Henry Floyd Gamble facts for kids
Henry Floyd Gamble was an important African-American doctor. He was born on January 16, 1862, and passed away on September 7, 1932. Dr. Gamble was a skilled surgeon and physician. He also helped deliver babies. From 1911 to 1912, he served as the president of the National Medical Association.
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Early Life and Education
Henry Floyd Gamble was born in North Garden, Virginia. His father, Henry Harmon Gamble, worked on a large farm. His mother, Willie Ann Howard, was enslaved. After the Civil War, his family moved near Charlottesville, Virginia.
Around 1875, young Henry went to work for John Staige Davis. He worked as a houseboy. Davis's son began teaching Henry to read and write. However, Mr. Davis soon stopped these lessons.
Working Hard for Education
Even without formal schooling, Henry was determined to learn. From 1879 to 1882, he studied with a night teacher. He saved $50, which was a lot of money back then. This money allowed him to attend the preparatory school at Lincoln University.
He started college in 1884. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1888. Next, he decided to study medicine. He went to Yale School of Medicine. To pay for his studies, he worked hard. He waited tables and cleaned buildings. He graduated with his medical degree in 1891.
Medical Career and Leadership
After medical school, Dr. Gamble started his own practice in Charlottesville. But in 1892, he moved to Charleston, West Virginia. There, he became a respected doctor.
Leading the Medical Community
Dr. Gamble was a leader in the medical field. In 1911, he was chosen as president of the National Medical Association. This was a very important role. He also started the West Virginia state association for doctors.
From 1922, Dr. Gamble focused on surgery. He often performed operations for local coal miners. His work helped many people in the community.
Family Life
Dr. Henry Floyd Gamble had four children. His first wife was Elizabeth Gilmer from Virginia. They had a daughter named Katherine Lee.
His second wife was Anna Banks from Pennsylvania. They had a son named Floyd. His third wife was Nina Hortense Clinton from Ohio. They had two children, Howard Clinton and Anne Lucille.
Passing Away
Dr. Gamble passed away in September 1932. He died in a car accident in Charleston, West Virginia.
