Bertha E. Reynolds facts for kids

Bertha E. Reynolds (born May 22, 1868 – died October 31, 1961) was a very special doctor in Wisconsin. People in her community called her "Dr. Bertha." She was one of the first women in Wisconsin to become a licensed doctor. Dr. Bertha worked as a rural doctor, meaning she helped people in the countryside, near the towns of Lone Rock and Avoca. She practiced medicine for a long time, from 1902 to 1953.

Growing Up and Becoming a Doctor

Early Life in Wisconsin

Bertha Elizabeth Reynolds was born in Thiensville, Wisconsin, in 1868. Her parents, John and Margaret Reynolds, had moved to Wisconsin from Canada a few years earlier. Bertha grew up on her family's farm in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin.

Chasing a Dream to Study Medicine

In 1892, Bertha's family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. Bertha went to the Lincoln Normal School and worked as a teacher for a short time. But she had always wanted to be a doctor. Nine other people in her family, including brothers and cousins, were doctors. One cousin, Walter H. Nielsen, who later became a dean at Marquette University's medical school, tried to tell her that being a doctor was not a good job for women.

Overcoming Challenges to Get Her MD

Bertha also faced discouragement when she attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Despite this, in 1898, at 30 years old, Bertha enrolled in the Woman's Hospital Medical College of Chicago. She finished her medical degree (MD) in 1901.

Dr. Bertha's Medical Career

Starting Her Practice in Wisconsin

After graduating, Dr. Bertha returned to Wisconsin. She joined her brother, Dr. Nelson Reynolds, in his medical practice in Lone Rock, Wisconsin. When her brother moved to Milwaukee, Dr. Bertha Reynolds became the only doctor in the area. She started her practice about 20 years before another famous Wisconsin doctor, Kate Pelham Newcomb.

A Doctor Who Went the Extra Mile

Dr. Bertha was known for her dedication. In 1923, there was a big flood, and she couldn't reach her patients. She famously asked a pilot, who was not yet famous, named Charles Lindbergh, to fly her across the Wisconsin River to see her patients. People in the area still remember this story! Dr. Reynolds would even let elderly patients stay in her own home until they were well enough to go back home. In the 1930s, she also helped on the Richland County Children's Board.

Retirement and Return to Work

Dr. Bertha tried to retire in 1940 and moved to Avoca, Wisconsin. However, the only doctor in Avoca was called away to serve in World War II. So, Dr. Bertha returned to work and continued to care for patients in Avoca until her second retirement in 1953.

Later Life and Legacy

Awards and Recognition

During her life, Dr. Reynolds received several awards. One important award was a Distinguished Service Award from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Remembering Dr. Bertha

Dr. Bertha E. Reynolds passed away on October 31, 1961, at the age of 93. She is buried in the Little Brown Church cemetery in Bear Valley. The town of Lone Rock dedicated a park to her memory. A street in Lone Rock was also named after her. Her medical tools, like her doctor's bag and scalpels, were given to the State Historical Society of Wisconsin so people could remember her important work.