Belva Lockwood

Date of Birth: October 24, 1830

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: May 19, 1917

Biography

Belva Ann Bennett Lockwood was an American attorney, politician, educator, and author, known for her pioneering efforts in women’s rights and her significant contributions to the legal profession. Born on October 24, 1830, in Royalton, New York, she was raised in a time when opportunities for women were severely limited. Despite societal constraints, she pursued education fervently and became a schoolteacher at a young age. After the death of her first husband, Lockwood moved to Washington, D.C., where she earned a law degree from the National University Law School in 1873, becoming one of the first women in the United States to do so. She faced considerable discrimination as she sought to practice law but eventually became the first woman admitted to practice law before the United States Supreme Court in 1879. Lockwood was also active in politics and ran for the U.S. presidency in 1884 and 1888 as the candidate of the National Equal Rights Party, making her one of the first women to run for the highest office in the land. Her campaigns challenged the prevailing norms and advocated for women’s suffrage and equality. Throughout her life, Lockwood was a vocal advocate for peace, women’s rights, and social justice, leaving an indelible mark on American history before her death on May 19, 1917.

5 Interesting Facts about Belva Lockwood

1. Belva Lockwood was the first woman to argue a case before the United States Supreme Court.

2. She was a presidential candidate for the National Equal Rights Party in 1884 and 1888.

3. Lockwood successfully lobbied for a bill in Congress that allowed female attorneys to practice in federal courts.

4. She was an advocate for world peace and was involved in the Universal Peace Union.

5. Lockwood was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by her alma mater, Syracuse University, in 1908.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Belva Lockwood

1. “I know we can’t abolish prejudice through laws, but we can set up guidelines for our actions by legislation.”

2. “The glory of each generation is to make its own precedents.”

3. “I have not raised the dead, but I have awakened the living.”

4. “We shall not grow weary of the struggle.”

5. “If nations could only depend upon fair and impartial judgments in the place of war, the world would be more just and peaceful.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Belva Lockwood did not accumulate significant wealth in her lifetime. Her highest net worth is not well-documented but is believed to be modest, reflecting her focus on public service and advocacy rather than personal financial gain.

Children

Belva Lockwood had one daughter, Lura Lockwood, from her first marriage to Uriah McNall. Lura survived her mother and continued to live a relatively private life.