Lillian Exum Clement facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lillian Exum Clement
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| Member of the North Carolina House of Representatives from Buncombe County |
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| In office 1921–1923 Serving with Luke Herman Young
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| Preceded by | James Dixon Eckles |
| Succeeded by | Harry L. Nettles R. Eugene Taylor |
Lillian Exum Clement (1894–1925), later known as Lillian Stafford, was an important American politician. She made history as the first woman elected to the North Carolina General Assembly. This also made her the first woman to serve in any state legislature in the Southern United States.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Lillian Exum Clement, often called "Exum" or "Ex," was one of seven children. Her parents were George Washington Clement and Sara Elizabeth Burnett.
She went to high school in Asheville, North Carolina. Later, she attended Asheville Business College. A kind supporter from Asheville, Edith Vanderbilt, encouraged her to study. Edith's husband, George Vanderbilt, employed Clement's father as a foreman.
At just 14 years old, Clement started working as an office deputy. This was for the Buncombe County sheriff's department. In her free time, she studied law with James Jefferson Britt and Robert G. Goldstein.
Becoming a Lawyer
In 1916, Lillian Clement took the state bar exam. She earned one of the highest scores among 70 students. Because of her excellent score, she received an award.
In 1917, she became a criminal lawyer. This made her the first female attorney in North Carolina to practice law without male partners. She also served as the chief clerk for the Buncombe County draft board.
Marriage and Family
In 1921, Lillian Clement married E. Eller Stafford. He was a writer and editor for the Asheville Citizen newspaper.
In 1923, she gave birth to a daughter named Nancy. Sadly, Nancy was born prematurely.
Lillian Clement passed away in 1925 from pneumonia. She is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Asheville. Her last home in downtown Asheville has been recognized as a historic site.
Political Career
Election to the General Assembly
In 1920, Lillian Clement was chosen by the Buncombe County Democrats. She ran for a seat in the North Carolina House of Representatives. At that time, only men could vote. She won by a huge number of votes: 10,368 to 41. This made her the first woman elected to the North Carolina General Assembly.
Legislative Achievements
During her time in office, Lillian Clement introduced seventeen bills. An amazing sixteen of these bills became law.
One of her important bills aimed to help women seeking a divorce. It reduced the time a woman had to show her husband had left her from 10 years to five years. She also introduced a bill that required cows to be vaccinated against tuberculosis.
Lillian Clement was also the first lawmaker in North Carolina to support a law requiring voting privacy. This meant that people could vote without others knowing who they voted for.
After serving one term, the governor of North Carolina appointed her. She became the director of the State Hospital at Morgantown.
Legacy and Recognition
Honoring Her Contributions
A progressive fundraising group in North Carolina was started in 1997. It is named "Lillian's List" to honor her. This group helps women get elected to political office.
A state historical marker also honors Clement. It is located in Asheville, North Carolina. The marker reads: "First female legislator in the South. Elected to N.C. House, 1920. Her law office was 400 yds. west; home 1/2 mi. NE."
In 2014, an important announcement was made. Lillian Exum Clement's historic house on Hollywood Street would be protected forever. Her daughter's widower, Wingate Anders, donated a preservation easement. This helps make sure the house remains safe and preserved as a historic site.
