Esther Hobart Morris (1814–1902) was the first female justice of the peace in the United States, appointed in 1870 in South Pass City, Wyoming. Born in New York, she moved to Illinois after becoming a widow and eventually settled in Wyoming, where she became a notable figure in the fight for women’s rights. Her appointment followed the resignation of the previous justice, who protested Wyoming’s 1869 women’s suffrage law. Morris served as justice for nearly nine months, handling 27 cases, none of which were overturned.
Although Morris is often celebrated for her role in women’s suffrage, her direct involvement in Wyoming’s suffrage amendment is disputed. Popular accounts claim she played a leadership role, but Morris herself credited legislator William H. Bright for introducing the bill. Nonetheless, her tenure as justice and her advocacy for women’s rights made her a symbol of the suffrage movement.
After leaving South Pass City, Morris continued her activism, participating in various national women’s rights events. She was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1896 and later presented Wyoming’s state flag during the 1890 statehood celebration. Her legacy lives on, with statues in Wyoming and the U.S. Capitol honoring her contributions. Though historical details about her role in women’s suffrage remain contested, Morris is remembered as a pioneer for women in the legal and political spheres.
