Across The Fence: Ladies First or First Ladies

First woman to receive a medical degree: Elizabeth Blackwell, Jan. 23, 1849

First woman to file a Nebraska Homestead Claim: Mary Meyer (Meier), Jan. 1863

First American woman astronaut in space: Sally Kristen Ride, June 23, 1983

First ever – man or woman – to make the plunge over Niagara Falls: Annie Edson Taylor, Oct. 24, 1901.

Annie Edson was born in Auburn, N.Y., on Oct. 24, 1838. Her father, Merrick Edson, owned and operated a very successful flour mill in the area and the family might be said to have been "well-off."

Annie's father died when she was 12 years old, however, her mothe...