Elizabeth Simpson Drewry facts for kids

Elizabeth Simpson Drewry

Elizabeth Simpson Drewry (born September 22, 1893 – died September 24, 1979) was an important American politician. She was from the state of West Virginia. In 1950, she made history. She became the first African American woman elected to the West Virginia Legislature. She served for many years. She was a member of the House of Delegates for eight terms.

A Young Life in West Virginia

Elizabeth Drewry was born on September 22, 1893. Her birthplace was Motley, Virginia. She was the oldest of ten children. When she was young, her family moved. They moved to Elkhorn, West Virginia. Her family was part of a big movement. This movement was called the Great Migration.

The Great Migration to West Virginia

In the early 1900s, many African Americans moved. They moved to West Virginia. They were looking for work. There were many jobs in the growing mining towns. McDowell County, where Elizabeth grew up, saw many new African American residents. By 1910, about thirty percent of the people there were African American.

Education and Family Life

Elizabeth's father owned a successful barbershop. He also owned a home in Elkhorn. Her family was part of a growing Black middle class. This group believed strongly in education. They saw it as a way to improve their lives. Elizabeth graduated from the Bluefield Institute in 1934. She earned a degree in Elementary Education. She had also studied at other universities.

Elizabeth married William H. Drewry. He was a professor in Bluefield. They had one daughter named Lucille. Elizabeth was very active in her community. She was a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. She also belonged to the National Association of Colored Women. She worked with her church too. She created programs to help adults and children. She also spoke out for fairness and education for all.

A Career in Teaching and Politics

In 1910, Elizabeth started teaching. She taught in schools for Black children. These schools were in the coal camps along Elkhorn Creek. She taught in the McDowell County public school system. Her teaching career lasted almost fifty years.

Early Political Steps

From early on, Elizabeth was active in many groups. She joined educational groups. She also joined political and community groups. In 1921, she worked as a poll worker. She supported the Republican party for many years. But in 1936, she changed parties. She became a Democrat. She was also involved with the American Red Cross. She served on local councils. She worked with the McDowell County Public Library.

Making History in West Virginia

Elizabeth ran for the West Virginia House of Delegates. She tried in 1946 and 1948. She did not win those times. But in 1950, she was elected! This was a huge moment. She became the first African American woman elected to the West Virginia Legislature.

Elizabeth served as a delegate for 13 years. She was in office from 1951 to 1966. She had to retire because of a stroke. In her first term, she showed great honesty. She publicly revealed a bribe she received. This incident made headlines. It earned her the support of coal miners.

During her time in the House of Delegates, Elizabeth did important work. She led the Military Affairs and Health Committees. She also served on many other committees. She successfully supported a bill. This bill allowed women to serve on juries in West Virginia. Throughout her time, she fought for civil rights. She also worked for social justice and better health care. She helped workers, teachers, and women with the bills she supported.