Myra Bradwell
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Myra Colby Bradwell was a publisher and political activist. She was the first woman to be admitted to the Illinois bar to become the first female lawyer in Illinois in 1892.
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[edit] Early life
Myra Colby was born on February 12, 1831 in Manchester Vermont. She was the daughter of Eben Colby and Abigail Willey. She lived in Vermont and Western New York during her childhood. When Bradwell was twelve she moved to Schaumburg Illinois with her family (Bradwell). She attended schools in Kenosha Wisconsin and later enrolled in Elgin Female Seminary in Illinois. She completed her formal education by the age of twenty four. She became school teacher after she graduated (Jones). In 1852 Myra Colby married James Bradwell and she became Myra Colby Bradwell. Two years later they moved to Memphis Tennessee. James Bradwell was the head of a private school and Myra Bradwell became a teacher in that school. In 1855 they moved to Chicago where James Bradwell was admitted to the Chicago Bar. He became a successful lawyer, judge, and in 1873 he was elected to the State Legislature. They had four children together.
[edit] Career
[edit] Death
Myra Bradwell died on February 14, 1894 of cancer. She died just two years after she received her license to practice law. Her daughter, Bessie Bradwell Helmor, continued what her mother started. Bessie Bradwell became a lawyer as well as Thomas Bradwell, James and Myra Bradwell’s son. Her life was full of important events including the rights she won for women (Jones).
[edit] Interesting facts
Since Myra Bradwell’s death there was an award in her recognition. It is called the Myra Bradwell award. The Myra Bradwell Award is presented to an MWL member who expresses the highest ideals of the legal profession and who possesses the qualities exemplified by Myra Bradwell such as courage, perseverance, and leadership on issues of concern to women. To be eligible to receive this award you have be an attorney who is a leader in their field and who has exemplified legal excellence, professionalism, and ethics. Also, an attorney who has reached out to assist other women, e.g., by mentoring, by facilitating institutional support, and/or by being a role model (Myra).
[edit] References
- "Bradwell, Myra Colby." Encyclopedia Britannica from "Encyclopedia Britannica Premium Service," Accessed February 14, 2006.
- Jones, Marry Harris. "Myra Bradwell: America's First Woman Lawyer."
- Mezey, Susan Gluck. "Bradwell, Myra Colby." American National Biography Online.
- "Myra Bradwell Award.", Minnesota Women Lawyers.
