Early Life
Nellie Tayloe Ross was born on November 29, 1876, in St. Joseph, Missouri. She was one of six children. Her father’s family had historic ties to the Octagon House in Washington, D.C., where President James Madison once lived. Her family struggled financially, and by 1884 they had sold their farm and moved to Kansas. After her mother died in 1889, the family relocated to Omaha, Nebraska. Nellie graduated high school in 1892 and completed a two-year program to become a kindergarten teacher.
Marriage and Family
In 1900, Nellie met lawyer William Bradford Ross. They married in 1902 and settled in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The couple had four sons, though one passed away as an infant.
Her Husband’s Political Career
William Ross was a Progressive Democrat who supported reforms to protect the poor, regulate food and medicine, and improve government. Though Wyoming was mostly Republican, he was elected governor in 1922.
First Female Governor in the U.S.
In 1924, William died suddenly, and Nellie was chosen by Democrats to run for governor. She defeated Republican Eugene J. Sullivan and was sworn in on January 5, 1925, making her the first female governor in U.S. history. She continued her husband’s policies and introduced reforms to protect workers, children, and schools.
Work in Washington, D.C.
Nellie lost her re-election bid in 1926 but became an important Democratic leader. In 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed her as the first female director of the U.S. Mint. She oversaw the nation’s money production for 20 years under both Roosevelt and Harry Truman.
Later Years
Nellie retired in 1953 and remained active in Washington, D.C. She invested in real estate and lived to the age of 101, passing away in December 1977.
Discussion Questions
- What challenges did Nellie Tayloe Ross face as a woman in politics during the 1920s?
- How did Nellie continue her husband’s political work after his death?
- Why was Nellie’s role as director of the U.S. Mint significant in American history?
- What lessons can we learn from Nellie’s determination and long life?
Glossary
- Prohibition: A period in U.S. history (1920–1933) when the sale of alcohol was illegal.
- Progressive: A political movement that supported reforms to improve society and government.
- Monopoly: When one company or group controls all of a product or service.
- Bureau of the Mint: The government office that produces U.S. coins and currency.
Five Interesting Facts
- Nellie Tayloe Ross was the first female governor in U.S. history.
- She became governor of Wyoming in 1925 without actively campaigning.
- Nellie directed the U.S. Mint for 20 years.
- She lived to be 101 years old.
- She was a strong supporter of women’s political involvement.
Timeline
- 1876: Born in St. Joseph, Missouri.
- 1892: Graduated high school and trained as a kindergarten teacher.
- 1902: Married William Bradford Ross and moved to Wyoming.
- 1922: William Ross elected governor of Wyoming.
- 1924: William died; Nellie elected governor.
- 1925: Became the first female U.S. governor.
- 1933: Appointed director of the U.S. Mint.
- 1953: Retired from public service.
- 1977: Died at age 101.
