Eleanor Jane Taylor Calverley facts for kids

Eleanor Calverley (1887–1968) was a very important doctor who worked in Kuwait. She was the first female medical missionary there. This meant she was a doctor who also shared her Christian faith. She was special because she earned the trust of Arab women, who were not allowed to see male doctors at that time. Her work helped many people get the medical care they needed.

Growing Up and Becoming a Doctor

Eleanor Calverley was born in Woodstock, New Jersey, on March 24, 1887. Her parents were William Lewis and Jane Long Hillman Taylor. She went to public schools in New Haven, Connecticut.

She decided to become a doctor and studied at the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania. She graduated in 1908. A year later, on September 6, 1909, Eleanor married Edwin E. Calverley. He was also a missionary and a preacher.

Together, they trained to work in the Arabian Peninsula. In 1911, they traveled to Kuwait. They lived and worked there for many years. Eleanor and Edwin had three daughters: Grace, Elisabeth, and Eleanor.

Helping People in Kuwait

Eleanor Calverley wanted to provide medical care to everyone in Kuwait. She especially wanted to help Kuwaiti women. At that time, it was not common for women to see male doctors. So, a female doctor like Eleanor was very important.

She started a small clinic, called a dispensary, right next to her home. This made it easier for women to get help. In 1919, Eleanor led the effort to open a women's hospital. This hospital provided much-needed care for women and children.

Eleanor saw many different people in Kuwait. Some families were very rich, while others were very poor. She treated everyone, no matter how much money they had. She believed that everyone deserved medical care. For example, she often treated people who had recently moved from Persia and had no homes. She also helped former slaves who had no support. She never asked for money from those who could not afford it.