Zeola Hershey Misener facts for kids

Mary Zeola Hershey Misener (born October 22, 1878 – died October 30, 1966) was an important woman from Indiana. She worked hard to help women gain the right to vote, which is why she was called a suffragist. She also became a politician and was one of the first women ever elected to the state government in Indiana.

Early Life and Education

Mary Zeola Hershey was born on October 22, 1878, in West Salem, Ohio. Her parents were John and Carrie Stephenson Hershey. She went to college at the United Brethren College in Westerville, Ohio. She also studied public speaking at King's School of Oratory in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

A Career in Politics

Mary Zeola Hershey Misener was a strong supporter of women's rights, also known as a feminist. She believed women should have the same opportunities as men. She was a key person in starting Indiana's League of Women Voters. This group helps people learn about politics and encourages them to vote. For several years, she was the vice-president of this important organization. She even spoke at their big meeting in 1926.

Making History in Indiana

In 1928, Hershey Misener made history. She was elected to the Indiana General Assembly, which is like the state's law-making group. She was the very first woman elected from her area. She was also one of the first women elected in the entire state of Indiana. During her time in office (1928-1930), she was one of only three women in the Indiana State House. A historian named Charles Roll said in 1931 that she was "one of the prominent Republican women of the state."

Standing Up for Voters

While working in the legislature, Hershey Misener was known for being a leader in tough political fights. One famous moment happened in March 1929. Even though she was new to the General Assembly, she helped create Indiana's first law about voter registration. This law made sure that people had to sign up before they could vote.

Some senators tried to stop her bill. During a late-night meeting, they claimed the governor wanted them to cancel the bill. But Hershey Misener bravely walked onto the floor of the Indiana Senate without being invited. She asked who said the governor wanted the bill stopped. She told everyone, "I have just come from the governor's office, and I am informed that he has not asked this move."

The person in charge, Lieutenant Governor Edgar D. Bush, said she was not allowed to speak. But she replied, "That's all right. I've said everything I want to say anyhow," and left the room to applause. After she left, some senators walked out because the lieutenant governor wouldn't talk about her comments. When the Senate asked the General Assembly to stop the bill, Hershey Misener told them, "You can kill this bill if you want to, but if you do the Republican party will be to blame." Her strong words helped save the bill.

Family Life

Mary Zeola Hershey married Herbert Roy Misener on February 6, 1906, in Chicago. Herbert was a newspaper publisher for the Michigan City News. They had two children together. Their daughter, Dorothy Louise, grew up to be an important newspaperwoman herself. Their son, Richard Hershey, started a big company that built things for boats in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The Misener family lived in Michigan City, Indiana for many years. Later, Mary and her husband moved to St. Petersburg, Florida. Her husband passed away in 1945. Mary Zeola Hershey Misener died on October 30, 1966, in St. Petersburg, when she was 88 years old. She is buried in Greenwood cemetery in La Porte County, Indiana.