Overlooked No More: She Followed a Trail to Wyoming. Then She Blazed One.

As the author of a recent historical novel about Esther Morris, I have spent many years with this amazing woman and in addition to her courage, resourcefulness and can-do attitude, I enjoyed her wonderful sense of humor.

As a descendant of Esther Morris, I was honored, surprised and pleased to see this obituary today. Thanks for giving her some recognition. This is part of a terrific series and I hope you continue it.

Question for Ms.Anderson: Did Ms. Morris really name two of her sons Edward?

Hard to imagine the US at this time period with a vast and sparsely populated Western territory. These men and women who headed west into the mostly unknown never fail to impress me with their courage and resilience, especially the women. Wilderness, men, often alcoholic (the alcohol consumption in this era was incredible) and unruly, outnumbering the women by a good amount, guns aplenty, no instantaneous communication to get help or to stay in contact with family. Very cool obituary.

This new column is great. It acknowledges all the women in history who have been heretofore not received much attention in our education system and society. The women of today need to know they are "standing on the shoulders" so to speak, of these trailblazers. It seems as though many women and girls today label themselves "feminists" without actually knowing what that entails. Women have come a very long way, and contemporary women (and men) need to acknowledge that.

Wonderful Wyoming and its women once more recognized

I am very proud that my state had such a wonderful track record for women in its early days. We also had the first female governor (Nellie Tayloe Ross, in the 1920s). Unfortunately, as far as 21st century women's issues are concerned, including equal pay, employment opportunities and representation in both state and federal government, it's been all downhill from there. Liz Cheney is something of a joke at parties. I wince every time I hear Wyoming called "the Equality State."

It is interesting to recall that the 1787 Constitution did not deprive women of the vote; rather, it said that all citizens entitled to vote for the most numerous body of the state legislature could vote in federal elections (Senators would be elected by the State legislatures -- until 20th Century). Prior to the 19th Amendment, which WAS necessary because of dallying by most states, some states (how many? mostly in the Mountain Time Zone?) had enfranchised women. And, we beat the British, who beat us on abolition of slavery. Three cheers for Justice Morris.

Bravo! I had done some research on Wyoming and learned about Esther many years ago and it's wonderful to see her getting some long-overdue recognition for her contributions to the advancement of women in the U.S.

Edward was the name of both her first son (with first husband) and also the name of one of the twins she had with her second husband?

This story makes me wonder: what other women of importance do we not know about? A fascinating series. The first thing I turn to.

Great column---I hope it continues.....

Wonderful to learn about this woman now, wish I'd learned about her in school as a child.