Frances Axtell

FIRST STATE REPRESENTATIVE 1913-1915

Axtell, a fierce proponent of Washington’s minimum wage, served with Nena Croake and some 95 men in the State House.
In 1916, Axtell ran for U.S. Congress as a Democrat and lost in the General Election.
In 1917, Axtell became the first woman appointed to a federal commission. The next year she wielded more power when she was promoted to President of the U.S. Employee Compensation Commission.
In 1922, the gutsy pioneer dared to make a run for the U.S. Senate as a Republican. She lost the nomination in the Primary Election.

"WILSON NOMINATES WOMAN FOR BOARD."

- The New York Times, January 6, 1917