Tyler Boyd, the great grand-nephew of Tennessee Statesman Harry T. Burn, will discuss his recently released book, Tennessee Statesman Harry T. Burn: Woman Suffrage, Free Elections & a Life of Service. The lecture is presented by the East Tennessee Historical Society and can be attended in-person or virtually. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. It has been recognized with an East Tennessee Historical Society Award of Distinction and Daughters of the American Revolution’s Historic Preservation Award and was selected for the Tennessee State Museum’s 2020 Book Club.

While Burn, a McMinn County native, is best known for casting the tie-breaking vote in the Tennessee Legislature to ratify the 19th Amendment and enfranchising millions of American women, his career was just getting started in 1920. Other highlights include running for governor, writing successful legislation to prevent election fraud, advocating for lowering the voting age and fighting for equal apportionment of the rural-dominated state Legislature. Boyd’s book tells the complete story of Burn’s role in the 19th Amendment’s ratification, debunks the myths and apocryphal stories that followed the statesman’s life, and draws upon exclusive resources in the possession of the Burn family.