Shocking Facts About Texas' First Female Governor, 'Ma' Ferguson

Did you know Texas had the second ever female governor in the history of the United States? Did you also know she lived right here in Temple, Texas before entering politics? There are many facts regarding the history and accomplishments of Miriam Amanda "Ma" (Wallace) Ferguson, but 2 personally stand out as very shocking!

First Things First - Who Is Ma Ferguson?

First, a brief history of how Ma Ferguson became involved in the Texas political world.

Like all strong women in Texas history, Ma Ferguson was there to clean up the mess of a man. This man happened to be her husband, James Edward "Pa" Ferguson. See, ole Pa was also a politician via a law career and banker.

Douglass, Neal. Ma and Jim Ferguson Voting, photograph, July 30, 1940; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth19242/m1/1/?q=ferguson: accessed March 8, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Austin History Center, Austin Public Library.

Born in Bell County

Let's go back even further into the history of Ma. She was born in Bell County, and attended both Salado College and Baylor Female College at Belton (now called University of Mary Hardin-Baylor). She married Pa Ferguson on New Year's Eve at the turn of the century, December 31, 1899.

Prior to her husband's pursuit into politics Ma Ferguson was a homemaker. In fact, if you look at her listed occupation with at the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas, it says "Housewife."

Ma Ferguson's House Still Stands in Temple

The home where Ma and Pa Ferguson lived in Temple is still here. It's currently a private residence, and sold as recently as just 3 years ago. Check it out on Zillow here.

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Brittany Colwell, Isbell Properties, LLC via Zillow

Prepare To Be Shocked

Now, for the shocking facts about Ma Ferguson becoming the second female governor in the history of the United States.

The first female governor was named Nellie Davis (Tayloe) Ross of Wyoming, and she beat Ma to the governor's chair by only 15 days! That's right - only two weeks and a day separated Ma Ferguson from being sworn in as the 1st female governor in US history.

The other similarity these 2 ladies have that's kind of shocking is they were both first ladies of their states before becoming governor. To this day, no other woman has served as governor of Wyoming, and only Ann Richards has served as a female governor in Texas.

Did you also know, Texas has yet to have a female Lieutenant Governor?

Have you been to the Ma and Pa Ferguson House in Temple? Do you think Texas is long overdue for another woman in the governor's office? Tap the Chat button in our free app and let us know what you think.

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