Interesting Women of the Capital City by Michelle Brooks
Most of the history of Jefferson City, Missouri has been told from the perspective of the men. Interesting Women of the Capital City offers a look at the women who made their own way in the first two centuries.
The 10 women featured range from Lydia Montague, who opened the first school for African-Americans in Jefferson City while it was still illegal before the end of the Civil War, to Jerena Giffen, the first female news bureau chief in the nation, who covered the 1954 Missouri State Penitentiary riot in evening-wear.
Other trailblazers include Ruth Rust, once the only woman in the nation to be the official photographer of a state General Assembly, and Hazel Teabeau, the first African-American to earn a doctorate degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Interesting Women of the Capital City also records the early suffrage work of Dolly Sheldon, the hotel operations of Emma Mathews, and the civil rights leadership of Estella Diggs.
Gambling Queen Belle Siddons made her own place in the nation's western romance. Grace Hershey gave her life in service to her country through the American Red Cross during World War I.
Sarah Standish's story is a reminder that despite multiple tragedies, women can remain dignified and compassionate.
The work is dedicated to resilient women who make the best of whatever circumstances and opportunities befall them.
About the Author
Michelle Brooks spent more than 20 years writing for Missouri newspapers, the last 19 with Central Missouri Newspapers Inc. In that time, she garnered more than 100 industry awards for her writing, predominantly in history and faith matters. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies, with emphasis in anthropology and history, from Lincoln University in 2018, she joined the Missouri State Archive, where she is a research analyst.
Product Specifications
Independently Published, 2021. Paperback, 103 pages.
