Harriet Redfield Cobb facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Harriet Redfield Cobb
Harriet Redfield Cobb, from the 1925 yearbook of Smith College
Born	September 10, 1866 Peekskill, New York
Died	February 13, 1958 Northampton, Massachusetts
Occupation	Mathematics professor

Harriet Redfield Cobb (born September 10, 1866 – died February 13, 1958) was an American mathematics teacher. She was a professor at Smith College. She taught there for many years, from 1895 to 1931.

Harriet Cobb's Early Life

Harriet Cobb was born in Peekskill, New York. Her father, Elisha G. Cobb, was a minister. She went to Northampton High School.

She then studied mathematics at Smith College. She earned her first degree there in 1889. She also received an honorary master's degree from Smith College in 1891. Later, she continued her studies at Columbia University.

Her Amazing Career

Before joining Smith College, Harriet taught math in Louisiana and Ohio. She returned to Smith College in 1895. She started as a math instructor.

Harriet taught geometry at Smith College. She worked there until she retired in 1931. She became a professor emerita, which means she was a retired professor. She was part of a special honor society called Phi Beta Kappa. She also led the Western Massachusetts Mathematics Association. Harriet even taught Bible study classes at a church.

Harriet Cobb loved to travel. In 1907 and 1908, she took an eight-month trip around the world. She traveled with her friend, Sarah Gilbert. Sarah was also a math teacher. Harriet visited China several times in the 1920s. She helped advise on math education for women in China.

After she retired, Harriet spent a lot of time in Florida. She stayed involved with Smith College activities there. In 1936, she gave a speech to retired teachers. She talked about "The Pioneer Spirit of Smith College."

Later Years

Harriet Cobb passed away in 1958. She was 91 years old. She died in Northampton, Massachusetts.