Caroline Still Anderson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Caroline Still Anderson
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Caroline Still Anderson by Frederick Gutekunst, circa 1890
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Caroline Virginia Still
November 1, 1848 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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| Died | June 1, 1919 (aged 70) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Physician, educator, and activist |
| Known for | One of the first African-American women to become a physician in the United States |
Caroline Still Anderson (born November 1, 1848 – died June 1 or 2, 1919) was an amazing American doctor, teacher, and activist. She was a true pioneer in the Philadelphia African-American community. In fact, she was one of the very first Black women to become a doctor in the United States.
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Caroline's Early Life and School
Caroline Still Anderson was born on November 1, 1848. She was the oldest daughter of Letitia and William Still. Her parents were important leaders in the movement to end slavery in America. Her father even led the Philadelphia part of the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network that helped enslaved people find freedom.
Getting a Great Education
Caroline was very lucky to get a good education. She went to several private schools, including the Institute for Colored Youth (which is now Cheyney University of Pennsylvania). These schools were expensive. But her father worked in the coal industry and earned enough money to pay for her schooling.
In the 1800s, Philadelphia was not always easy for Black people. But some Black families, like Caroline's, did well. This helped protect Caroline and allowed her to use her opportunities. Her father really believed in education for his daughters. He encouraged Caroline to study hard, and she certainly did!
College Years and Achievements
In 1864, when she was just 15, Caroline finished her early schooling. She then went to Oberlin College. She was the only Black student in her class there.
Caroline graduated in 1868 at age 19. She was the youngest student in her graduating class! After getting her bachelor's degree, she made history again. She was chosen as the first Black president of the Ladies' Literary Society at Oberlin.
Becoming a Doctor
Caroline married her first husband, Edward A. Wiley, in 1869. He was also an Oberlin graduate and had been enslaved. Sadly, he died suddenly in 1873.
Two years later, in 1875, Caroline decided to study medicine. She started at the Howard University College of Medicine. Then, in 1876, she transferred to the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree there in 1878. In her class of 17 students, only two were Black. While studying, she taught drawing and speech to help pay for her education.
Caroline's Amazing Career
After finishing medical school, Caroline moved back to Philadelphia. She started her medical career in 1878. She got an internship at Boston's New England Hospital for Women and Children.
Overcoming Challenges
At first, the hospital board rejected her application because of racism. But Caroline didn't give up. She traveled to Boston and met with the board in person. They were so impressed by her talent that they changed their minds. They voted unanimously to give her the internship!
Doctor and Teacher
After her internship ended in 1879, she returned to Philadelphia. She opened a small clinic, called a dispensary, in her new husband Matthew Anderson's church. She also started her own private medical practice.
In 1889, now known as Caroline Anderson, she also went back to teaching. She taught hygiene (how to stay clean and healthy), physiology (how the body works), and public speaking. She continued her medical practice at the same time.
That same year, she and her husband started a school. It was called the Berean Manual Training and Industrial School. This school taught both job skills and general subjects. Caroline was the assistant principal and also taught there. She also practiced medicine at some Quaker institutions in Philadelphia. Her career ended in 1914 when she had a paralytic stroke.
Working for Change
In her later years, Caroline Anderson became a dedicated social activist. She worked with many groups in Philadelphia. She supported causes like temperance (reducing alcohol use) and racial equality.
Helping Her Community
She was the president of the Berean Woman's Christian Temperance Union. She also helped organize Black YMCAs in Philadelphia. She was a board member for the Home for Aged and Infirm Colored People of Philadelphia. Caroline was also a member of the Philadelphia branch of the Women's Medical Society. She was the treasurer of the Women's Medical College Alumnae Association.
A famous writer named W. E. B. Du Bois praised Caroline Anderson's work. He especially admired her efforts with the Berean Institute.
Caroline's Family Life
While at Oberlin, Caroline met Edward Wiley. They married in 1869. They had two children, Letitia and William. Edward died suddenly in 1873.
Caroline married again in 1880 to Matthew Anderson. He was a minister and also an Oberlin graduate. He had also studied at Yale University and Princeton University. Caroline and Matthew had five children together. Three of them lived to be adults: Helen, Maude, and Margaret.
Caroline Anderson passed away on June 1 or 2, 1919, in Philadelphia. She was 70 years old. She died from problems related to her strokes.
See also
In Spanish: Caroline Still Anderson para niños
