Mildred Barber Abel

Mildred Barber Abel (born Mildred Mary Francis Barber; January 9, 1902 – September 29, 1976) was an American progressive politician, and one of the first class of female members of the Wisconsin State Assembly. She represented western Marathon County in the 1925–1926 session. Her father, Joseph L. Barber, was also a member of the Wisconsin Legislature.

Mildred Barber Abel
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the Marathon 1st district
In office January 5, 1925 – January 3, 1927
Preceded by	John W. Salter
Succeeded by	Mathias J. Berres
Personal details
Born	Mildred Mary Francis Barber (1902-01-09)January 9, 1902 Greenwood, Wisconsin, U.S.
Died	September 29, 1976(1976-09-29) (aged 74)
Resting place	Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau, Wisconsin
Political party	Progressive (1930s) Republican
Spouse	Otto Abel ​ ​ (m. 1928; died 1965)​
Children	2
Parent	Joseph L. Barber (father)

Biography

Abel was born on January 9, 1902, in Greenwood, Wisconsin.^[1] Her father, Joseph L. Barber, was a member of the Assembly as well as the Wisconsin State Senate. They became the first father and daughter to serve together in a state legislature in the history of the United States. In 1928, she married Otto Abel. They had one son together in addition to a daughter from Otto Abel's first marriage. She died on September 29, 1976, and is buried in Wausau, Wisconsin.

Career

Abel was elected to the Assembly in 1925. She was one of three women who were elected to the Assembly that year. They were the first women elected to the state legislature in the history of Wisconsin. She was a member of the Progressive Party.