Myra C. Bradwell was born in Manchester, VT on February 12, 1831. At the age of twelve, her family moved to Illinois, where she became a teacher. 

In 1852, she married James B. Bradwell, who later became a lawyer.  Myra studied under  him so that she could help him with his work and because women were not admitted to law schools.  

Although she passed the  state bar law exam (1869), she was not allowed to practice because she was considered 'disabled' because she was a woman and it was believed that women were too delicate to face the issues that would arise in court  and also because she was married. 

 She then established the first weekly edition of the Chicago Legal News, a law magazine which carried information for lawyers.  She became the first female editor and business manager. 

In 1890 she was finally admitted to the bar without applying again and in 1892 practiced before the U.S. Supreme Court. 

Her most famous case (1875)  involved Mary Todd Lincoln, the widow of  President Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln's son, Robert,  had her declared insane so that he could control her money.  Myra and her husband, Judge Bradwell,  represented Mrs. Lincoln  and got  her  released from the asylum four months later.  

Myra received  her law license in 1892. She  decided that she was too busy to use it full-time.   Myra Colby Bradwell died in 1894. 

 [The Bradwells lived at 12428  S. Michigan Ave.]

Myra Bradwell: America's First Woman Lawyer

Women in History: Myra Bradwell

Who is Myra Bradwell?

The Law Student's Helper

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myra_Bradwell

http://womenshistory.about.com/od/laws/a/myra_bradwell.htm

http://library.law.columbia.edu/rise_of_women/practice/myra_bradwell.html

Bradwell School Class of 1966

Bradwell School Class of 1967

America's First Woman Lawyer: The Biography of Myra Bradwell, by Jane Friedman, 1993  

Famous Alumni: http://www.cpsalumni.org/honor_roll/152

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History of Bradwell School

In 1890 a new school was constructed called Duncan Avenue School.  Miss Irene Fort was the first principal. In 1895,the name of the school was changed to Myra C. Bradwell., who had died in 1894..  

In December, 1903, the terrible Iroquois Theater fired occurred.  Three of the victims were Miss Fort and two of the original teachers. 

In 1904 the graduating class picked their school colors. The class picked black for mourning and gold for the fire as a memorial to Miss Fort, and the two original teachers, Miss Sayre and Miss Fair.

 The current principal, is Mr. Justin Moore (September 2009).