Trailblazing Women

The first 8 women who served in the PA House of Representatives

1923 was the first-year women could officially serve in the Pennsylvania General Assembly following the passage of the 19th amendment. In 1922, 8 women were elected and started serving their constituents during the following year.

1923 PA House of Representatives panoramic (20th Century) by Pennsylvania House of Representatives ArchivesPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

Martha Gibbons Thomas

Martha was a Republican from Chester County, PA, and served from 1923 to 1926. 

Official Website - PA House Archives Official Website

Helen Grimes

Helen was a Republican from Allegheny County. She served from 1923 to 1930. 

Official Website - PA House Archives Official Website

Alice M. Bentley

Alice served from 1923 to 1928 as a Republican Representative from Crawford County.

Official Website - PA House Archives Official Website

Sarah M. Gallaher

Sarah served one term in 1923 representing Cambria County. She was a Republican.

Official Website - PA House Archives Official Website

Sarah Gertrude MacKinney

Sarah was a Republican from Butler County and served one term in 1923. 

Official Website - PA House Archives Official Website

Martha G. Speiser

Martha served one term in 1923, as a Republican Representative from Philadelphia County. 

Official Website - PA House Archives Official Website

Lillie H. Pitts

Lillie served from 1923 to 1932 as a Republican from Philadelphia County. 

Official Website - PA House Archives Official Website

1923 PA House of Representatives, outside group photograph (20th Century) by Pennsylvania Women League of VotersPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

Rosa S. de Young

Rosa, top right corner, served as a Republican for one term in 1923 representing Philadelphia County. 


Official Website - PA House Archives Official Website

Credits: Story

For more information on these individuals and other women of the House of Representatives, please visit Official Website - PA House Archives Official Website

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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