George Washington Antione facts for kids

George Washington Antoine (born November 26, 1878 – died August 17, 1939) was an important doctor from Houston, Texas. He was also an army doctor during World War I. He served in the 370th Infantry Regiment.

Early Life and Education

George Washington Antoine was born in Texas in 1878. Not much is known about his early years. He later attended Guadalupe College in Seguin, Texas. At this college, he studied subjects like algebra and Latin. Guadalupe College was one of the first schools in Southern Texas for African American students to get a higher education.

In 1906, Antoine graduated from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. After finishing medical school, he got married. Soon after, Dr. Antoine and some of his classmates opened a medical practice in Houston.

Military Service in World War I

In 1917, Dr. Antoine decided to join the army during World War I. He volunteered to serve in France. He first went to a training camp for medical officers at Fort Des Moines. After 38 days, he moved to other camps, including Camp Logan.

Dr. Antoine was assigned to the 370th Infantry Regiment. This group was mostly made up of African-American soldiers from the Illinois National Guard. He was given the rank of First Lieutenant. His job was to be a medical doctor for Depot Company K.

Because of worries about possible race riots at Camp Logan, Dr. Antoine and his unit were sent to France in 1918. They traveled on a ship called the SS President Grant. Once in France, General Pershing ordered them to serve under French command. The 370th Regiment fought well. They were able to push back the enemy during an attack on September 15, 1918.

When the war ended, First Lieutenant Antoine helped move injured soldiers. He made sure they got proper medical care in New York and Texas. He was officially discharged from the army on February 23, 1919.

Medical Career and Community Work

After the war, Dr. Antoine returned home to Houston, Texas. He continued to work as a doctor for the next 20 years. He practiced medicine at the Houston Negro Hospital. He was also very active in the Lone Star State Medical Dental, and Pharmaceutical Association. In 1928, he became the vice-president of this important organization.

Death and Lasting Legacy

George Washington Antoine passed away on August 17, 1939, from heart disease. His death was mentioned in an obituary in the Chicago Defender newspaper. His funeral services were held at his home in Houston.

Dr. Antoine left a lasting mark on the Houston community. A street in Houston, Antoine Drive, was named after him. This was done to honor his service as both a soldier and a doctor. Also, one of Houston's American Legion Posts was named in his honor.

Personal Life

In 1906, George Antoine married Lottie Voliver, who was 19 years old. They moved to Arkansas with Lottie's six-year-old nephew. Later, they returned to Texas. They had one daughter together, named Mattie Louise, who was born in 1925. Sadly, Lottie died on October 5, 1927. Shortly before his own death, Dr. Antoine married a woman named Zella.