There are documents to support that Ellen W., a woman, was Ordained.
However, she was always too busy to get into the baptizing or marrying couples activities which our Ordained pastors do today. Her congregation was the World Church, not just one local community.
It was a wise move when the church reorganized to set up Unions the way they are.
Ellen was always for the EQUAL treatment of Women and Men in ministry. A number of women in her time began more congregations that did the men.
Bull and Lockhart in their book, Seeking A Sanctuary, on "Gender", pg 270 say Men refuse Women to be Ordained is because of FEAR and GREED. Fear that Ordained Women will be promoted to Male Jobs, and take them away from them.
GREED that the men have worked hard all these years to come to elevated positions. That they Deserve these elevated positions. AND are NOT going to allow WOMEN to take them away from them.
This is Why the Men are fighting so hard to not allow equal Ordination practices.