Arthur John Booker facts for kids

Arthur John Booker (October 31, 1881 – August 25, 1957) was an important doctor and community leader. He worked in Des Moines, Iowa, and Los Angeles, California. Dr. Booker also served as a physician in the 92nd Division during World War I. This division was special because many African American soldiers served in it.

Arthur Booker's Early Life and Education

Arthur Booker was born on October 31, 1881, in San Antonio, Texas. His parents were Anderson and Carrie Booker. His father had been a farmer in South Carolina before the American Civil War. Records show his father served in the U.S. Colored Infantries during the war.

Arthur was one of seven children. His siblings were Ola, Ulissia, Allen, Cameron, Leaman, and Melvin.

He went to public school in San Antonio. Then, he continued his studies at Prairie View College in Texas. After that, he moved to Chicago, Illinois, to attend Northwestern University's medical school. This school is now called Feinberg School of Medicine. He graduated on June 28, 1906, with both a bachelor of science and a medical doctor degree.

Becoming a Doctor and Moving to Iowa

After medical school, Dr. Booker interned at Provident Hospital in Chicago. He then spent several years gaining experience in Europe. In 1919, he moved to Iowa.

Dr. Booker became a teacher at Drake University’s medical school. He taught classes about the human anatomy. After two years, he opened his own private practice. He became known as a specialist in diagnosing illnesses.

Dr. Booker was well-known in Des Moines. He wrote many health articles for the Journal of Iowa State Medical Society. He also had a health column in a local African American newspaper called Iowa Bystander. In 1915, he wrote about bronchopneumonia in children, which was a growing concern. He also gave speeches at the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He often spoke about preventing diseases like tuberculosis. Many doctors in Iowa worried that tuberculosis might return.

Dr. Booker's Military Service in World War I

Dr. Booker wanted to help in World War I. He first volunteered for the Iowa National Guard. This group was one of the first sent to France. But he was turned away because he was African American. This did not stop him. For the next year, he worked to recruit other African American men for the war. He became known for his powerful speeches.

Training at Fort Des Moines

A new camp, Fort Des Moines, was built near his home for World War I volunteers. It was opened to train African American men as officers. Many African American men wanted to join the war. Students from Howard University even signed a petition to help make this happen. However, some soldiers at the camp faced unfair treatment because of their race.

At 36 years old, Dr. Booker volunteered for the Army Medical Corps. He was accepted and became a first lieutenant. Like most African American recruits, he went for basic training at Fort Des Moines Provisional Army Officer Training School. After about two months, he was assigned to the 365th Infantry Regiment. This was part of the 92nd Division.

Before going to Europe, Dr. Booker trained more with his unit at Camp Grant in Illinois. In 1917, he and many other African American soldiers were sent to France. The French needed help against German attacks. General Pershing sent the 92nd Division to assist.

Helping Soldiers During the Spanish Flu

When Dr. Booker arrived in Europe, the Spanish flu was spreading fast. Many soldiers were already sick or dying. Lieutenant Booker spent most of his time helping soldiers who had the flu. He also treated other illnesses that came from living and fighting in the trenches during a harsh winter.

Dr. Booker's Career After the War

After the war, Dr. Booker returned to Des Moines. He continued his medical practice. He also led the Health Bureau of the Negro Business Men's League. He gave many talks about healthy living.

In the 1920s, many African Americans moved to California for better job chances. The Bookers were among them. Dr. Booker became a surgeon in Los Angeles, California. He was also a member of the Howard Drew Medical Association.

Dr. Booker was a strong community leader. He organized and led many events for African Americans. For example, when famous athlete Jesse Owens visited Los Angeles in 1935, Dr. Booker was one of the community leaders who welcomed him.

He was also involved in politics. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the NAACP. These groups worked for the rights and well-being of African Americans.

Personal Life and Death

Dr. Booker was married to Naomi Coalston. They did not have any children.

Arthur John Booker passed away on August 25, 1957, at Good Samaritan Hospital. He was buried in Rosedale Cemetery.