Jane Lord Hersom facts for kids
.jpg)
Jane Lord Hersom (born August 6, 1840 – died November 29, 1928) was an amazing American doctor and a strong supporter of women's right to vote. She worked hard to help people and make the world fairer for women.
Contents
About Jane Lord Hersom
Early Life and Education
Jane Lord was born on August 6, 1840, in Sanford, Maine. Her parents, Samuel and Sophia Lord, had English family roots.
Her family later moved to Springvale, Maine. Jane went to both public and private schools there. She started teaching before she was 16 years old! She would go to school in the fall and winter, then teach during the summer.
Becoming a Doctor
In 1865, when Jane was 25, she married Dr. Nahum Alvah Hersom. He was a doctor who had served as a surgeon in the Civil War. After the war, he worked as a country doctor.
Sadly, Dr. Hersom became ill and passed away in 1881 while traveling in Dublin, Ireland. During his sickness, Jane read many medical books to him. She found she really enjoyed learning about medicine. Her husband had even told her she would make a great doctor.
Inspired by his belief in her, Jane decided to study medicine herself. In 1883, she started attending the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. She studied there for three years.
After graduating, Dr. Jane Hersom began her own medical practice in Portland, Maine. She quickly became very busy and had many patients. She also worked as a doctor for the Temporary Home for Women and Children in Portland for four years.
Dr. Hersom was a member of important medical groups, like the American Medical Association. She also led the Pediatrics section of the Maine Academy of Medicine and Science in 1896. Pediatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents.
Fighting for Women's Rights
Besides being a dedicated doctor, Jane Lord Hersom was also a passionate supporter of women's right to vote. This movement was called woman suffrage. She became involved because of her own experiences as a student and a doctor.
She served as the treasurer for the Maine State Woman's Suffrage Association. She was also the president of the Portland Equal Suffrage Club. These groups worked hard to convince people that women should have the right to vote.
Jane Hersom was a member of the Congregational Church. In politics, she was a Republican. She also joined several other clubs, like the Civic Club and the Woman's Literary Union.
Personal Life
Jane and Nahum Hersom had two children. Their daughter was named Mabel Lord, who later married Rufus Harton Jones. They also had another child who sadly died when they were very young.
Dr. Jane Lord Hersom passed away in Portland, Maine, on November 29, 1928.
