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Verda James (September 27, 1901 - October 15, 1991) was the first woman to serve a full term as Speaker of the Wyoming House of Representatives.[1][2]
Verda James | |
|---|---|
| Speaker of the Wyoming House of Representatives | |
| In office 1969–1970 | |
| Member of the Wyoming House of Representatives from Natrona County | |
| In office 1954–1970 | |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Republican |
Early life
editShe was born to parents William Henry James, a railroad worker,[1] and Sarah Ann James, in the town of Stratford, Ontario in Canada, on September 27, 1901.[3] She studied at the University of Iowa, and graduated in 1927.[3] After graduating she became a teacher, teaching in Algona, Iowa.[1] She then moved to Casper, Wyoming, where she taught at English at Natrona County High School from 1927 to 1939.[4] She later attended the University of Denver where she earned a master's degree.[1]
Career
editFrom 1940 to 1950 she severed as state deputy director of public instruction.[3][1] She also worked in the Wyoming Department of Education as director of the Division of Special Education.[1] In that position, she was helped establish the School for the Deaf in Casper, Wyoming.[1] She also designed remedial reading programs for the state.[1] At Casper College, she taught English and Education.[1][3] She worked in the Natrona County public schools administration from 1958-1967.[4]
In 1954, Verda won election to the Wyoming House of Representatives representing Natrona County.[1][4][3] She would serve eight consecutive terms in the House.[4] During her time in the House, she served as chair of the House Education Committee.[1] She also served on Governor Hansen's committee on Education and the Status of Women.[3]
She was unanimously elected speaker of the Wyoming House of Representatives in 1969.[4] As speaker, she helped pass a 1% tax to save the state's finances and create the Department of Economic Planning and Development.[3]
Legacy
editThe Verda James Elementary school in Natrona County, Wyoming was named in honor of her.[5]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Verda James, First Full-term Woman Speaker of Wyoming's House of Representatives | WyoHistory.org". www.wyohistory.org. Retrieved 2019-11-13.
- ^ Freeman, Gary. "Notable Women In Wyoming Politics". KGAB AM 650. Retrieved 2019-11-14.
- ^ a b c d e f g Sharp, Nancy Weatherly; Sharp, James Roger; Ritter, Charles F.; Wakelyn, Jon L. (1997). American Legislative Leaders in the West, 1911-1994. Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN 9780313302121.
- ^ a b c d e f "31 Dec 1969, 3 - Casper Star-Tribune at Newspapers.com". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2019-11-14.
- ^ Journal, Devon Spurgeon Staff Reporter of The Wall Street (2001-06-12). "Cheney High School? At His Alma Mater Policy Precludes a School Name Change". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 2019-11-13.