From collection Candidates
Nellie M. Archibald was elected County Treasurer of Ashland County, Wisconsin in 1910. She served in the office for two terms. Before her election in 1910 Archibald had been the deputy treasurer for the county. Although Archibald claimed to be widowed, her husband had abandoned the family and Nellie went to court to legally revert to her maiden name. When Archibald asked that her name be placed in nomination for the office of County Treasurer in 1910, a county district attorney, Victor Pierrelee questioned if she was eligible. State Attorney General Gilbert got involved and sided with Archibald. He noted that the state supreme court had never ruled on whether or not women were eligible for the county office. However, given that the general election was only two months away, there would be no time for the courts to rule, and Archibald's candidacy should go before the voters. The voters agreed and elected her twice for the office.
