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Image of Elizabeth M. Ordway, circa 1865
SHS126
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Photograph

Elizabeth M. Ordway, circa 1865

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A shortage of women in Seattle in the 1860s inspired Asa Mercer to travel to the east coast to find women who might want to resettle in the new city. Elizabeth M. Ordway, nicknamed Lizzie, was a native of Lowell, Massachusetts. She arrived in Seattle in 1864, along with ten other so-called "Mercer Girls." Miss Ordway had a long career as a teacher and also served as superintendent of the Kitsap County schools.

This photo, probably taken in the 1860s, shows Lizzie Ordway, one of Seattle's original Mercer Girls. In addition to her career in education, Ordway was active in the woman suffrage movement which pushed for legislation to allow women to vote in local, state and national elections.

Title in original inventory: Lizzie Ordway

SHS category: Portrait
ID Number: SHS126
Date: Circa 1865
Physical Description: 1 photographic print mounted on cardboard : gelatin, b&w ; 25 x 16 cm.
Credit: MOHAI, SHS126
Copyright: All Rights Reserved
Subjects: Washington Territory, European American Settlement, Women's Rights

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