April 5, 1921
Two years after women in Missouri were finally allowed to vote, the first female mayor in Missouri history was elected in St. James. Mayme Ousley grew up in nearby Edgar Springs but moved to St. James after her husband graduated from dental school and set up his practice. She won the election by only eight votes, but made history in the process.
Read more about Missouri’s suffrage history in this Missouri Life magazine story about Emily Newell Blair, “Missouri’s Suffragette.”
Based upon content from the book Missouri 365: This Day in Missouri History by John W. Brown, broadcaster and Missouri historian. Get your copy at Reedy Press.
Photo—State Historical Society of Missouri
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April 5, 1921
The citizens of St. James elected Mayme Ousley to be the first woman mayor in the state. This was just two years after women won the right to vote.