Edness Kimball Wilkins

Edness Kimball Wilkins (January 31, 1896 − July 15, 1980) was the first woman speaker of the Wyoming House of Representatives. As of 2024, she is the last Democrat to hold the position.

Life She was born Edness Kimball to parents Wilson, mayor of Casper, and Edness Merrick Kimball in Casper, Wyoming, on January 31, 1896. from 1931 to 1935 when Ross was director of the US Mint. At the time, she commented she was used to "stepping aside for the men". However, because the House met only on odd numbered years and the next year Wilkins was elected to the State Senate, she never actually served in session as speaker.

In 1966, Wilkins ran for and won election to the Wyoming State Senate.