Guide to the Governor Nellie T. Ross records

Collection

Identifier: RG0001.24

Staff Only

Scope and Content

Correspondence and record series covering charges against various Wyoming officials, petitions for pardons, the requisition and extradition of fugitives, and legislative affairs. Some general topics include establishing an armory in Riverton, Wyoming, and various state and federal government issues.

Dates

1925-1927, 1911-1929

Creator

Ross, Nellie Tayloe, 1876-1977 (Person)

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes, and the collection is open to the public.

Copyright Information

The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.

Biography of

Nellie Tayloe Ross was born November 29,1876 near St. Joseph, Missouri. She was a sickly child and unable to attend school on a regular basis. However, Ross attended when she could and when unable, her parents supplemented her education with private tutors in her home. She completed a two year kindergarten teaching program and taught school in Omaha, Nebraska, until her health failed. A few years later she married William B. Ross and came with him to Cheyenne for his new law practice. They had a good life together that culminated with William's election to Governor. Mrs. Ross was an avid ally of her husband and helped him in all of his political works. When William died in office, the Secretary of State as Acting Governor called for a special election. The Democratic party nominated Mrs. Ross to take over for her husband. Ross declined at first but upon reflection accepted the nomination to complete her husband's work. She also felt she was the best qualified to understand her husband's goals and work to realize them. The second Governor Ross won the election and became the first woman governor in the United States. Governor Ross survived several challenges to her authority, some of which started with her first days in office. She served from January 5, 1925 to January 3, 1927 and was defeated in a bid for reelection. FDR called her to serve as the director of the U.S. Mint. Governor Ross spoke out for women's rights for years after her retirement in 1952. Nellie Tayloe Ross died in Washington, D.C. on November 19, 1977 and was buried in Cheyenne.

Extent

2.5 cubic feet (5 boxes)

Additional Description

Abstract

Records of Nellie Tayloe Ross' term as Governor of Wyoming feature the usual topics associated with the office. Notable issues include petitions for the removal of Arthur Gwynn and Scott Hazen from office, Wyoming State Penitentiary correspondence and petitions for an armory in Riverton, WY Many petition for pardon files and Stage agency correspondence are also included.

Arrangement of the Collection

The collection is divided into six subgroups including: General Records, Administrative Records, Proclamations, Pardon Records, Requisitions and Extraditions, and Legislative Affairs

Acquisition Information

MA 2890, transferred to Wyoming State Archives on June 26, 1968

Related Materials

For records concerning Nellie Tayloe Ross' service at the US Mint, see also H81-1, the Edness Kimball Wilkins Collection. Nellie Tayloe Ross records are also found at the American Heritage Center at the University of Wyoming/