First female monument at Kentucky capitol unveiled

Nettie Depp's kin attend ceremony

GLASGOW, Ky. – Thursday, Governor Andy Beshear unveiled a bronze sculpture of Nettie Depp– who was considered a public education trailblazer in the Commonwealth.

Depp was elected as superintendent of schools in Barren County back in 1913, making her the first woman voted into public office in the county.

She also was elected to political office seven years before women were allowed to vote.

Depp’s great, great nephew, Bo Matthews, the current Barren County superintendent, attended her statue reveal. 

“A lot of things are remarkable about Nettie Depp,” said Matthews. “I’m thrilled that folks are learning more about her now and her perseverance and her dedication to public education. For me to be a relative of ours just icing on the cake.

Bo Matthews joined Depp’s great-great niece Amanda Matthews, who carved her ancestor’ statue, at the ceremony. 

Fun fact, the iconic woman is also the great, grant aunt of actor Johnny Depp.