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Description
Ola Babcock Miller was Iowa's first female Secretary of State. Initially elected in 1932, she was reelected twice. Miller died in 1937 at age 65 while serving her third term. Born in 1872 in Washington County, Miller attended Iowa Wesleyan College. Although she was active in the women's suffrage movement, Miller is also remembered as the founder of the Iowa State Patrol. While Secretary of State, she convinced the state legislature that a statewide law enforcement agency was needed, particularly to enforce highway safety laws. The patrol was created in 1935 and placed under her control, where it grew from a force of 50 to 150 patrol officers by 1938.
Source-Dependent Questions
- Ola Babcock Miller was Iowa's first female Secretary of State, elected in 1932. She also fought for women's suffrage, which passed in 1920. Discuss how her background led her to fight for human rights.
- Miller is remembered as the founder of the Iowa State Patrol. While Secretary of State, she convinced the state legislature that a statewide law enforcement agency was needed, particularly to enforce highway safety laws. Discuss why she would be remembered for this and why it is important to Iowa.
Citation Information
"Ola Babcock Miller." Courtesy of Iowa Department of Human Rights