Edward M. Lee facts for kids

Edward M. Lee was an American soldier and politician. He served as a Union officer during the American Civil War. After the war, he became known as an important supporter of women's suffrage, which means giving women the right to vote.

Who Was Edward M. Lee?

Edward M. Lee was a brave soldier during the American Civil War. He was given the special military rank of brevet brigadier general on March 13, 1865. This was an honorary rank given for good service.

After the war, Lee continued to serve his country in a different way. He became a politician and worked to make society fairer for everyone.

Lee's Early Political Work

In 1867, Edward M. Lee was a member of the Connecticut state legislature. This is like being a representative in the state government. While there, he introduced an important change to the law. This change was an amendment to give women the right to vote.

Lee believed strongly that women should have the same rights as men, especially when it came to voting. He worked hard to make this happen.

Championing Women's Rights

Edward M. Lee was appointed as the first secretary of the Wyoming Territory. This was a very important job, second only to the governor. He worked with Governor John Allen Campbell, who was appointed by President Ulysses S. Grant.

In Wyoming, Lee continued his fight for women's rights. He helped introduce a bill that would give women the right to vote. This bill also included other important rights for women.

Wyoming's Historic Vote

The bill Lee supported in Wyoming did many things. It gave married women control over their own property. It also allowed married women to work in businesses and keep their own earnings. The bill made sure a wife did not have to sign a mortgage unless she truly wanted to. It even granted equal pay for women teachers who had the same qualifications as men.

Wyoming became the very first territory or state in the United States to give women the right to vote. This was a huge step forward for women's rights.

A Joke Becomes History

Edward M. Lee wrote about how the women's suffrage bill passed in Wyoming. He said it started almost as a joke, with lots of laughter and funny ideas. Many people thought the governor would not approve it.

But the governor did approve the bill, and it became law! Lee wrote that Wyoming, the youngest territory, became a leader in progress. He found it strange that such an important movement could start from something lighthearted.

A Land of the Free

Famous women's rights leader Susan B. Anthony praised Wyoming's decision. She said, "Wyoming is the first place on God's green earth which could consistently claim to be the land of the Free!"

Edward M. Lee had fought for this cause for many years. He felt it was unfair that his own mother could not vote. He believed women deserved the same rights that were being given to African-American men. His efforts helped make Wyoming a pioneer in women's suffrage.