Mary Fitzbutler Waring facts for kids
Mary Fitzbutler Waring (1870 – 1958) was an amazing American doctor. She was also a very important leader. She became the president of the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs (NACW). This group worked to improve life for African-American women and families.
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Growing Up and Becoming a Doctor
Mary R. Fitzbutler was born in Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada. She grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. Her parents, William Henry Fitzbutler and Sarah Helen McCurdy Fitzbutler, were both doctors.
Her mother was the first Black woman to get a medical degree in Kentucky. Her father was the first Black person to graduate from the University of Michigan's medical school. Mary followed in their footsteps. She studied at the Louisville National Medical College. Her father owned and ran this school. Mary graduated from the National Medical College of Chicago in 1923.
A Leader for Change
Before becoming a doctor, Mary Fitzbutler taught school for several years. She was active in women's groups. In 1913, she was an officer in the Illinois Federation of Women's Clubs.
Helping During World War I
During World War I, Mary Waring played a big role. She led the Red Cross work for the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs. She also led the group's Department of Health and Hygiene for many years.
In Chicago, she helped organize a special place for soldiers to eat. She also started nursing classes for African-American women during the war. This helped many women get important training.
Working for Public Health
After the war, Mary continued her important work. She attended a big international meeting in Norway in 1920. In 1923, she joined the advisory board for the Frederick Douglass Home. This was the home of a famous abolitionist.
Mary often wrote articles about health for women's magazines. Her writings helped many people learn how to stay healthy.
Leading the NACW
In 1933, Mary Fitzbutler Waring was chosen as president of the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs. This was a very important job. During her time as president, she started a special project. She wanted to encourage people to get rid of toy guns. She believed this would help promote peace.
Her Family Life
Mary R. Fitzbutler married Frank B. Waring in 1901. He was an educator. Sadly, he passed away in 1923. She married again in 1930 to Charles F. Cantrell. Mary Fitzbutler Waring lived to be 88 years old. She passed away in Chicago in 1958.
See also
- Louisville National Medical College
