Jessie G. Garnett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jessie G. Garnett
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Born |
Jessie Katherine Gideon
April 20, 1897 Liverpool, Nova Scotia
|
| Died | September 5, 1976 (aged 79) |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Jessie K. Garnett |
| Alma mater | Tufts University Tufts University School of Dental Medicine |
| Spouse(s) | Robert Charles Garnett |
| Children | 2 |
Jessie G. Garnett (1897-1976) was a very important person in Boston's history. She was the first Black woman dentist in the city. She was also the first Black woman to graduate from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.
Early Life and Education
Jessie Katherine Gideon was born in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, in 1897. Her mother worked as a seamstress, making clothes. Jessie's father passed away when she was a young child.
When she was eleven years old, Jessie moved to Boston. She moved with her mother, two older sisters, and younger brother. They settled in the Roxbury neighborhood.
Jessie went to Girls' High School. After that, she studied at Tufts University. She then went to the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. She finished her studies and graduated in 1920. Jessie was the first Black woman to graduate from this dental school. She was also the only woman in her graduating class that year.
She later shared a story about starting dental school. The dean of the school thought there might have been a mistake when she enrolled. After checking, he confirmed she was accepted. He then warned her, "You'll have to find your own patients, you know." Jessie bravely replied, "That will be just fine with me."
Her Dental Career
Jessie Garnett opened her first dental office in Lower Roxbury. It was located at the corner of Tremont and Camden Streets. Business was slow when she first started. She remembered that patients would sometimes ask for "the dentist." When they saw her, she would say, "I'm the dentist."
After a few years, she moved her office to Columbus Avenue. Later, she moved both her home and her dental practice to 80 Munroe Street. She stayed there for the rest of her career. In 1969, Dr. Garnett had to retire. She had been a dentist for almost 50 years! She stopped working because of arthritis in her hands.
Dr. Garnett was also very involved in her community. In 1926, she helped start the Psi Omega chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. A sorority is a club for women, often at colleges. She was also a member of the NAACP. This group works for civil rights. She was also part of the Urban League.
She served on the boards of several important organizations. These included the Boston YWCA, Freedom House, and St. Mark's Congregational Church in Roxbury.
Personal Life and Legacy
In 1920, Jessie married Robert Charles Garnett. He was a police officer in Boston. They had two children together. Later, they were proud grandparents to four grandchildren.
Jessie Garnett passed away on September 1, 1976. She was attending church services at the time.
After her death, a special scholarship was created in her honor. It is called the Dr. Jessie Garnett-Dr. Mary Thompson Scholarship. The Psi Omega chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority started it at Tufts Dental School. Mary Thompson was another important woman. She also graduated from Tufts Dental School and was known for helping others.
In 2009, Jessie Garnett's former home and office at 80 Munroe Street received a special honor. The Boston Heritage Guild placed a plaque there. This location is also a stop on the Boston Women's Heritage Trail. This trail highlights places important to women's history in Boston.
