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Elizabeth Jane “Bessie” Eaglesfield

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Elizabeth Jane “Bessie” Eaglesfield

Birth
Clay County, Indiana, USA
Death
24 Jun 1940 (aged 86)
Benton Harbor, Berrien County, Michigan, USA
Burial
Benton Harbor, Berrien County, Michigan, USA Add to Map
Plot
Section C-2
Memorial ID
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MICHIGAN: The funeral of Mrs. Elizabeth Eaglesfield, aged 87, will be held at 2:30pm Wednesday. Mrs. Eaglesfield died Monday at her home 1244 McAllister avenue, after an extended illness. She was the first woman admitted to the practice of law in the state of Michigan. Born in Grand Rapids(sic), on June 29, 1853, she attended the University of Michigan and graduated from its law school 64 years ago, It was a time when public prejudice denied professions to women, but Mrs. Eaglesfield returned to Grand Rapids and established an office. For many years she had a large practice in both state and federal courts. She retired from the practice of law at the age of 62 and came to Benton harbor 24 years ago to make her home with her son, Phillip R. Eaglesfield, who was engaged in the steamship business. Mrs. Eaglesfield, joined in active management of fruit buying, shipping and management of the Eaglesfield docks on West Main street, Benton harbor. She frequently made voyages in command of the packets Mary Margaret and Golden Girl, and the schooner Alice.
She retired from business five years ago. Her son also retired from shipping, and became a member of the Chicago open board of trade. Surviving Mrs. Eaglesfield are her son and three granddaughters, Mrs. James N. Nix, Miami, Fla: Mrs. Neal Totzke, St. Joseph; and Miss Katherine Ann Eaglesfield, Grand Rapids.

From the South Bend (Indiana) Tribune of Tues., 25 June 1940, p.17.
MICHIGAN: The funeral of Mrs. Elizabeth Eaglesfield, aged 87, will be held at 2:30pm Wednesday. Mrs. Eaglesfield died Monday at her home 1244 McAllister avenue, after an extended illness. She was the first woman admitted to the practice of law in the state of Michigan. Born in Grand Rapids(sic), on June 29, 1853, she attended the University of Michigan and graduated from its law school 64 years ago, It was a time when public prejudice denied professions to women, but Mrs. Eaglesfield returned to Grand Rapids and established an office. For many years she had a large practice in both state and federal courts. She retired from the practice of law at the age of 62 and came to Benton harbor 24 years ago to make her home with her son, Phillip R. Eaglesfield, who was engaged in the steamship business. Mrs. Eaglesfield, joined in active management of fruit buying, shipping and management of the Eaglesfield docks on West Main street, Benton harbor. She frequently made voyages in command of the packets Mary Margaret and Golden Girl, and the schooner Alice.
She retired from business five years ago. Her son also retired from shipping, and became a member of the Chicago open board of trade. Surviving Mrs. Eaglesfield are her son and three granddaughters, Mrs. James N. Nix, Miami, Fla: Mrs. Neal Totzke, St. Joseph; and Miss Katherine Ann Eaglesfield, Grand Rapids.

From the South Bend (Indiana) Tribune of Tues., 25 June 1940, p.17.

Inscription

"Born in Clay County In. June 29,1858
Died June 24, 1940
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I found life difficult but wonderful.
Beautiful and worth living.
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U of M LIT 1876
U of M Law 1878"

She was born on the Eaglesfield property which I understand to not be very far from Brazil, Indiana.

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