Sarah E. Anderson

Sarah Elizabeth Nelson Anderson (January 30, 1853 – December 22, 1900) was a member of the Utah House of Representatives. Just one year prior to her election, in 1895, she was described by The Ogden Daily Standard as "one of the most prominent and popular women in Ogden City and Weber County." The article also mentions her strength, both mental and physical. She challenged Charles Tyree, Odgen City's registrar, who refused to register her as a voter because of the Edmunds-Tucker Act. Her argument was taken to the territorial Supreme Court, where she ultimately lost. This did not change her desire to have a voice in government. In 1896 she joined the 2nd Utah State Legislature as one of three women to be elected there. During her service she was Chairperson of the House Committee on Public Health. She authored bills, none of which became law.

Early life and family Anderson was born on January 30, 1853, in Weber County, Utah, to parents David Nelson and Sarah Brown. At her death two brothers named C.A. Nelson and Wm. L. Wilson were listed as well as half-brother J.H. Nelson and half-sister Mrs. H.L. Griffin.

Judge H.W. Smith ruled in her favor, allowing women to vote for ratification and state officials. Several well-respected lawyers helped her in success, including Franklin S. Richards, Samuel R. Thurman, and H.P. Henderson. Tyree, with the help of prominent attorney Arthur Brown, appealed it to the territorial Supreme Court, where Anderson ultimately lost. Two out of the three judges agreed the Enabling Act did not afford women the right vote to ratify the new state constitution or for state officials and Anderson had lost her case. Justice William H. King gave the dissenting opinion. Many women withdrew from politics as a result of the Supreme Court ruling, but Anderson continued. Utah's new constitution did contain perimeters allowing women to be enfranchised.

Legislator Anderson would become one of the first women elected to Utah legislature during the 1896 elections. In office, she served as the chairperson of the House Committee on Public Health, although few of her bills passed.