Lily J. Anderson Candidate

Born: July 6, 1892
Franklin, Minnesota
Renville County
United States
Resided: Franklin, Minnesota
Renville County
Death: May 9, 1965
Gender: Woman
Occupation: Farmer
Political Party: Farmer-Labor
Notes: Anderson was sometimes referred to as the "Farmerette of Franklin." She was originally named the candidate for Treasurer in March 1920 by Arthur Townley's Nonpartisan League. However, she was not able to file candidacy paperwork for the office because of a delay in the ratification of the federal suffrage amendment. She was then replaced on the ballot for Treasurer by Charles Lund in June 1920. But on October 5, 1920, Anderson accepted the Farmer-Labor nomination for Secretary of State, becoming the first woman nominated for the office in Minnesota history. Anderson replaced St. Paul attorney, Farmer-Labor Secretary, and former Wisconsin Assemblyman Roy Smelker of St. Paul who withdrew from the race. Anderson and 1920 Socialist Lieutenant Governor nominee Lillian Friedman were the first two women nominated to statewide office in Minnesota history. She married Joseph T. Johnson on November 27, 1924.
Sources: Minnesota Historical Society Death Certificate Index (1965-MN-011869). 1900 United States Federal Census. The Minneapolis Morning Tribune, March 27, 1920 (p. 1). Farmers Independent, April 8, 1920 (p.1). Willmar Tribune, May 19, 1920 (p. 3). The Minneapolis Star, October 5, 1920 (p. 1).
Photo of Lily Anderson
Photo of Lily Anderson
New Ulm Review, June 9, 1920 (p. 7).

Election Details

Number of state/federal offices sought Number of campaigns Number of winning campaigns
1 1 0
Date Election Stage Party Votes Percent Result
11/02/1920 Secretary of State General Farmer-Labor 193,658 26.37% Lost