On this day in 1920 Tennessee became the 36th state to vote to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment to the U. S. Constitution, giving women the right to vote. All thanks to a Tennessee house member’s mama.
Harry Burn, the Republican representative from McMinn County, had intended to vote against the amendment, which would have defeated it in Tennessee, after getting telegrams from constituents telling him that McMinn County was dead set against women’s suffrage. What changed his mind was this letter:
“Dear Son
…Hurrah and vote for Suffrage and don’t keep them in doubt. I noticed Chandlers’ speech, it was very bitter. I’ve been watching to see how you stood but have not seen anything yet … Don’t forget to be a good boy and help Mrs. ‘Thomas Catt’ with her “Rats.” Is she the one that put rat in ratification, Ha! No more from mama this time…
With lots of love, Mama”
With that letter from his mother, Febb Burn, Harry was convinced to vote in favor of the Nineteenth Amendment.
He was accused of accepting a bribe to vote as he did and a grand jury was empaneled to investigate. Harry was cleared of any wrongdoing, but his next election was very close. He narrowly won reelection and later served in the Tennessee Senate. He ran for governor of Tennessee in 1930, losing that race.
