Lewis County Herald - Serving Hohenwald, Lewis County Tennessee Since 1898

As the nation commemorates the ratification of the 19th Amendment and the pivotal role Tennessee played as the "Perfect 36," residents may not realize how soon after this landmark vote that a Lewis County woman was given the opportunity to hold public office. Vonie Grimes was more than the first female County Register of Deeds. She was a woman who broke through boundaries, survived life's obstacles, and found success despite a few stolen ballot boxes.

Lavonia "Vonie" McClain Grimes was born July 5, 1875 to Martin McClain and Nancy Jane Beckum McClain. Vonie grew up in a family actively...