The Oklahoma Bar Journal September 2024

that question, for at the time we formed the organization we were not aware we had this danger to confront.” 20 G. C. Abernathy of Ms. Sturdevant’s hometown of Shawnee moved for her admission. It was seconded, and after a hand vote, Ms. Sturdevant became the association’s first woman member 21 and remained an active participant for 75 years. When she began her practice, Ms. Sturdevant did not special ize in any particular area of law. As she said, “We specialized in anything that came in the front door.” 22 She preferred preparing cases and doing research to trying cases in court. When she did go to the courthouses in Wewoka and some of the smaller counties, “the janitors would start cleaning up the courtrooms so they would look neater.” 23

There’s not a task to mankind given, There’s not a blessing or a woe, There’s not a whisper, yes or no, There’s not a life, a death, a birth, Nor aught that has a feather’s weight of worth, Without a woman in it. 18 Chairman R. A. Kleinschmidt indicated there was a division in ranks over the question of admitting a woman to the bar. Mr. Kleinschmidt said, “We have taken the precaution to fortify our selves by securing the signature of at least every well-known admirer of the opposite sex.” 19 Mr. W. H. Kornegay then raised the question, “Is she eligible under our constitu tion?” President James H. Gordon replied, “I am unable to answer Despite the glowing recommen dation, remarks by General Counsel

Finally receiving the recognition she deserved due to her hard work, Ms. Sturdevant became president of the Pottawatomie County Bar Association in 1918 and served as secretary and treasurer for 30 years. 24 In 1936, she formed a partnership with Ruby Turner Looper, which “established the first totally female law partner ship.” 25 Their partnership continued until 1950 when Ms. Sturdevant again became a solo practitioner. 26 During the partnership, Ms. Looper and Ms. Sturdevant were attorneys of record on five reported deci sions. 27 Ms. Sturdevant would be an attorney of record on 35 addi tional reported decisions from 1914 to 1956. Ms. Sturdevant was instru mental in forming the Lawyers’ Tax Group, of which she served as secretary and treasurer for 30 years. She was also active in the Oklahoma Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs,

When she died on Oct. 24, 1986, she had practiced for 75 years; she had the distinction of being the oldest practicing female attorney in the state.

Statements or opinions expressed in the Oklahoma Bar Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oklahoma Bar Association, its officers, Board of Governors, Board of Editors or staff.

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THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL