d in her own name. The
legislature of 1878 reenacted all the former laws; and married
women may now hold, convey and devise real estate; make contracts
and transact business in their own names; and join with their
husbands in a deed, without being personally liable in the
covenants. In the matter of homesteads, the husband cannot convey
or encumber without the signature of the wife, and thus a liberal
provision is always secure for her and the children.

By the law of 1878, if the husband dies leaving no children and
no will, his entire estate descends to his widow.[420] If the
owner of a homestead dies intestate and without children, the
homestead descends, free of judgments and claims--except
mortgages and mechanics' liens--to his widow; if he leaves
children, the widow retains a life interest in the homestead,
continuing until her marriage or death.

Thus from the organization of the State, Wisconsin has steadily
advanced in relieving married women from the disabilities of the
old common law. The same liberal spirit which has animated her
legislators has admitted women to equality of opportunities in
the State University at Madison; elected them as county
superintendents of public schools; appointed them on the State
board of charities, and as State commissioners to a foreign
exposition;[421] and welcomed them to the professions of
medicine, law and the ministry.

By the constitution of Wisconsin the right of suffrage was
awarded to four classes of citizens, twenty-one years and over,
who have resided in the State for one year next preceding an
election.

_First_--Citizens of the United States.

_Second_--Persons of foreign birth who have declared their
intention to become citizens of the United States.

_Third_--Persons of Indian blood who have already been declared
by act of congress citizens of the United States.

_Fourth_--Civilized persons of Indian descent who are not members
of any tribe.

While thus careful to provide for all males, savage and
civilized, down to one thousand Indians outside their tribe, the
constitution in no way recognizes the women of the State,
one-half its civilized citizens. However, the question of woman
suffrage was early agitated in this State, and its advocates were
able men.