Indy Standard

As Women's History Month is observed this March, attention turns to the women who have significantly influenced Indiana's legislative history. Julia D. Nelson stands out as a key figure, being the first woman elected to the Indiana General Assembly. Born in 1863 in Mooresville, Morgan County, Nelson transitioned from homemaker to state legislator, symbolizing women's progress in governance.

Nelson moved to Muncie in 1903 and became chair of the Delaware County Republican Women's Club in 1920, coinciding with Indiana's ratification of the 19th Amendment that granted women voting rights. She was elected to represent Delaware County in the Indiana House of Representatives from 1921 to 1923 after State Rep. J. Clark McKinley's death just before the November 1920 election.

Her legacy highlights Morgan County's role in promoting women's political participation in Indiana. In 1982, Sue Glick and Jane Spencer Craney became the first female county prosecutors in LaGrange and Morgan counties respectively. Glick now serves as State Senator for District 13, while Craney has retired as judge from Morgan County Superior Court 3. In 2016, Shannon Kohl made history as Martinsville's first female mayor.

Today, numerous women hold leadership roles within the state legislature. Joanna King of Middlebury serves as Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore; Michelle Davis of Whiteland is Assistant Majority Floor Leader; Lindsay Patterson of Brookville acts as Assistant Majority Caucus Chair; and another notable figure is Vice Chair of the House Public Policy Committee who is also a former Assistant Majority Floor Leader and was the first female legislator representing Morgan County.

Women's History Month began as a week-long celebration in California in 1978 and gained national recognition when Congress extended it to a month-long observance in 1987. This period honors women's contributions to society and inspires future generations by reflecting on achievements like those of Julia D. Nelson.