Margaret Chase Smith Biography | American Senator and Educator

Margaret Chase Smith

Born: December 14, 1897
Died: May 29, 1995
Place of Birth: Skowhegan, Maine

Margaret Chase Smith was the first woman to be elected to both the House of Representatives and the US Senate.
Because of financial problems, she worked at several jobs following high school graduation in Maine.
This gave the future politician skills in handling and working with people.
Smith was the founder of the Skowhegan Business and Professional Women's Club.
She married a noted publisher, Clyde H. Smith, in 1930.
Her husband was elected to the US Congress in 1936; however, he died only four years later.
Smith decided to run as his replacement and was elected to the House of Representatives as a Republican.
She was noted for her sometimes difference in opinion with the Republican leadership.
In 1948, Margaret Chase Smith was a successful candidate for the US Senate.
Two years later, she wrote an important document, the Declaration of Conscience.
At one point in her career, Margaret Chase Smith was the first woman to have her name in the Republican nominations for the role of US President.
Upon retiring from politics in 1972, she concentrated her efforts on working in the educational field.
Margaret Chase Smith's awards include the Presidential Medal of Freedom and ninety-five honorary degrees.

For detailed research and more information, check out any of the following: United States Congress Margaret Chase Smith Library University of Maine Medal of Freedom Declaration of Conscience Wikipedia

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