Rankin, Jeannette (1880–1973)

US representative. She was the first woman elected to the US House of Representatives (Republican, Montana) in 1917 and became one of only 57 members to vote against US entry into World War I. Serving again in the House 1941–43, she was the only member of Congress to vote against US entry into World War II. She continued to lobby for peace in later years, particularly during the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Born in Missoula, Montana, she was a graduate of the University of Montana in 1902 and of the New York School for Social Work in 1909. She fought for women's suffrage and helped obtain it in Montana in 1914. She devoted herself to pacifism and women's and children's causes. In 1967 a group of women formed the Jeannette Rankin Brigade to oppose the Vietnam War.