Emma Ann Reynolds facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Emma Ann Reynolds
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1900, when she took charge of nurses at Freedman's Hospital
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| Born | August 3, 1862 |
| Died | January 11, 1917 (aged 54) Huntington Township, Ross County, Ohio
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| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Emma A. Reynolds |
| Occupation | nurse, doctor |
| Years active | 1896-1917 |
| Known for | inspiring the creation of Chicago's Provident Hospital |
Emma Ann Reynolds (1862-1917) was an amazing African-American teacher, nurse, and doctor. She really wanted to help people in her community stay healthy. Even though she faced challenges because of her race, she helped create a special hospital in Chicago. Emma Ann Reynolds became one of the first nurses to graduate from that hospital. She then went on to become a medical doctor, helping people in many different states before settling down in Ohio.
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Early Life and Becoming a Nurse
Emma Ann Reynolds was born on August 3, 1862, in Frankfort, Ohio. After finishing her studies at Wilberforce University, she moved to Kansas City, Missouri. There, she taught school for seven years.
During her time as a teacher, Emma noticed that many African-American people in her community needed better healthcare. She decided she wanted to become a nurse to help them. However, when she tried to join nursing schools in Chicago, she was turned away many times because she was black.
Emma asked her brother, Rev. Louis H. Reynolds, for help. He was a pastor in Chicago. Together, they talked to a famous doctor named Daniel Hale Williams in 1890. Dr. Williams already knew that there weren't enough trained nurses or hospital beds for black patients. He also saw that black doctors and nurses needed more job opportunities.
Instead of just helping Emma get into a white nursing school, Dr. Williams decided to do something bigger. He convinced the black community to start their very own hospital!
Founding Provident Hospital
In May 1891, the Provident Hospital opened its doors. It was a special hospital because it welcomed both staff and patients of all races. It also aimed to train nurses from any background.
Emma Ann Reynolds joined the first nursing class at Provident Hospital. She worked hard and finished her training in just eighteen months. On October 27, 1892, she graduated as one of the hospital's first four nurses.
Becoming a Doctor
Right after becoming a nurse, Emma decided to continue her education. She enrolled in a medical degree program at Northwestern University Women's Medical School. She was the first black student ever at that school! In 1895, she made history again by becoming the first African-American woman to graduate from the program as a medical doctor.
From 1895 to 1896, Dr. Reynolds worked as the supervisor of the Training School for Nurses at Provident Hospital. Then, in 1896, she became the resident physician at Paul Quinn College.
Two years later, she moved to New Orleans. Even though she still faced challenges because of racism, she stayed there until July 1900. While in New Orleans, Dr. Reynolds was very active in community groups. She helped organize the Visiting Nurses Association. This group provided free nursing care to people who couldn't afford it.
On July 23, 1900, Dr. Reynolds took a temporary job as the head nurse at Freedman's Hospital in Washington, D.C. She stayed there through 1901, also teaching about healthy eating. The next year, she returned to Ohio to take care of her parents, who were not well. She started her own medical practice in Sulphur Lick, Ohio, and continued to help people there until she passed away.
Legacy and Honors
Emma Ann Reynolds died on January 11, 1917, in Huntington Township, Ohio. She was buried in Davis Cemetery.
In 1990, a special tombstone was placed in her honor at Greenlawn Cemetery in Frankfort. This was done by the Provident Hospital Nurse Alumni Association.
Dr. Reynolds received many honors for her important work:
- In 1991, she was inducted into the Chillicothe-Ross County Women's Hall of Fame.
- In 1994, she was inducted into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame.
- In 2001, the U.S. House of Representatives recognized her pioneering role during Women's Month.
Emma Ann Reynolds is remembered as a brave and dedicated woman who helped change healthcare for many people.
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