Winona Branch Sawyer

Winona Branch Sawyer (August 8, 1847 – October 24, 1939) was an American writer. She spoke widely about feminism. She also studied law and became the second woman to be admitted to the Nebraska bar in 1887. In 1889, she was admitted to the Supreme Court.

Early and personal life Sawyer was born on August 8, 1847, in Williamsville, New York to Rev. Wm. Branch and Elizabeth Trowbridge Branch. In 1875, she married lawyer A.J Sawyer and moved to Nebraska.

Education and career Sawyer attended Mount Carroll Seminary, which is now known as Shimer College, and graduated in 1871. She worked as a teacher at the institution and later became a member of the board of trustees.

In 1883, she enrolled at the University of Nebraska to study painting and art history.

She later studied law and became the second woman to be admitted to the Nebraska bar in 1887. In 1889, she was admitted to the Supreme Court.

Sawyer wrote many literary works throughout her life — ranging from newspaper correspondences, addresses, speeches, essays and fictions. She was buried at Wyuka Cemetery.