From collection Candidates
In 1916 Minerva L. McCarty, a Repubican, was elected Elbert County, Colorado Superintendent of Schools, defeating the Democratic candidate, N.M. Bailey. She ran again in 1918 and was elected to a second term. Two years later she won a third term. McCarty was a native of Denver and educated at the Teachers College there. She moved to Elbert County as a homesteader and began her career in education as a teacher in the schools.