A Woman's Work: The Storied Life of Pioneer Esther Morris, the World's First Female Justice of the Peace

2017 | Biography

The first-ever biography of a woman we all should know Esther Morris (1812-1902), was a unique American woman whose life paralleled the dramatic events of the 19th century: abolition, railroads, Civil War, and suffrage. She lived on three frontiers and made a difference on each one. Ultimately, by organizing what may have been the second most important tea party in American history, she made it possible for Wyoming to be the first place in America where women could vote. She was also the world's first female justice of the peace. Esther Morris was a woman of wit and courage who struggled against hardship and tragedy, was married and widowed twice and lost a child. Esther caught the author's imagination years ago (they are both six feet tall and opinionated) and she has been gathering research ever since, including more than 100 letters written by Esther and her sons.

Marian Betancourt (Author)