Alice Robertson

Alice Robertson was an American educator, social worker, activist for Native American rights, and politician who served as a U.S. Representative from Oklahoma's 2nd congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, she made history as the second woman to serve in the United States Congress and the first from Oklahoma. Robertson is notable for being the first woman to defeat an incumbent congressman in a general election, and she was recognized for her strong personality and commitment to issues affecting Native Americans. Her tenure in the House of Representatives lasted from 1921 to 1923, and she was a significant figure in early 20th-century American politics.

Early life and career

Alice Mary Robertson was born on January 2, 1854, at the Tullahassee Mission in the Creek Nation, which was part of the Indian Territory at the time. She was the daughter of missionaries Ann Eliza Worcester and William Schenck Robertson, both of whom were deeply involved in translating various works, including the Bible, into the Creek language. This early exposure to education and language shaped her future endeavors. The 1860 United States Census indicates that her family resided in the Creek Nation, Arkansas, highlighting their connection to Native American communities.

Robertson's education began at home, where she was self-taught under the guidance of her parents. She later attended Elmira College in New York, where she furthered her academic pursuits. After completing her education, Robertson began her professional career in 1873 as a clerk in the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) in Washington, D.C., a position she held until 1879. Following her time in the BIA, she returned to the Indian Territory, where she briefly taught at the Tullahassee school.

In 1880, Robertson took a significant step in her career by teaching at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania, which served as a model for Indian boarding schools across the United States. After a two-year stint there, she returned to the Indian Territory and established the Nuyaka Mission, which was affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and reported to the Creek Council. She later taught in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, where she managed a Presbyterian boarding school for Native American girls. This institution eventually evolved into Henry Kendall College and later became the University of Tulsa.

Robertson's contributions to education continued when she was appointed as the first government supervisor of Creek Indian schools by the BIA, a role she held from 1900 to 1905. Her commitment to public service was further exemplified when President Theodore Roosevelt appointed her as the postmaster of Muskogee, Oklahoma, in 1905, making her the first woman to serve as postmaster of a Class A post office in the United States. During World War I, she played an active role in supporting local troops by providing canteen services, which laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Muskogee Chapter of the American Red Cross.

House tenure

Alice Robertson's political career took a significant turn when she decided to run for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1920, she was elected as a Republican to represent Oklahoma's 2nd congressional district in the 67th Congress. Her election was historic, as she became the first woman to defeat an incumbent congressman in a general election, narrowly overcoming William Hastings. Robertson's term in the House began on March 4, 1921, and concluded on March 3, 1923.

During her time in Congress, Robertson made history by becoming the first woman to preside over the House of Representatives on June 20, 1921. She was the second woman overall to serve in Congress, following Jeannette Rankin from Montana, who had served earlier. Robertson's tenure coincided with a period of significant change in American politics, particularly following the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. She was the first woman elected to Congress after this landmark amendment.

Despite her groundbreaking achievements, Robertson faced challenges during her time in office. She was unsuccessful in her bid for re-election in 1922, losing to Hastings, the incumbent she had previously defeated. Her political career in Congress was marked by her strong opposition to feminist organizations, including the League of Women Voters and the National Woman's Party. She voted against various bills aimed at funding maternity and childcare, arguing that such measures represented an unwarranted intrusion of government into personal rights. This stance garnered her support from organizations like the Daughters of the American Revolution, of which she was a member.

Legislative focus and committees

During her time in the House of Representatives, Alice Robertson's legislative focus was closely tied to her background and experiences. She was particularly concerned with issues affecting Native Americans, reflecting her lifelong commitment to advocating for their rights and welfare. Her role as the first government supervisor of Creek Indian schools and her involvement in education provided her with a unique perspective on the challenges faced by Native American communities.

Robertson's opposition to feminist movements and her conservative stance on social issues were defining characteristics of her legislative approach. She was known for her resistance to bills that she perceived as extending government influence into personal and family matters. This ideological position influenced her voting record and shaped her relationships with various advocacy groups.

Although specific details about the committees she served on during her congressional tenure are not provided, it can be inferred that her background in education and her advocacy for Native American rights would have informed her contributions to relevant legislative discussions. Her experience as a teacher and administrator in Native American schools likely positioned her as a knowledgeable voice on issues related to education and social welfare for Indigenous populations.

After her congressional career, Robertson continued to serve her community in various capacities. She was appointed by President Warren G. Harding as a welfare worker at Veterans Hospital Number 90 in Muskogee in May 1923. Following her retirement from public service, she managed a dairy farm and owned a café, which was later targeted by her opponents due to her political actions in Congress.

Alice Robertson passed away on July 1, 1931, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Her legacy includes her contributions to education, her groundbreaking role as a female politician, and her advocacy for Native American rights. Her personal library and family papers were bequeathed to the University of Tulsa, where they are preserved as part of the McFarlin Library's collection. Additionally, several institutions, including Robertson Hall at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and Alice Robertson Middle School in Muskogee, have been named in her honor, reflecting her impact on her community and the state of Oklahoma.