Laclede County's First Woman Sherriff

The following was published in a Kansas City newspaper, January 27, 1912. I have not researched this further, but at this time, I believe that there is a good chance that Nancy Williams may be Laclede County's ONLY woman sherriff. If anyone knows different, please comment below, or email me at snoopdorkydork71@gmail.com.

A Missouri Woman Sheriff. Until an Election is Held Mrs. Nancy Williams Will Serve in Laclede County

Springfield, Mo., Jan. 27--Mrs. Nancy Hays Williams of Lebanon occupies the unique position of being the only woman sheriff in Missouri. The Laclede County Court held a special meeting today and appointed her to the place until a special election is held to fill the vacancy caused by the death of her husbnad, Sheriff W. J. Williams. Sheriff Williams died in a hospital here last week. Mrs. Williams will attend to the duties of sheriff for only a few weeks, however, as the special election will be held February 17. A lengthy petition was sent to the county court asking that Mrs. Williams be named until a successor is elected.