From collection Candidates
Rachel Tye was elected County Superintendent of Common Schools for Whitley County, Kentucky in 1905. Although Tye won the majority of the votes in the election, and was sworn in as the County Superintendent, her predecessor and political opponent, C.S. Wilson sued to retain the office. Wilson claimed that as a woman Tye was not eligible and and also that she had not reached the age to hold the position as required by law. Tye won in the lower court and the state court of appeals. See the written opinion of Judge Nunn in Wilson v. Tye, 122 Ky. 508
Tye was educated at the University of Kentucky where she played on one of the first women's basketball teams. She later attended the University of Chicago and received a master's degree in education. After her term in office Tye turned to business in her small town and managed a store. U.S. Census data show that she married James B. Baker and had one son, George T., before being widowed in her forties. She died at the age of ninety six.
Tye was educated at the University of Kentucky where she played on one of the first women's basketball teams. She later attended the University of Chicago and received a master's degree in education. After her term in office Tye turned to business in her small town and managed a store. U.S. Census data show that she married James B. Baker and had one son, George T., before being widowed in her forties. She died at the age of ninety six.
