As we celebrate Women's History Month this March, it's important to reflect on the women who have shaped our state's legislative history. One such pioneer is Julia D. Nelson, a native of Mooresville in Morgan County, who was the first woman elected to the Indiana General Assembly.
Born in 1863, Nelson's journey from a homemaker to a state legislator is inspiring and symbolic of the strides women have made in governance. After moving to Muncie in 1903, she served as chair of the Delaware County Republican Women's Club in 1920, the same year Indiana ratified the 19th Amendment recognizing women's right to vote. Nelson was selected to represent Delaware County in the Indiana House of Representatives from 1921 to 1923 following the death of State Rep. J. Clark McKinley just before the November 1920 election.
Nelson's legacy is a testament to the significant role Morgan County and the surrounding areas have played in advancing women's participation in Indiana's political landscape.
In 1982, Sue Glick and Jane Spencer Craney were the first females to be elected county prosecutors in Indiana, in LaGrange and Morgan counties respectively. Ms. Glick now serves as State Senator for District 13 and Ms. Craney has retired as judge from Morgan County Superior Court 3. In 2016, Mayor Shannon Kohl became the first female mayor of the City of Martinsville in Morgan County.
Even today, we have numerous women serving in leadership positions in the state legislature. Notably, State Rep. Joanna King of Middlebury serves as the Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore, the second female to do so. State Rep. Michelle Davis of Whiteland serves as Assistant Majority Floor Leader, State Rep. Lindsay Patterson of Brookville is the Assistant Majority Caucus Chair. I serve as the Vice Chair of the House Public Policy Committee, am a former Assistant Majority Floor Leader and am the first female legislator elected to represent Morgan County in the Indiana General Assembly.
Women's History Month serves as a time to honor the contributions of women to our society. The observance originated as a week-long celebration in California in 1978, but soon gained national recognition and Congress expanded the observance to a month in 1987.
Reflecting on the achievements of women like Julia D. Nelson not only honors their legacy and commitment to public service but also inspires future generations for years to come.
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State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) represents House District 60,
which includes portions of Johnson, Morgan and Monroe counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
