Ida Joe Brooks facts for kids
Ida Josephine "Joe" Brooks (born April 28, 1853 – died March 13, 1939) was an amazing woman who was an educator, a doctor, and a surgeon. She was one of the very first women doctors in Arkansas. She was also the first female teacher at the University of Arkansas Medical School.
Ida Joe Brooks's Early Life
Ida Josephine Brooks was born in Muscatine, Iowa, on April 28, 1853. Her father, Joseph Brooks, was a Methodist minister. Her mother was Elizabeth Goodenough. When Ida was very young, her family moved to St. Louis, Missouri. There, she started public school. She graduated from Central High School in St. Louis in 1870. After the American Civil War, her father moved south. Ida then moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1870.
In 1877, she earned a degree from Little Rock University. This was a private college. While teaching in Little Rock public schools, she continued her studies. She went to Drury College in Springfield, Missouri. There, she earned her master's degree.
Ida Joe Brooks's Career
In 1872, Ida had a conversation with a friend. She strongly believed that women should earn their own money. Her friend made a bet that she wouldn't do it herself. As a joke, he found her a teaching job in Fouche Bottom. The area had so many gnats that a smoky fire had to be kept burning all the time. Ida accepted the job and taught there very well.
In 1873, Ida Brooks started teaching at the First Ward School in Little Rock. She really liked the work. The next year, she became the principal of the grammar school. In 1876, she was made principal of the Little Rock Central High School. In 1877, she was chosen as president of the State Teachers' Association. She also led the Homeopathic Medical Examining Board.
In 1882, Brooks joined the teachers at Little Rock University. She had a master's degree. She was put in charge of the math department. She taught there until 1888. Then, she decided to go to medical school. She had wanted to be a doctor for many years. She went to the Boston University School of Medicine. She graduated with high honors in 1891. After that, she studied nervous diseases at the Westborough State Hospital. She spent a year working at the Massachusetts Homeopathic Hospital. She worked half the time in surgery and half the time in general medicine. She returned to Little Rock in 1903. There, she started her own practice, focusing on children's health.
Ida Brooks was a strong supporter of women's right to vote. She also strongly supported the Temperance movement, which worked to reduce alcohol use.
In 1914, Brooks joined the faculty at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She was the first woman to teach there. She gave talks on social health in the psychiatry department. Later, she became an associate professor of psychiatry.
In 1920, she was suggested for the job of State Superintendent of Public Instruction. However, at that time, women were not allowed to run for such offices. So, her name was removed from the ballot. She was a member of the Altrusa Club and the Woman's City Club of Little Rock.
Ida Joe Brooks's Personal Life
During World War I, Brooks tried to join the military. But she was not allowed because she was a woman. She then got a job with the United States Public Health Service. She worked at Camp Pike.
Ida Joe Brooks passed away on March 13, 1939. She is buried at Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis.
