Unladylike2020: Unsung Women Who Changed America Season 1 Episode 22 Martha Hughes Cannon: The First Woman State Senator & Public Health Pioneer

Unladylike2020: Unsung Women Who Changed America season 1 episode 22 is titled "Martha Hughes Cannon: The First Woman State Senator & Public Health Pioneer." This episode focuses on the incredible achievements of Martha Hughes Cannon, a pioneer in both politics and public health.

Martha Hughes Cannon was born in Wales in 1857 and migrated to the United States with her family when she was just three years old. Her family settled in Salt Lake City, where Martha received an education from the University of Deseret (later renamed the University of Utah). She went on to attend the University of Michigan, where she earned a degree in medicine in 1880.

Upon returning to Salt Lake City, Martha became involved in the women's suffrage movement and began to advocate for women's rights and representation in politics. In 1896, Utah became the first state to give women the right to vote, and Martha was instrumental in this achievement. She worked tirelessly to ensure that women's voices were heard and that their rights were protected.

In addition to her work in politics, Martha was also a pioneering public health advocate. When a smallpox epidemic broke out in Salt Lake City in 1898, Martha was appointed as the city's health officer. She organized a massive vaccination campaign and was able to contain the epidemic in just a few months. Martha went on to become the state's first female physician and was a leading expert on public health issues such as sanitation and infectious diseases.

Perhaps Martha's most notable achievement, however, came in 1896, when she became the first woman to be elected to a state senate in the United States. Martha won the election by defeating her own husband, who was running on a rival party ticket. Her victory was a resounding triumph for women's rights and paved the way for other women to seek political office.

Throughout her life, Martha Hughes Cannon fought tirelessly for women's rights and public health. She was a trailblazer who overcame significant obstacles to achieve incredible things. This episode of Unladylike2020 celebrates her life and legacy, highlighting the impact that she had on American society and the enduring inspiration that she provides for women today.