Hattie Hooker Wilkins

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Hattie Hooker Wilkins

Hattie Wilkins (née Hooker) (July 28, 1875 – 1949) was an American progressive era suffragist and women's rights activist who is best known for being the first woman elected to a seat in the Alabama Legislature.[1] She was inducted into the Alabama Women's Hall of Fame in 1997.[2]

Family and early life

Hattie Hooker, the daughter of Frederick Josiah Hooker and Alexina (Fellows) Hooker, was born on July 28, 1875, at Selma, Alabama in Dallas County, Alabama.[3] Hattie was educated at Boss Calloway's School in Selma, and later attended Normal College in Nashville, Tennessee to prepare to teach school.[1]

In 1898 Hattie married Joseph G. Wilkins, an industrialist, and they resided in Selma. Together they had three children.[1]

Suffragist and women's rights activist

Wilkins was a founding member of the Alabama Equal Suffrage Association and the Alabama League of Women Voters.[1]

Legislator

After women gained suffrage, Wilkins stayed involved in politics and in 1922, she was one of three candidates for a seat in the 1923 Alabama Legislature. Wilkins beat the incumbent candidate for the Alabama House of Representatives, and became the first woman elected to a seat in the Alabama Legislature .[4]

Death and legacy

Wilkins died in 1949.[1] In 1977, Wilkins was selected as one of twenty-five Alabama women who were highlighted in the historical exhibit, "Faces and Voices of Alabama Women". This exhibit is a permanent collection at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

References

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  3. State of Alabama and Thomas McAdory Owen. (1923) Alabama Official and Statistical Register. [Montgomery]: State of Alabama, Dept. of Archives and History. Accessed on 29 March 2010
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