death.
The career of Mrs.
Bradwell presents some unique features. She had the distinction of being
the first woman to apply for admittance to the bar in the United
States; the first woman to be admitted to membership in the Illinois
Press Association, and the first woman who became a member of the
Illinois State Bar Association.
Mrs. Bradwell was born in Manchester, Vermont, February 11, 1831. Her parents were Eben Colby and Abigail Willey Colby, both
offshoots from solid colonial stock, which furnished good soldiers for
the cause of independence. Her early training was received in a small
town in western New York, her parents finally moving to Chicago when she
was twelve years old. Her education was commenced at a school in
Kenosha, and c o m pleted at the Elgin Seminary. As a recognition of her
close application and ability she was received in the institution as a
teacher. This was her calling for several years, part of the time being
spent in Memphis, Tennessee.
The great turning point in her life came in 1852, when she was married to James B. Bradwell, a young lawyer with
a future just dawning. Mrs. Bradwell became intensely interested in her
husband's profession, and under his tutelage began the study of law. At
first her studies had no other aim than of being of assistance to her
husband. She became inspired later with the idea of gaining admittance
to the bar. In due time she passed a most creditable examination, and
filed her application. As she was a married woman, the application was
rejected. The matter was carried to the Supreme Court of Illinois, again
rejected, and then taken to the United States Supreme Court. Mere the
case was argued in 1871 by Senator Matt Carpenter, of Wisconsin. Another
adverse decision was rendered, and the case was dropped. No more
attention was paid it until twenty years later, when the same court
issued a certificate on
the original application. The action created quite a surprise, as the
court had come to this conclusion of its own volition and without
argument.
In 1868 Mrs. Bradwell established the Chicago Legal News, the
first paper of its kind in the West. Her editorial work soon attracted
attention. A special charter was issued by the legislature for the
paper, and later several acts were passed making it evidence in the
courts and a valid medium for the publication of legal notices.
Mrs. Bradwell was a hard
worker for woman's cause. She had much to do in securing legislative
work looking toward the elevation of her sex, and took an active
interest in all
societies for women. Her work did not begin and
end with platform speaking, but she was always ready to make a practical
application of her views on reform and philanthropy.
Before the great fire in
1871 Mrs. Bradwell helped to organize the American Woman's Suffrage
Association in Cleveland. She was identified with the Illinois
Centennial Association as treasurer. On the conclusion of the
association's work the funds Mrs. Bradwell held were converted into the
capital which was used in erecting the Illinois Industrial School for
Girls at Evanston. Mrs. Bradwell was a member of the National Press
League, and one of the prime movers in the Chicago Women's Club. She
was a member of the Board of Lady Managers of the World's Fair and
chairman of the Committee on Law Reform of its auxiliary congress.
Her last address in
public was to the Women's Club last August. Her subject was "Civil
Service Reform." She was hardly able to stand while speaking. Mrs.
Bradwell had four children. James and Myra are now dead. Thomas and
Bessie are grown up and married. Both are lawyers; the former is well
known as a justice of the peace, and the latter is the wife of Attorney
Frank A. Helmer.
The funeral was held on
February 18 at the family residence, No. 1428 Michigan avenue.
Representatives were present from the Chicago Legal News, the
Cook County Equal Suffrage Association, the Soldiers' Home Association,
Daughters of the American Revolution, many members of the Chicago bar
also attending. Half covering the casket was a mass of white lilies and
roses from Mrs. Helmer, daughter of Mrs. Bradwell. A bank of lilies was
sent by Justice Thomas Bradwell and his wife. At the head of the casket
was a large scroll of white roses on a background of leaves, bearing the
words,
"Myra from Jane." Employes of the Chicago Legal News sent
an open book of roses, lilies and carnations. Masses of roses, violets,
hyacinths, lilies, narcissus, and many wreaths and bouquets were sent
by friends.
Bishop Samuel Fallows officiated and feelingly
spoke of the life and character of Mrs. Hradwell. The interment was at
Rosehill cemetery.
The honorary pallbearers
were: Judge H. W. Blodgett, Judge H. M. Shepard, Dr. I)e Laskie Miller,
J. Carson Smith, H. W. Bishop, J. W. Butler, Thomas B. Bryan, C. C.
Bonney.
Letters and telegrams of condolence were received
from Luther Lafliu Mills, Judge Tuley, Gen. John C. Smith, Judge W. L.
