Adelaide Sterling Ott, born in 1871 in Buffalo, New York, was the first woman to preside over the Ohio House of Representatives, doing so in a temporary occupancy of the seat as a favor to the Speaker of the House. She was the first woman to represent Mahoning County, elected in 1922, serving three terms that culminated in 1928. Her civic involvement extended past her political career, as she performed Red Cross canteen work during World War I, raised funds for the American Legion, and was president of the Women’s Division of the First Baptist Church in Youngstown. Ott died soon after her legislative service in January, 1929. Adelaide Sterling Ott was made a Great Ohioan in 2020.

More information on Ott is available in our Ladies’ Gallery.


Biography: http://www.ohiostatehouse.org/museum/ladies-gallery/adelaide-sterling-ott