Pyle, Gladys

The early years

Gladys was born in the family of John and Mamie Pyle, was the youngest of their four children ^[1] . Her father worked as a lawyer, previously held the post of Attorney General of South Dakota, her mother was a civil activist and suffragist ^{[2] [1]} . The house in which they lived was built by the father of the family.

John Pyle died of typhoid fever in 1902. After his death, the family had to work hard to feed themselves.

Gladys attended the University of Huron College, which she graduated in 1911 ^{[1] [3]} .

Teaching

Pyle taught at public high schools in Miller, Wessington, and Huron from 1912 to 1920 ^[4] .

Political career

In 1923, Gladys became the first woman to serve in the State House of Representatives. She was a member of the House of Representatives of South Dakota from 1923 to 1927. In 1927 she became Secretary of State of South Dakota, and remained in office until 1931 ^[5] .

In 1930, she nominated her candidate for governor from the Republican Party, but lost the primaries ^[4] .

US Senator

In December 1936, South Norwegian Senator Peter Norbek died, due to which the state governor had to appoint a replacement in his place. His choice fell on Democrat Herbert Hitchcock. Hitchcock lost his party’s primaries to extend his term, and Republican John Garney won the main election. To make up for the two months that Hitchcock did not have time to serve, the Republican Party elected Gladys Pyle as interim senator ^{[6] [1]} .

After the Senate

Leaving the Senate in January 1939, Pyle returned to the insurance business, was engaged in farming. She later became a member of the South Dakota State Charity and Correctional Board in 1943–1957 and a life insurance agent in the northwest in 1950–1986 ^[1] .