Episode Summary: Exum Clement, Attorney at Law

Podcast Information:

• Title: Stuff You Missed in History Class
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts (Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson)
• Episode: Exum Clement, Attorney at Law
• Release Date: March 10, 2025

Introduction to Exum Clement Stafford

The episode delves into the life and legacy of Lillian Exum Clement Stafford, affectionately known as Exum or X. She stands out as a trailblazer, being the first woman to practice law in Asheville, North Carolina, and the first woman in the southern United States elected to a state legislature.

Early Life and Education

Exum Clement's early life is marked by familial upheaval and resilience. Born on March 12, 1886 (though discrepancies in records suggest possible later years), she was the daughter of George Washington Clement, a carpenter and cabinet maker, and his wife Sarah Elizabeth Burnett. The Civil War had a profound impact on her family, resulting in the destruction of their plantation and the loss of her mother and sibling to typhoid.

In 1887, George remarried, and the family relocated to western North Carolina, settling near Black Mountain. Exum was likely the fourth or sixth child, depending on her actual birth year. She attended the North Fork School, a one-room schoolhouse, which was later submerged due to the creation of the North Fork Reservoir.

At age 13, Exum moved to Biltmore Village with her family, where she attended the Biltmore Parish Day School. Her interests during these formative years included drama, debate, hiking, and naturalism. A notable milestone was her confirmation at the Episcopal Cathedral of All Souls in 1900, where she received a Bible inscribed by E. S. Vanderbilt, reflecting her family's connection to the Vanderbilt estate.

Pursuit of Law and Early Career

Encouraged by Edith Vanderbilt, Exum graduated on June 3, 1903, from the Asheville Normal and Collegiate Institute with a certificate in the Commercial Department. Balancing work and studies, she worked as a stenographer for attorney Frederick W. Thomas and participated in two Democratic election campaigns.

By 1906, Exum secured a position as a clerk for the Buncombe County Sheriff, a role she maintained for at least eight years. Concurrently, she pursued legal studies under the mentorship of attorneys James J. Britt and Robert Goldstein, a common practice before the institutionalization of law schools.

Activism and Breaking Barriers

Exum was deeply involved in the women's suffrage movement, serving as the recording secretary for both the North Carolina Equal Suffrage Association and the Asheville Equal Suffrage League. Her dedication culminated in February 1916, when she successfully passed the North Carolina bar exam on her first attempt, becoming the fourth woman to achieve this in the state.

Her inauguration as an attorney was marked by community support, with local judges and the Asheville Equal Suffrage League honoring her achievements. Adopting the professional name L. Exum Clement, Attorney at Law, she emerged as the sole female attorney in North Carolina practicing independently, primarily representing women and focusing on criminal law.

Political Ambitions and Legislative Career

With the onset of World War I, Exum served as the chief clerk of the Buncombe County Draft Exemption Board. Her political trajectory gained momentum post-war, especially with the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1919, granting women the right to vote.

Encouraged by male colleagues and recognizing the shifting political landscape, Exum filed her intent to run for the North Carolina House of Representatives in April 1920. Despite initial rumors of her withdrawal due to the amendment's uncertain ratification, Delaware's rejection of the amendment did not deter her. On June 5, 1920, she won the Democratic primary with 10,368 votes against 41 votes, surprising many who doubted rural Buncombe County's support for women's suffrage.

In the North Carolina General Assembly, Exum was affectionately referred to as "Brother Exum" and "Honorable Exum", serving on multiple committees, including Elections, Judiciary, Education, and Salaries and Fees. She also chaired the Committee for the Deaf.

