Though the official anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is Aug. 18, West Virginia’s part in approving this monumental and progressive shift played out on March 10, 1920.

“The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex” — guaranteeing a woman’s right to vote — was in limbo after 22 states had signed on, but 36 were needed.

Many of the southern states were proving difficult to persuade, and it was time for the Mountain State to stand up as an example.

Gov. John Cornwell understood the importance of securing women’s suffrage and called a special session of the state legislature, during which the House of Delegates voted to ratify the amendment, but the state Senate was deadlocked.

Enter state Sen. Jesse A. Bloch, a Republican from here in Wheeling who had been away at the time of the vote. Realizing his vote was needed to push West Virginia onto the right side of history, he rushed home and cast his vote in support of women’s suffrage. History also reminds us that he did so after having received a wire from his mother urging him to get home and “do the right thing.”

With Bloch’s sense of urgency (and willingness to be the difference-maker among his colleagues, particularly after returning home following a 3,000 mile cross-country trek by train), West Virginia became the 34th state to ratify the 19th Amendment. The states of Washington and Tennessee were 35th and 36th.

Remember, there were 48 states at the time — 12 either rejected the amendment outright or never held a vote. But not West Virginia.

More than a century ago, lawmakers here stood for what was right. One Republican in particular realized it was up to him to cement that progress — and did whatever it took to make it happen.

That is our history — complex as it is.

In Bloch’s case, he had a little help from his mother. “Do the right thing.” That part is not so complex.

He also faced down those opposed to granting suffrage. As part of the family that owned Bloch Brothers Tobacco Co., Sen. Bloch is said to have received threats of “dire consequences” for his family business who told him women would turn against tobacco.

Again, though, he did the right thing.

Lawmakers’ responsibility is to represent all West Virginians — and to listen to that voice telling them to do the right thing. Bloch knew the importance of action based on those two things 105 years ago.

West Virginians can be proud he did.