Mary Cordelia Beasley ~ Hudson - Camden, TN
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 36° 03.483 W 088° 05.815
16S E 401207 N 3990943
First woman to cast a vote in Tennessee
Waymark Code: WMX6A6
Location: Tennessee, United States
Date Posted: 12/03/2017
Views: 1
County of Marker: Benton County
Location of Marker: Main St. & Forrest Ave., courthouse lawn, Camden
Marker erected by: Tennessee Historical Commission
Marker Text:
MARY CORDELIA
BEASLEY~HUDSON
Mary Cordelia Beasley~Hudson, a life~long resident of Benton County, was an advocate for women's suffrage. The Tennessee General Assembly approved an amendment to the state constitution to allow women's suffrage on April 15, 1919. Seven days later Beasley~Hudson was the first female in the state to cast a ballot when voting in the Camden municipal election. In 1920 the nation ratified the 19th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution giving women the right to vote. One month before the 1920 presidential election Beasley~Hudson died; her remains interred in Camden City Cemetery. On March 5, 2008, the Tennessee General Assembly recognized her with a proclamation.