Ohio’s First Women Legislators – Elected in 1922

Taking their historic seats for the 1923-24 session were six courageous, capable and determined women elected by their home districts to the Ohio Legislature.

Serving in the Ohio House were:

Nettie McKenzie Clapp (R) from Cuyahoga County. Rep. Clapp was the first woman legislator to sponsor a bill that was enacted into law.

Lulu Thomas Gleason (R) from Lucas County, was most noted for her campaign being managed entirely by women and being backed by the Women’s Christian Temperance Union.

Adelaide Sterling Ott (R) from Mahoning County, served three terms in the Ohio House. She was the first woman member of the House to temporarily preside over that body when she was asked by the Speaker to occupy the chair during a session.

May Martin Van Wye (R) a member of the House and Senate from Hamilton County. She was in the House for three terms and the Senate for one term.

Serving in the Ohio Senate were:

Nettie Bromley Loughead (R) of Hamilton County, was the first woman to receive a nomination to run for State Senate and the first to introduce a bill.

Maude Comstock Waitt (R) from Cuyahoga County, served four terms.  She was among the first women to serve in the House before being elected to the Senate.