Neal, Margie Elizabeth (1875-1971), was the first woman to be elected to the Texas state Senate . Neal also worked as a schoolteacher, newspaper publisher, and government administrator. She is regarded as a pioneer in the area of public service in Texas.
Neal was born in Panola County, in eastern Texas, on April 20, 1875. She was baptized Mary Elizabeth Neal, but her family called her Margie. She attended Sam Houston State Teachers College (now Sam Houston State University), where she earned a teaching certificate but did not receive a degree. She then taught school for a number of years. From 1903 to 1911, Neal was the editor and publisher of the East Texas Register, a weekly newspaper in the town of Carthage.
In 1918, Neal was named the first woman member of Texas’s state Democratic executive committee. She also became a vocal supporter of womansuffrage (voting rights). In 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States gave women the right to vote. That year, Neal served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. From 1921 to 1927, Neal served on the board of regents for the state teachers colleges.
In 1926, Neal became the first woman to win election to the Texas state Senate. She was reelected in 1928, 1930, and 1932. As a senator, Neal often focused on issues related to education. She sponsored the bill that created the Texas State Board of Education. She also worked on legislation to help people with disabilities.
In 1935, Neal went to Washington, D.C., where she held positions in the federal government. She worked for the National Recovery Administration , which regulated business and industries, and the Social Security Administration , which supports workers, retired workers, and their families. During World War II (1939-1945), Neal worked with the federal War Manpower Commission in Dallas and San Antonio.
Neal resigned from federal government service in 1945. She then returned to Carthage, where she remained active in community and educational organizations. Neal died on Dec. 19, 1971.
