STUTSMAN, ENOS (1826-1874)

Women’s Suffrage Pioneer Who Also Suffered Discrimination

The legislature of Dakota Territory was the first in a state or territory to introduce a bill authorizing the vote for women.  The man from Pembina who introduced the bill in 1868 was well-acquainted with discrimination because he, Enos Stutsman, was born without legs and only one arm.  Through pure determination, he rose to become a successful lawyer, real estate agent, and powerful legislator.  Stutsman later became very controversial when, as a government land agent, he tried to entice the Canadian provincial government under Métis leader, Louis Riel, to join the U.S.