Lyda Conley: A Trailblazer in Legal History

Lyda Conley was a pioneering Wyandot Native American lawyer and the first woman admitted to the Kansas Bar Association. Renowned for her passionate advocacy, she famously defended the Huron Cemetery from development, becoming the first Native American woman to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court. Her legacy highlights her dedication to justice and Native American rights.

Lyda Conley, born Eliza Burton Conley around 1869, was the youngest of four daughters in a multiracial Wyandot Native American family. Her mother, Elizabeth Burton Zane, was a Wyandot woman, and her father, Andrew Syrenus Conley, was of Scots-Irish and English descent. The Conley family moved from Ohio to Kansas as part of a large Wyandot migration due to increasing white encroachment on their ancestral lands. After completing her primary and secondary education in Wyandotte County, Kansas, Lyda pursued higher education focusing on law. Growing up on a farm in Wyandotte County, Kansas, she developed a strong sense of justice and a deep connection to her heritage. This would later drive her to become a pioneering lawyer and advocate for Native American rights. She attended the Kansas City School of Law (now part of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law), where she was one of the few women in her class.

After graduating and being admitted to the Missouri Bar in 1902, Lyda became aware of the issue with the Huron Cemetery. She learned that the land which held the graves of her ancestors was at risk of being sold and developed. As a direct descendant of the Wyandot Chief Tarhe, she felt a deep responsibility to protect the cemetery and preserve her family’s heritage. This realization drove her to take legal action and fight for the preservation of the sacred burial ground. Immediately, she began her campaign to prevent the sale and development of the Huron Cemetery. When Congress approved legislation to sell the cemetery land in 1906, Conley filed a permanent injunction against the U.S. Secretary of the Interior and Indian Commissioners.

Conley and her sister Helena built a shack, known as “Fort Conley,” at the cemetery entrance. They guarded the site day and night, armed with a shotgun, to protect their ancestors’ graves. She argued her case passionately, stating that no lawyer could plead for her mother’s grave as she could. Her fight to preserve the Huron Cemetery in Kansas City culminated in her historic appearance before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1909. Lyda’s tireless efforts eventually led to the cemetery’s preservation as a federal park. This ensured that the final resting place of her ancestors remained protected. In 1910, Conley became the first Native American woman to argue a case before the Supreme Court. Although she did not win the case, her efforts led to the eventual preservation of the cemetery. In 1916, Congress passed legislation to protect the Huron Cemetery, which later became a National Historic Landmark

Lyda’s  actions had a profound impact on Native American rights and representation:

By becoming the first Native American woman to argue a case before the U.S. Supreme Court, Conley set a significant legal precedent. Her case, although unsuccessful, highlighted the legal rights of Native Americans and brought national attention to their struggles.

Conley’s relentless efforts to protect the Huron Cemetery led to its eventual preservation. This success underscored the importance of preserving Native American burial grounds and cultural heritage.

Conley’s dedication and bravery inspired future generations of Native American activists and lawyers. Her actions demonstrated that Native Americans could effectively use the legal system to fight for their rights and protect their heritage.

Conley’s case brought increased awareness to the issues facing Native American communities, particularly regarding land rights and the preservation of sacred sites. This awareness helped to foster greater respect and understanding of Native American cultures and their legal rights.

Lyda Conley’s legal education provided her with the skills and knowledge to become a formidable advocate for Native American rights. Her dedication to justice and her passion for protecting her heritage were evident throughout her career. She continued to practice law and advocate for Native American rights until her death on May 28, 1946, in Kansas City, Kansas. Lyda passed away at her home, where she had lived with her sisters. She was buried in the Huron Indian Cemetery, the very site she fought to protect. To learn more about Lyda Conley, click here.