Legislative Highlights and Advocacy

Exum's legislative efforts were centered on improving conditions for women and the community at large. Notable initiatives included:

1. Support for the Lindley Home:

   • Bill: Assume control of the Lindley Home as an industrial and training school for wayward girls and women.
   • Challenges: Faced opposition, including public backlash with eggs being thrown at her during speeches.
   • Quote: "It is not for you or I to condemn or cast the first stone, but rather to render aid to the unfortunate so they may go their way and sin no more." (04:48)

2. Amendment to Divorce Laws:

   • Bill: Reduce the required years of separation for divorce from 10 to 5 years.
   • Rationale: Addressed the excessive hardship on women and the rarity of reconciliations post-separation.
   • Quote: "Not one person in 10,000 returns to husband or wife after a separation of five years." (10:10)

3. Advocacy for Secret Ballots:

   • Bill: Introduce privacy in voting to protect women voters from intimidation.
   • Outcome: Although her bill did not pass, North Carolina eventually adopted secret ballots in 1929.

4. Safety and Public Health Legislation:

   • Promoted laws ensuring railroad employees could read company rules.
   • Advocated for sanitation and tuberculosis testing in dairy cattle.
   • Addressed environmental concerns like trespassing on municipal watersheds and forest fire protection.

While some sources inaccurately attribute additional bills to her, Exum's genuine legislative contributions significantly impacted North Carolina's legal and social landscape.

Personal Life and Legacy

Shortly after the 1921 legislative session, Exum married Elias Eller Stafford on March 16, 1921. Their correspondence revealed a deep affection, though her legislative duties often kept them apart. Exum continued her law practice post-marriage and was considered a potential candidate for Congress. She was also appointed to the Board of Directors of the State Hospital in Morganton by Governor Cameron Morrison.

In May 1923, Exum gave birth to her daughter, Nancy Stafford, described as Asheville's first incubator baby due to her premature birth. Tragically, Exum's life was cut short on February 21, 1925, when she succumbed to pneumonia. Her death was mourned by the community, with both legislative houses adjourning in her honor.

Legacy Highlights:

• Historical Marker: Erected in 1999 near her former law office in Asheville, commemorating her as the first female legislator in the South elected to the North Carolina House.
• Exum Clement List: Established in 2011, this list is dedicated to developing progressive women candidates for office in North Carolina.
• Rediscovered Bible: The Bible gifted to her by Edith Vanderbilt was found among family belongings in the 2000s, symbolizing her pioneering spirit.

Notable Quotes from the Episode

• Exum Clement on Her Legislative Role:
  [35:02] "I was afraid at first that the men would oppose me because I am a woman, but I don't feel that way now. I have no false illusions or fears of them. I want to blaze a trail for other women."

• Exum on Personal Sacrifices:
  [29:00] "Heart of mine, you are the sweetest thing in the world to write me such dear long letters. I miss you all the while and hope the time will pass quickly."

• Legislative Reception:
  [37:41] "I don't want to do anything spectacular or disturbing or out of the ordinary, but I do want to be accepted there, as a matter of fact, because my constituency wanted me there and because it is my right."

Conclusion

Exum Clement Stafford's journey from a pioneering female attorney to a respected legislator exemplifies resilience and dedication. Her efforts not only advanced women's roles in law and politics but also contributed to significant legislative reforms in North Carolina. Despite challenges and societal expectations, Exum's legacy endures, inspiring future generations of women leaders.

Listener Engagement: The hosts concluded the episode by addressing listener mail, highlighting the importance of accurate historical representation and encouraging audience interaction. They also briefly touched upon correcting historical inaccuracies, reflecting their commitment to meticulous research.

Further Resources:

• Historical Marker: Near Charlotte and College Streets, Asheville.
• Exum Clement List: [Link to website if available]
• Additional Reading: Hosts referenced Exum's role in the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the broader context of the Lost Cause narrative, suggesting listeners explore related episodes for a more comprehensive understanding.

Notable Absences: The episode did not delve deeply into Exum's potential support for eugenics, despite some sources suggesting her involvement. The hosts addressed discrepancies in historical records, emphasizing the complexities of piecing together accurate biographical narratives.

Final Thoughts: Exum Clement Stafford remains a significant figure in North Carolina's history, symbolizing the strides made by women in the early 20th century. Her story underscores the impact one determined individual can have on shaping societal norms and legislative frameworks.

This summary encapsulates the key elements of the "Exum Clement, Attorney at Law" episode, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and history enthusiasts alike.