Beyond Amelia: Lesser-known Women of Yesteryear

Between the "big names" of history and ordinary people lie the lesser-known names of history.

For each "big name" in history, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of minor names. Arguably, as there are so many more minor figures in history than "big names," the minor figures have affected the march of history more than the "big names."

Lesser-known names like Nellie Ross, who, in 1925, served as the first female governor, or Margret Knight, who invented the modern paper bag. Or Anne Connelly, who invented the first fire escape system. Or Maria Bealey, who invented the modern life raft, or Mary Anderson, who invented wiper blades. Or Lizzie Magie, who developed The Landlords' Game, a precursor to the game of Monopoly.

An old-fashioned saying claims, "Behind every good man is a good woman." The reverse is also true. Often, "the good man" behind "the good woman" was her father.