Effie Comstock Simmons

Euphemia Comstock Simmons ( 1874–1961), known as Effie Simmons, was an American suffragist, politician, and the first woman from Multnomah County to serve in the Oregon House of Representatives. She was the fourth woman to serve in the Oregon House.

Early life Effie Simmons was born Euphemia Dicken Comstock in Santa Cruz, California in 1874. Her mother's name was Adeline. Her sister Alta had physical disabilities, and Adeline's entire small estate was bequeathed to her for her continued support. Her sister Edna graduated from the San Jose Normal School.

Political career Simmons joined Portland Woman's Club (founded in 1895) in 1908, and served as its president from 1916 to 1918. In 1912, she supported the club's participation in the successful effort (the sixth such attempt) to have the word "male" removed from the voting privileges section of the Oregon Constitution. She later joined the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA), which became the League of Women Voters.

Personal life Effie married Clayton B. Simmons, later the vice-president of an oil-investment securities company, in 1897. They had three children: Rouse (b. 1899), Helen (b. 1905), and Frances (b. 1908) . They later divorced. Clayton died in 1924.