E. Jean Nelson Penfield

E. Jean Nelson Penfield (1872–1961) was an American lawyer, parliamentarian, lecturer, suffragist, author, and poet. In 1892, she was the winner of an interstate oratorical contest with 63 competing colleges from 11 states; till then, she was the only woman who had ever taken this honor.

Early life and education Eliza Jean Nelson was born at Greencastle, Indiana, November 4, 1872. Her parents were Franklin Perry and Eliza Jean (Brannan) Nelson.

She was educated at DePauw University (Ph.B., 1893). and William Warner Jr. (d. 1900).

Following the death of her children, Penfield took up the study of law at Brooklyn Law School (LL.B., 1916), Penfield was admitted to practice law in 1916.

In 1909, when the Woman Suffrage Party was organized, with Carrie Chapman Catt as chair, Penfield, previously untried in any large work, became vice-chair. She soon displayed such ability that when Catt found it impossible to continue serving in the chief place, the position was thrust upon Penfield; she served as president during the period of 1910–12. She thus became one of the most conspicuous figures in suffrage work. Penfield also served as chair of the national committee to establish the representative district form of organization for suffrage work throughout the country. on Columbus Circle in 1924, On its extensive grounds, Penfield does gardening, canning, preserving and jelly-making.

Selected works Books Mother Mine Outline study of parliamentary law; a course of twelve lessons with introduction, instruction for class work, and question lists. (Prepared for use of teachers and groups where instructor is not desired) (Mount Vernon, N. Y., T. M. Taylor & Co., 1914)

Articles The Twentieth Amendment, Ladies Home Journal, January 1921

Other "Penfield's Parliamentary Law Chart"