First Ohio women in law

TIFFIN --- March is "Women's History Month," celebrating the contributions women have made to the United States and recognizing the specific achievements women have made throughout American history in a variety of social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world. It serves as a reminder of the progress made toward gender equality and the importance of continuing to strive for a more inclusive society. With the help of the Seneca County Historical Society, Mark Steinmetz and Tim McKee, president of the Tiffin Historic Trust. The Cronise Sisters: First Ohio Women in Law In Tiffin, we had two remarkable working women who made history as the first female attorneys in the state of Ohio: Nettie and Florence Cronise. In 1873, Nettie and Florence Cronise achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first women admitted to the Ohio Bar. This remarkable accomplishment was not without challenges, as Ohio laws at the time did not provide for the admission of women attorneys. Despite facing vigorous opposition, Nettie Cronise applied for admission to the district court on April 4, 1873. Thanks to the support of leading local attorneys, including William Harvey Gibson and George Seney, Nettie's application was successful. Nettie was admitted to the Ohio Bar, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Illinois' denial of admission to another woman based on gender. Despite this setback, Nettie's groundbreaking achievement opened the door for the admission of women to the bar in Ohio. Just six months later, Florence Cronise, Nettie's younger sister, followed in her footsteps and was also admitted to the Ohio Bar. Florence went on to make history once again as the first female notary public in the state. Together, the Cronise sisters established the first female-owned law practice in Ohio, known as N. & F. Cronise. August 24, 1874, Nettie Cronise married her former classmate Nelson Lutes, and the two began practicing law together as Lutes & Lutes in 1880. Despite facing tragic circumstances following Nelson's passing, Nettie continued to uphold their legacy of legal excellence. In 1905, her daughter Evelyn joined Lutes & Lutes, following in her mother's footsteps and becoming a lawyer. Throughout their careers, Nettie and Florence Cronise demonstrated a deep commitment to education and empowerment. Nettie attended Heidelberg College and graduated from the State Normal School in Illinois, while Florence graduated from Heidelberg College in 1865 as the valedictorian of her class. Their dedication to advancing the rights of women in the legal profession was further evidenced by their participation in a national gathering of women at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. At the end of the gathering, Florence was elected president of the new National League of Women Lawyers. Nettie, who was nominated for the position, deferred the office in favor of her sister. Editor's note: With March declared as Women's History Month, we take a look at some of the amazing women then and now throughout our area of Seneca County.