Nathaniel Oglesby Calloway facts for kids

Nathaniel Oglesby Calloway (born October 10, 1907 – died December 3, 1979) was an amazing American chemist and doctor. He made history by being the first African American to earn a PhD in chemistry from Iowa State University. This was also the first academic doctorate received by an African American from a university west of the Mississippi River. Dr. Calloway was a true pioneer in both science and medicine.

Early Life and Education

Nathaniel Calloway was born on October 10, 1907, in Tuskegee, Alabama. He was one of five children. His father, James N. Calloway, was a former slave who graduated from Fisk University. He was also a friend and colleague of the famous educator Booker T. Washington. Nathaniel's mother was Marietta Oglesby.

As a child, Nathaniel spent time with George Washington Carver. Carver was a well-known soil chemist and a professor at the Tuskegee Institute. This early connection likely sparked Nathaniel's interest in science.

School Days and First Degree

Nathaniel went to elementary and high school in Tuskegee, Alabama. In 1926, he started studying at Iowa State University. He worked hard and earned his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in 1930.

Just three years later, in 1933, he achieved something remarkable. Nathaniel Calloway became the first African American to earn a PhD in Organic Chemistry from Iowa State University. His PhD advisor was a respected professor named Henry Gillman.

A Leader in Chemistry

After getting his PhD, Dr. Calloway became the head of the chemistry department at the Tuskegee Institute. He led the department from 1933 to 1935. Following in his father's footsteps, he then became an assistant professor at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. He taught chemistry there until 1940.

Becoming a Doctor

Dr. Calloway loved learning and discovery. He decided to study medicine next. In 1943, he earned his Medical Doctor (M.D.) degree from the University of Illinois. He then became an assistant professor at the University of Illinois Medical School. He also worked as a practicing doctor, specializing in Internal Medicine.

Between 1944 and 1947, he directed an important project for the U.S. Navy. He published many scientific papers during this time. His research covered chemistry, how medicines affect the body, and internal medicine. In 1947, he became a senior professor at the University of Illinois Medical School. He also served as the Medical Director at Provident Hospital (Chicago) for two years.

Dr. Calloway later created the Medical Associates of Chicago. This was a group of 12 doctors who used advanced medical equipment. During the Korean War, he served as an Assistant Chief of Medicine at Percy Jones Army Hospital. He was promoted to the rank of major. In the 1970s, he taught at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Career and Interests

Dr. Calloway was a true pioneer. He was an author, chemist, doctor, scientist, and civil rights activist. He was an expert in organic chemistry, which studies compounds containing carbon.

After earning his PhD, he immediately became the head of the chemistry department at the Tuskegee Institute. He also taught as a professor at the University of Illinois Medical School. He wrote more than 30 scientific articles for important journals.

He served as the medical director of Provident Hospital (Chicago) until 1949. Then, he started his own clinic, the Medical Associates Clinic of Chicago. Later, Dr. Calloway became the chief of medical services for the Veterans Administration Hospital in Tomah, Wisconsin. In 1958, he opened another group medical practice in Chicago. He became Chief of the Medical Staff at the Tomah Wisconsin Veterans Administration Hospital in 1963. He then opened a private practice in Madison in 1966.

Dr. Calloway also had a passion for writing. He published many articles in top chemistry journals, like the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

In the 1950s, while still practicing medicine, he built a large ranch in Wisconsin. It was called the Grand Marsh Wildlife Ranch. On this 400-acre property, he kept wild and domestic animals in big, natural habitats.

He continued to volunteer his time with the Tuskegee Institute and Iowa State University. Dr. Calloway passed away from cancer in 1979.