Susanna M. Salter, American activist and politician (d. 1961)

Susanna Madora Salter: A Pioneer in American Politics

Born Susanna Madora Kinsey on March 2, 1860, and living a remarkable life until March 17, 1961, Susanna Madora Salter etched her name into American history as a pivotal figure in the advancement of women in politics. An American politician and activist, her story is one of an unexpected rise to power that profoundly impacted the narrative of female leadership in the United States.

Susanna's journey led her to Argonia, Kansas, a small town that would become the stage for her groundbreaking achievement. It was here, in 1887, that she was elected as the mayor, thereby becoming the first woman ever elected to serve as a mayor in the United States. This victory wasn't merely a local event; it resonated nationally, placing her among the very first women to hold any political office in the U.S. Her election stood as a powerful symbol, challenging prevailing societal norms about women's roles and capabilities.

The Unconventional Road to Mayoralty

The circumstances surrounding Susanna Salter's election in Argonia, Kansas, are as fascinating as the achievement itself, offering a glimpse into the social dynamics of the late 19th century. In a town deeply divided by the temperance movement, Salter, a devout prohibitionist and mother of six, found herself at the center of a political ploy. Opponents of the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) and its allies, aiming to discredit women's involvement in politics, conspiratorially placed her name on the ballot as a mayoral candidate on the very morning of the election, without her knowledge or consent. Their intention was to humiliate her and prove that women were not fit for public office.

However, their prank backfired spectacularly. When Salter discovered her name on the ballot, she agreed to serve if elected. Local members of the WCTU and other women's suffrage advocates quickly rallied, throwing their full support behind her. They went door-to-door, informing voters that Susanna Salter was a legitimate candidate and urging them to vote for her. The town's men, perhaps amused by the situation or genuinely respecting Salter, also cast their votes for her. On April 4, 1887, Susanna Madora Salter won the election by a two-thirds majority, turning a cynical joke into a monumental stride for women's political empowerment.

A Landmark Term and Lasting Legacy

During her single one-year term as mayor of Argonia, Salter presided over city council meetings with competence and dignity. While her tenure was relatively brief and primarily administrative, focusing on enforcing existing ordinances and maintaining order, her very presence in office was revolutionary. She famously fined six men for violating town ordinances during her first day, demonstrating her commitment to upholding the law irrespective of gender or social standing. Her successful term disproved the misogynistic belief that women were incapable of leading, providing tangible proof that women could indeed govern effectively.

It's important to note the historical distinction with Nancy Smith, who was the first woman elected mayor in the United States in Oskaloosa, Iowa, in 1886, but ultimately chose not to serve. Thus, Susanna Madora Salter holds the undisputed title of the first woman to be *elected and serve* as mayor in the nation, making her a true pioneer. After her term, Salter did not seek re-election, choosing instead to focus on her family. She and her husband eventually moved from Kansas, living in Oklahoma and later in August, Oklahoma Territory, and then back to Kansas, ultimately settling in Norman, Oklahoma, in 1893, where she spent many of her later years. She remained an influential figure and lived a long, full life, passing away at the impressive age of 101.

Susanna Madora Salter's election was more than just a local triumph; it was a powerful statement in an era when women were still fighting for the right to vote. Her story became an inspiration, demonstrating that women were not only capable of participating in the political process but also of leading it. Her legacy continues to resonate, reminding us of the courage required to break barriers and the profound impact of those who dare to lead the way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Susanna Madora Salter

Who was Susanna Madora Salter?
Susanna Madora Salter was an American politician and activist, best known for becoming the first woman elected to serve as a mayor in the United States. She broke significant gender barriers in the late 19th century.
When was Susanna Madora Salter born and when did she die?
Susanna Madora Salter was born on March 2, 1860, and passed away on March 17, 1961, living to the remarkable age of 101.
What was Susanna Madora Salter's significant achievement?
Her most significant achievement was her election as mayor of Argonia, Kansas, in 1887, making her the first woman in the United States to be elected to and serve in such a municipal office.
Where did she serve as mayor?
She served as mayor of Argonia, a small town in south-central Kansas.
Why is her election particularly notable?
Her election is particularly notable because it occurred in an era when women did not even have the right to vote in most parts of the U.S. She was nominated as a prank by opponents of the temperance movement, but the town's women and sympathetic voters rallied to elect her, turning a joke into a historical milestone for women's suffrage and political participation.
Was she truly the first woman elected mayor in the U.S.?
Yes, she was the first woman elected mayor in the U.S. who actually *served* in the role. While Nancy Smith was elected mayor in Oskaloosa, Iowa, in 1886, she ultimately chose not to take office, making Salter's achievement unique in its full completion of election and service.