First Attempts in WV
In 1867, State Senator Samuel Young, a minister from Pocohontas County introduced a resolution to strike out the word male from Section 1, Article 3 of the West Virginia Constitution which addresses the requirements to vote in West Virginia. The resolution was tabled and never brought to a vote. Young tried again in 1869. This time the resolution was voted on but defeated. Had it passed, it would have opened the door for woman suffrage.
During the 1895 legislative session, Harvey Harmer, Delegate from Harrison County, proposed an amendment to the state constitution enfranchising women. The resolution was defeated. Twenty-five years later Harmer, an ardent supporter of women’s suffrage, would be a stronghold during the 19th amendment ratification fight in the state senate.
