U3301

Distinguished Americans

Senator Hattie Caraway

Collins Cover Announcement 

Hattie Caraway

76c

Hattie W. Caraway was, in 1932, the first woman to be elected to the United States Senate. Her husband, Thaddeus, had been a senator from Arkansas, and when he died unexpectedly in 1931, she was appointed by the governor to fill his vacant seat. This set the stage for her historic election in 1932. In 1938 she was elected to a second six-year term, but in 1944 was beaten by J. William Fulbtight. Her twelve years in the Senate were marked by a quiet, serious dignity that earned her the nickname "Silent Hattie." When asked to comment on her loss to Fulbright, her short and poignant response was typical "The people are speaking."

Hattie Ophelia Wyatt Caraway was born February 1, 1878 near Bakerville, Tennessee. In 1896 she graduated from the Dickson Normal School and taught there for a brief time. In 1902 she married Thaddeus and focused her attention on their children and the family farm. His law practice eventually propelled him into the United States Senate and, as they say, "the rest is history." I'm pleased to announce my hand painted First Day Cover honoring the first woman to be elected to the Senate. "Silent Hattie" and her twelve years of dedicated service to our country. Item #U3301 - $13.00.