Rebecca Latimer Felton 1835 – 1930

Biography

Rebecca Latimer Felton was born on June 10, 1835, in Decatur, Georgia, during a transformative period in American history. She would go on to become a notable figure in American politics, breaking barriers during an era when women’s participation in political life was uncommon. Her long life spanned nearly a century, witnessing extraordinary changes in the nation and her home state of Georgia.

Throughout her years, Felton became known for her political engagement and contributions to public discourse. She lived through the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the rapid modernization of the early twentieth century, adapting to each era’s challenges and opportunities. Her determination to participate in political matters reflected the growing movement for women’s voices in governance.

Felton spent her final years in Atlanta before her death on January 24, 1930. She was laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery in Cartersville, Georgia, where her legacy endured as a pioneer in American political life. Her nearly 95 years of life represented a remarkable journey through one of the nation’s most defining periods of change.