Jessaline Scott, also known as Mrs. I. G. Scott, represented the Fourth District of Hennepin County Board of Commissioners. She first became interested in politics as a teenager, after she volunteered with the Women's Party to gain the vote for women. In 1921, she married Irving Scott, a Minneapolis alderman. After serving two terms, Irv was defeated in 1925. He decided to run again in 1929, and was successful, serving until 1937. Irving was then appointed by the city council to the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners in April 1937 to serve out the term of Emil Youngdahl, who had died in office. Irv served undefeated for 22 years until his death in August, 1960. During all this time, Jessaline remained involved in her husband's political career, assisting him with research and attending meetings with him. After his death, she felt she was more than qualified to take his spot. She ran for the board the fall of 1960 and won, becoming the first woman to serve on the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners. She served until 1970.
Collection Description
Five boxes. The Jessaline Scott Collection includes a biographical profile written in 1965, some election campaign materials, clippings and the program for a dinner honoring her in January 1971. Collection includes: Box 2: minutes, agenda, meeting packets; Box 3: Phyllis Wheatly Community Center materials, Hennepin County Commissioner meeting minutes agendas, campaign materials , child protection services, girls schools, HC General Hospital, Highway materials 1963-64, Law Library, Mosquito Control, 1964, Minneapolis Public Library, 1960s; Box 4: publications of HC and Minneapolis Social services, miscellaneous; Box 5: campaign materials 1960s, clippings, and materials pertaining to County Highway 9, HC commissioners, General Hospital, and miscellaneous.
North Side Senior Center report 1970 -- Box 4, Folder 31
Second Annual State Community Services Conference 1964 -- Box 4, Folder 32
Taxation and assessment facts from the League of Women Voters of Brooklyn Center 1964 -- Box 4, Folder 33
"What Every Wife and Mother Should Know About the Health, Welfare, and Recreational Services in Our Community" basic training course for wives schedule 1965 -- Box 4, Folder 34
Youth Development Project evaluation report: Group Work with AFDC Mothers and their Daughters 1966 -- Box 4, Folder 35
Call
612-543-8200 Please leave a message. Email
specialcoll@hclib.org We try to respond within 24 hrs. Visit Plan your visit to Special Collections
We welcome visitors! Please call at least one day ahead to make an appointment if you have a reference question or a research project. Hours
10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Monday - Thursday &
First and Third Saturdays of the month
