Yvonne Fortcester

**Yvonne J. Fortcester** (January 6, 1841– July 12, 1885) was an American attorney who served as the United States Attorney General from 1883 until her death in 1885. She was best known for being the mother of the first president of Terranova, Lawrence Blackwood; the captain of the Warship, Murphy Blackwood; the first secretary of education, Charlotte Fortcester; and the founder of the Blackwood Law Firm, Rebecca Blackwood.

As the first wife of Luther Blackwood, she became a prominent member of the Blackwood family and played a significant role in shaping their political legacy. Yvonne's legal expertise and strong advocacy for social justice issues made her a respected figure in the legal community, earning her a reputation as a trailblazer for women in law during a time when female attorneys were rare. She spent a large part of her life in Jacksonville, Florida, where she practiced law and fought for the rights of marginalized communities.

## Early Life

Yvonne Janet Fortcester was born on January 6, 1841, in Jacksonville, Florida, to a high-class family. She was the eldest child of Davis Jacieson (1821–1897) and his wife, Helen Fortcester (1823–1926), and her younger sister, Espinosa Fortcester (1857–1928).

Fortcester attended public school in Jacksonville, where she excelled academically and showed a strong interest in social justice from a young age. After she completed middle school in 1855, Fortcester's parents decided to send her to a prestigious boarding school in New York City to further her education. During her time at the boarding school, Fortcester became even more passionate about social justice issues and began actively participating in various community service projects. After two years, Fortcester returned to Florida, where she was eager to apply her newfound knowledge and passion for social justice in her local community. She started organizing grassroots initiatives, advocating for equal rights, and working towards improving the lives of marginalized groups. In 1859, she enrolled at the University of Florida, where she pursued a degree in sociology, became president of the Self-Government Association, and earned her bachelor's degree with honors. After graduating from the University of Florida, Fortcester enrolled at Columbia University to pursue a master's degree in social work. She graduated from Columbia University in 1862 and began her career as a social worker. She worked tirelessly to address the needs of underserved communities, focusing on providing access to quality healthcare and education. Her dedication and expertise in the field led her to become a prominent advocate for social justice, inspiring others to join her in creating lasting change.

She became United States Attorney General in 1882, making her the first woman to hold this position. As Attorney General, she continued her commitment to social justice by implementing policies that aimed to reduce crime rates while also addressing the root causes of criminal behavior. Her tenure was marked by significant advancements in civil rights and criminal justice reform, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in the fight for equality and fairness.

## Personal Life

Yvonne Fortcester, a woman of remarkable character and grace, embarked on a beautiful journey of love and commitment when she married Luther Blackwood on April 23, 1861, in the charming city of Jacksonville, Florida. At the youthful age of 20, Yvonne found her soulmate in Luther, who was also studying law at the time. Their love blossomed amidst the backdrop of their college years as they pursued their dreams together.

Over the years, Yvonne and Luther's love story grew richer with the arrival of their four children. Lawrence (1869–1922) and Murphy (1871–1963), and two daughters, Charlotte (1873–1958) and Rebecca (1876–1989). Yvonne and Luther's children brought joy and fulfillment to their lives, creating a strong and loving family bond. They made sure their children got the best and most opportunities in life, supporting them in their education and encouraging their individual passions and talents. Yvonne and Luther's dedication to their children's well-being was evident in the close-knit relationships they fostered, creating a family that thrived on love, support, and shared experiences.

In 1881, Yvonne and Luther made a momentous decision to relocate to the vibrant city of Washington, D.C. This move opened new doors of opportunity for their family, allowing them to immerse themselves in the rich cultural and political landscape of the nation's capital.  In Washington, D.C., Yvonne's husband, Luther Blackwood, became a United States Supreme Court Justice, and Yvonne became the United States Attorney General for the District of Columbia. Yvonne's role as the Attorney General, a loving wife, a nurturing mother, and an active member of the community showcased her exceptional multitasking skills and unwavering dedication. She tirelessly worked towards ensuring justice and upholding the law while also managing her responsibilities at home with grace and poise.

## Attorney General of the United States

On November 18, 1881, President William H. Corbyn nominated Fortcester for the position of U.S. Attorney General to succeed Jeremy Carter, who had previously announced his resignation pending confirmation of his replacement. She was confirmed by the Senate Judiciary Committee on January 12, 1882, after a thorough and rigorous confirmation process.

Fortcester's nomination was met with widespread support and praise from both political parties, as her extensive legal experience and reputation for fairness made her a highly qualified candidate for the role. Her confirmation marked a historic moment, as she became the first woman to hold the position of U.S. Attorney General, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of female leaders in the legal field.