Belva Ann Lockwood
Belva Lockwood | |
|---|---|
| Born | Belva Ann Bennett October 24, 1830 Royalton, New York, U.S. |
| Died | May 19, 1917 (aged 86) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Education | Genesee Wesleyan Seminary Genesee College (BA) Syracuse University (MA) National University (LLB) |
| Occupation(s) | attorney, politician, presidential candidate, activist |
| Political party | National Equal Rights |
| Spouses | Uriah McNall (m. 1848–1853)Ezekiel Lockwood
(m. 1868–1877) |
Belva Ann Bennett Lockwood (October 24, 1830 – May 19, 1917) was an American lawyer, politician, educator, and author who was active in the women's rights and women's suffrage movements. She was one of the first women lawyers in the United States. In 1879 she became the first woman to be admitted to practice law before the U.S. Supreme Court. Lockwood ran for president in 1884 and 1888 on the ticket of the National Equal Rights Party and was the first woman to appear on official ballots. While Victoria Woodhull is commonly cited as the first woman to run for president, Lockwood was the first one to appear on any ballots, due to Woodhull being too young for the presidency when she ran.
Due to gender restrictions, Lockwood overcame many social and personal obstacles. Early on in life, Lockwood was a teacher and school principal, working to equalize pay for women in education. She supported the movement for world peace, and was a proponent of the temperance movement.