Little known heroes of American history, #37592

On August 18, 1920, the Tennessee legislature engaged in a fierce debate over the Anthony Amendment, which would give women the right to vote. Thirty-five other states had ratified the amendment, and if Tennessee followed suit, it would be enshrined in the Constitution as the Nineteenth Amendment.

Two votes ended in ties. On the third vote, the youngest member of the Tennessee House, 24-year-old Harry Burn, changed his vote -- thus ensuring ratification. Burn later admitted that he had changed his vote because he had received a telegram from his mother, telling him "Don't forget to be a good boy," and "Hurrah and vote for suffrage! "

For his vote, angry suffrage opponents chased Burn around the room. He fled onto a third floor ledge to escape, and managed to hide in the Capitol attic until things died down.

Thanks, Harry. And you too, Mrs. Burn.