Camden, Tenn.—State and local dignitaries gathered along with a large crowd of citizens Monday to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the day that the late Mary Cordelia “Aunt Cord” Beasley of Benton County cast her ballot as the first woman to legally vote in the state of Tennessee.
A lifelong resident of Benton County, “Aunt Cord” cast her ballot on April 22, 1919. She was 68 years old at that time and had worked for women’s suffrage. Aunt Cord cast her ballot in the Camden municipal election, voting for A.V. Bowls for Mayor. Bowls ultimately won the mayor’s race.
Tennessee Governor Albert H. Roberts had signed the bill into law allowing women to vote in the state on April 17, just three days before the municipal election was scheduled in Camden. A state historical marker commemorating the achievement is in front of the Benton County Courthouse.
At Monday’s ceremonies, dignitaries included Benton Co. Mayor Brett Lashlee, Chamber Director Jenna Cole-Wilson, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, U.S. Congressman David Kustoff, State Rep. Bruce Griffey of Paris, and State Sen. John Stevens.
Photo by Benton Co./Camden Chamber. In photo, Sen. Stevens and Rep. Griffey share the podium, while Mayor Brett Lashlee, U.S. Sen. Blackburn and Cong. David Kustoff look on.
Menu
