Belva Lockwood Collection

Belva Lockwood (born Belva Ann Bennett), was born October 24, 1830 in Royalton, NY. She died on May 19, 1917 in Washinton, D.C.. She was an attorney, politician, educator, and author. She actively worked for women's rights, including the right to vote and to equalize pay for women in education.

Lockwood graduated from law school at the National University School of Law in Washington, D.C. and became one of the first female lawyers in the United States. In 1879, she successfully petitioned Congress to be allowed to practice before the United States Supreme Court, becoming the first woman attorney given this privilege. 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.