Esther Hobart Morris (August 8, 1812 â€" April 2, 1902) was the first
woman justice of the peace in the United States. She began her tenure
as justice in South Pass City, Wyoming, on February 14, 1870, serving
a term of nearly 9 months. The Sweetwater County Board of County
Commissioners appointed Morris as justice of the peace after the
previous justice, R.S. Barr, resigned in protest of Wyoming
Territory's passage of the women's suffrage amendment in December
1869.Popular stories and historical accounts, as well as by state and
federal public monuments, point to Morris as a leader in the passage
of Wyoming's suffrage amendment. However, Morris' leadership role in
the legislation is disputed. Morris herself never claimed any credit,
ascribing the bill entirely to William H. Bright, who was member of
the territorial legislature from South Pass City and President of the
Territorial Council.Esther Hobart McQuigg was born in the village of
Spencer, Tioga County, New York, on 8 August 1812. It has been
incorrectly reported Esther McQuigg was orphaned at an early age. She
actually grew up in a large family. Her mother passed away when Esther
was fourteen, but she continued to live with her father, grandmother
and siblings until age twenty-one. Esther then moved to the town of
Owego and set up a millinery business. Esther Hobart Morris Biography, NetWorth, Height, Age, Weight, Family, Married, Son, Daughter