Gross, of Springfield; Adjutant-General A. Orendorff, H. W. Warner,
Judge J. N. Scott, of Bloomington, and others. Among those in attendance
were: Fernando Jones, Judge IL V. Freeman, Judge Hutchinson, C. C. P.
Holden, J. L. High, Judge Thomas G. Windes, John C. Richberg, Frederick
A. Smith. Judge C. C. Kohlsaat, Alexander M. Sullivan, Homer B. Galpin,
H. W. Jackson, Charles Cutting, K. B. Sherman, Julius Rosenthal.
From Harvard Art
BRADWELL, JAMES B.—Born at Loughborough, England, April 16 1828. BRADWELL. Son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Gutteridge) Bradwell; family left England when subject was sixteen months old; settled in Utica, N. Y., remaining there until 1833; removed to Jacksonville, Ill., and from there to Wheeling, in this county. Mr. Bradwell spent his boyhood and young manhood on the farm, doing hard outdoor work, a circumstance which amply accounts for his robust health at the age of 65. His early education was obtained in log school-houses, but later he attended Wilson's Academy in this city, and finished in Knox College, Galesburg, Ill. James B. Bradwell is a selfmade man in the highest sense of that term; earned his living by hard work evenings, Saturdays and holidays, and thus provided the money for his schooling; has worked as a journeyman at several different trades; is a natural mechanic, and has paid much attention to photography; invented a process for producing half-tones, and has the honor of having produced the first half-tone cut in Chicago, that of Chief Justice Fuller. His preparation for the legal profession was most thorough and complete, and he has been a prominent and respected lawyer since his admission to the bar, about forty years ago. Is a good speaker, a persistent worker, and has built up an excellent practice. In 1861 was elected judge of the Cook county court by a large majority, and in 1865 was reelected for four years; was sent to the legislature of Illinois in 1873, and was returned in 1875; proved to be an influential member, and secured the adoption of many measures for the benefit of his state and immediate constituency; has ever held advanced ideas regarding the rights of women, and introduced a bill making women eligible to all school offices, and secured its passage. Was ever considered a power while on the bench, and was the first judge to hold, during the war, that a marriage made during slavery was valid upon emancipation. This opinion was delivered in the case of Matt C.Jones, and has been fully endorsed by judges of note since that time. Has been president of the Chicago Bar Association, and of the Illinois State Bar Association; was one of the founders of the Union League Club of Chicago, and chairman of its first board of directors; has been president of the Press Club of Chicago, of the Chicago Soldiers' Home, and of the Chicago Rifle Club. For years Judge Bradwell was considered the best shot in Chicago. He was chairman of the committee of the World's Congress Auxiliary on Congress of Photographers. His family is one of lawyers; his wife, Myra Bradwell, is editor of the Chicago Legal News, and has been admitted to the barj his son, Thomas Bradwell, his daughter, Mrs. Bessie Bradwell Helmer, his son-inlaw, Frank A. Helmer, and his nephew, James A. Peterson, are all members of the Illinois bar. The judge is a Mason of the 33d degree, and is an honorary member of the Supreme Council; also of the ancient Ebor Preceptory at York, England. Was married in 1852 to Myra Colby, and has had four children, James and Myra, deceased, and Thomas and Bessie, both married. He has one granddaughter, Myra Bradwell Helmer and one grandson, James Barton Bradwell.
Myra Colby Bradwell
Descendant of Allen Willey.
Daughter of Eben Colby and Abigail Hurd Willey, his wife.Granddaughter of Benjamin Willey and Abigail Hurd, his wife.
Gr.-granddaughter of Allen Willey and Mary Fuller, his wife.
Allen Willey was a Selectman when he served under Gen. Stark at Bennington. He responded to various alarms in Western New Hampshire.
Allen Willey, (1730-1811), held offices of trust at Lempster and served at Bennington. He was born in East Haddam, Conn., and died in Lempster, N. H. His son Allen was a minute man.
Abraham Willey, (1750-1841), served as sergeant, 1775, and as
ensign, 1779, under Capt. John Isam. At the age of 87, for service in
the Conn. Continental Line, he was placed on the pension roll of Cayuga
county, N. Y. He was born in East Haddam, Conn., and died in Ira, New York.
1 comment:
Cool hairdo!
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