jan 1, 1839 - Betsy Love Allen

Description:

The first state (Mississippi) grants women the right to legally own property in their own name, with their husbands’ permission. It was enacted after a successful case (Fisher v. Allen) by a woman married under Chickasaw law, Betsy Love Allen, prevented a creditor of her husband from seizing her separately owned property. It is of note that this this victory came at the expense of civil rights, as the property in question was a slave.

Added to timeline:

Date: