From collection Candidates
Mary Abernethy was the Democratic candidate for County Superintendent of Schools for Montrose County, Colorado in 1906. She served for four terms in the office. In 1908 Abernethy's only opponent was Emma Ashburn, the Socialist candidate. Abernethy easily won the race with over eighty percent of the vote. Two years later Abernethy faced two opponents, both women, one the Republican and the other a Socialist candidate, but easily won election for a third term. In 1912 Abernethy ran for a fourth term in office, still winning her race, but the Republican candidate came closer than in previous campaigns. Two years later, Abernethy ran for another term, but lost to the Republican candidate, Emma Full. She returned to teaching full time in the area schools
