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Sources for Digital Storytelling M.A. Ferguson

Texas Politics - Governors: Miriam A. Ferguson

Miriam Amanda Wallace (Ma) Ferguson (1875-1961), first woman governor of Texas, daughter of Joseph L. and Eliza (Garrison) Wallace, was born in Bell County, Texas, on June 13, 1875. She attended Salado College and Baylor Female College at Belton. In 1899, at the age of twenty-four, she married James Edward Ferguson, also of Bell County. Mrs. Ferguson served as the first lady of Texas during the gubernatorial terms of her husband (1915-17), who was impeached during his second administration. When James Ferguson failed to get his name on the ballot in 1924, Miriam entered the race for the Texas governorship. Before announcing for office, she had devoted her energies almost exclusively to her husband and two daughters. This fact, and the combination of her first and middle initials, led her supporters to call her "Ma" Ferguson. She quickly assured Texans that if elected she would follow the advice of her husband and that Texas thus would gain "two governors for the price of one." Her campaign sought vindication for the Ferguson name, promised extensive cuts in state appropriations, condemned the Ku Klux Klan, and opposed passing new liquor legislation. After trailing the Klan-supported prohibitionist candidate, Felix D. Robertson, in the July primary, she easily defeated him in the August run-off to become the Democratic gubernatorial candidate.
In November 1924 she handily defeated the Republican nominee, George C. Butte, a former dean of the University of Texas law school. Inaugurated fifteen days after Wyoming's Nellie Ross, Miriam Ferguson became the second woman governor in United States history.

The First Female Governor Of Texas: Miriam ‘Ma’ Ferguson – Houston Public Media

She served as "First Lady" of Texas as wife of Texas Governor Jim Ferguson. Then succeeded him as the first woman elected as Governor of Texas.

FERGUSON, MIRIAM AMANDA WALLACE [MA] | The Handbook of Texas Online| Texas State Historical Association (TSHA)

FERGUSON, MIRIAM AMANDA WALLACE MA. Miriam Amanda (Ma) Ferguson, first woman governor of Texas, daughter of Joseph L. and Eliza (Garrison) Wallace, was born in Bell County, Texas, on June 13, 1875. She attended Salado College and Baylor Female College at Belton. In 1899, at the age of twenty-four, she married James Edward Ferguson, also of Bell County. Mrs. Ferguson served as the first lady of Texas during the gubernatorial terms of her husband (1915–17), who was impeached during his second administration. When James Ferguson failed to get his name on the ballot in 1924, Miriam entered the race for the Texas governorship. Before announcing for office, she had devoted her energies almost exclusively to her husband and two daughters. This fact, and the combination of her first and middle initials, led her supporters to call her "Ma" Ferguson. She quickly assured Texans that if elected she would follow the advice of her husband and that Texas thus would gain "two governors for the price of one." Her campaign sought vindication for the Ferguson name, promised extensive cuts in state appropriations, condemned the Ku Klux Klan, and opposed passing new liquor legislation. After trailing the Klan-supported prohibitionist candidate, Felix D. Robertson, in the July primary, she easily defeated him in the August run-off to become the Democratic gubernatorial candidate. In November 1924 she handily defeated the Republican nominee, George C. Butte, a former dean of the University of Texas law school. Inaugurated fifteen days after Wyoming's Nellie Ross, Miriam Ferguson became the second woman governor in United States history.

Miriam 'Ma' Ferguson, Texas' first woman governor, was born on this day in 1875 - San Antonio Express-News

Miriam Amanda Wallace Ferguson (1875 - 1961), American politician. This image was taken of Miriam Amanda Wallace Ferguson when she was First Lady of Texas, prior to her being elected Governor in her own right. Click forward to see more badass women of Texas.

Bell County Museum - Intimate Glimpse of Miriam A. Ferguson

This edited home movie from the 1920s captures Miriam “Ma” Ferguson in Austin during her first term as Governor of Texas. The footage shows Ferguson at work in her office as well as at home in the Governor’s Mansion with her family. Also included are scenes of an Easter celebration at the residence, with children hunting for eggs on the front lawn.

Miriam "Ma" Ferguson's inaugural dress | Bullock Texas State History Museum

Miriam Ferguson was elected the first female governor of Texas in 1924. She wore this beaded orchid crepe dress to the inaugural ball held in her honor. Ironically, Ferguson did not have the support of women voters.

Texas Co-op Power Magazine - Texas Stories: Ma Ferguson Unmasks the Klan - An Online Community for Members of Texas E...

Texas Co-op Power delivers the best of Texas culture--people, food, travel, and energy news--to 1.3 million electric cooperative members each month.

A Foot in the Door | Austin History Center

  A Foot in the Door   [Jessie Daniel Ames], circa 1910, AR.E.004(009). Jane Y. McCallum Papers.

‘Ma’ Ferguson serves a second term as governor - The Courier

On Jan. 17, 1933, eight years and two months after her election as the first female governor in American history, Miriam A. Ferguson returned for a second-term encore.

Miriam "Ma" Ferguson | Humanities Texas

Miriam Amanda Wallace wasn't considering a career in politics when she enrolled at Baylor Female College in the 1890s. In 1899, she married James Ferguson and planned to settle down and raise a family. However, Miriam would make history, becoming the first woman governor of Texas.

"Govenor Miriam A. Ferguson" by Ralph W. Steen

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"Yet Another Look at the Fergusons of Texas" by Jane B. Guzman

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