Rebecca Lee Crumpler facts for kids

A Book of Medical Discourses (1883) by Rebecca Lee Crumpler, M.D.

Rebecca Lee Crumpler (born Rebecca Davis, February 8, 1831 – March 9, 1895) was an amazing American doctor, nurse, and author. She made history as the very first African-American woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. She achieved this milestone in 1864 at the New England Female Medical College.

Dr. Crumpler was also one of the first women doctors in the 1800s to write a medical book. In 1883, she published A Book of Medical Discourses. This book offered important advice on preventing and treating common childhood illnesses, especially stomach problems in babies. It also discussed the health and development of people. Her book was dedicated to nurses and mothers, focusing on care for women and children. It was one of the first medical books written by an African American.

After graduating, Dr. Crumpler first worked in Boston. She mostly helped women and children who did not have much money. After the American Civil War ended in 1865, she moved to Richmond, Virginia. She believed that helping women and children was a great way to serve her community. There, she worked with the Freedmen's Bureau. This organization provided medical care to formerly enslaved people who were now free.

Dr. Crumpler faced many challenges because of her race and gender. Some male doctors did not respect her medical opinions. They sometimes refused to approve her prescriptions for patients. Despite these difficulties, she continued her important work. She later returned to Boston, where she kept helping women and children. Today, groups like the Rebecca Lee Pre-Health Society at Syracuse University honor her legacy. Her former home in Beacon Hill is now a stop on the Boston Women's Heritage Trail.

Rebecca Lee Crumpler's Early Life and Path to Medicine

Rebecca Davis was born on February 8, 1831, in Christiana, Delaware. She grew up in Pennsylvania with her aunt. Her aunt was a kind woman who often helped sick people in their town. Watching her aunt care for others inspired Rebecca to want to become a doctor herself.

Rebecca attended a private school called the West Newton English and Classical School in West Newton, Massachusetts. She moved to Charlestown, Massachusetts, in 1852.

Becoming a Nurse and Doctor

New England Female Medical College in 1860

From 1855 to 1864, Rebecca worked as a nurse. Her skills and dedication were clear. A doctor she worked with even recommended her for medical school! In 1859, she was accepted into the New England Female Medical College. This was a huge achievement, as it was very rare for women or African Americans to attend medical school at that time. Rebecca was the only African-American student there.

She received scholarships to help pay for her studies. The American Civil War (1861-1865) created a great need for doctors. This opened more doors for women in medicine. Rebecca worked hard, completing three years of studies, a major paper, and final exams. On March 1, 1864, she officially became a Doctor of Medicine. She was the first African-American woman in the United States to earn this degree.

Dr. Crumpler's Medical Practice and Challenges

After becoming a doctor, Rebecca Lee Crumpler began her medical practice in Boston. She focused on helping African-American women and children who were poor.

Helping After the Civil War

After the American Civil War ended in 1865, Dr. Crumpler moved to Richmond, Virginia. She felt it was important to help the many formerly enslaved people who were now free. She wanted to gain more experience with illnesses affecting women and children. She worked with the Freedmen's Bureau, an organization that helped newly freed people. She provided medical care to those who were often turned away by other doctors.

Facing Unfair Treatment

During her time as a doctor, Rebecca Crumpler faced many difficulties. Some people treated her unfairly because she was an African-American woman. Male doctors sometimes did not respect her medical opinions. They even made fun of her, saying her "M.D." degree stood for "Mule Driver." Despite these hurtful comments and obstacles, Dr. Crumpler continued her vital work. She was determined to help her patients.

Later, Dr. Crumpler returned to Boston. She settled in a neighborhood called Beacon Hill. There, she continued to treat women and children, often without charging families who couldn't afford to pay. Her former home on Joy Street is now recognized as a stop on the Boston Women's Heritage Trail.

A Book of Medical Discourses: Dr. Crumpler's Guide

In 1883, Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler published her book, A Book of Medical Discourses. She wrote it using all the notes and knowledge she gained during her medical career.

Important Health Advice

This book was written especially for nurses and mothers. It focused on how to care for women and children. Dr. Crumpler wanted to teach people about "prevention." This means stopping illnesses before they even start. She believed that understanding the human body was key to protecting health.

Her book had two main parts. The first part gave advice on preventing and treating common stomach problems in babies and young children. The second part discussed general health and growth. It also covered common health issues for both boys and girls.

Personal Stories and Wisdom

Besides medical advice, Dr. Crumpler included parts of her own life story in the book. She shared her thoughts on social topics and even offered advice on building a happy family life. She explained how her aunt's kindness inspired her to become a doctor. She wrote about her eight years as a nurse before attending medical college.

Dr. Crumpler's book was special because she wrote it in her own voice. She didn't try to sound like others. She used her own experiences to show she was an expert. She wanted to share her knowledge directly with the women who would read her book. A newspaper called The Boston Globe described her book as "valuable" in 1894. They also called Dr. Crumpler "a very pleasant and intellectual woman."

Dr. Crumpler's Personal Life

Arthur Crumpler, around 1898

While living in Charlestown, Rebecca Davis married Wyatt Lee on April 19, 1852. He was a laborer from Virginia. Sadly, Wyatt's son, Albert, passed away at age 7. Rebecca's husband, Wyatt, died from tuberculosis in 1863.

On May 24, 1865, Dr. Rebecca Lee married Arthur Crumpler. Arthur was also formerly enslaved and had bravely escaped from Southampton County, Virginia. He served as a blacksmith in the Union Army during the Civil War.

Rebecca and Arthur Crumpler were active members of the Twelfth Baptist Church in Boston. They had a daughter named Lizzie Sinclair Crumpler, born in 1870. However, it is believed she did not survive past infancy. The Crumplers later lived in Hyde Park, Boston.

Dr. Crumpler was known for her kindness and intelligence. She once shared that the secret to a happy marriage is to keep up the thoughtful actions from when you were first dating.

Rebecca Crumpler passed away on March 9, 1895, due to fibroid tumors. Arthur died in May 1910. They are both buried at Fairview Cemetery in Boston. For 125 years, their graves were unmarked. But in 2020, thanks to community efforts, beautiful granite headstones were placed to honor them.

Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler's Lasting Legacy

Rebecca's and Arthur's gravestones at Fairview Cemetery in Boston

Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler's impact continues to be felt today. The Rebecca Lee Society, one of the first medical groups for African-American women, was named in her honor. Her former home on Joy Street is a recognized landmark on the Boston Women's Heritage Trail.

In 2019, the Governor of Virginia, Ralph Northam, declared March 30 (National Doctors Day) as Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler Day.

At Syracuse University, there is a club called "The Rebecca Lee Pre-Health Society." This club encourages students from all backgrounds to pursue careers in health. They offer support and resources to help members succeed.

On February 8, 2021, the city of Boston declared it "Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler Day." This honored the 190th anniversary of her birth.

In 2021, a poet named Jessy Randall wrote a poem called "Rebecca Lee Crumpler (1831–1895)" to celebrate her life and achievements.

See also

In Spanish: Rebecca Lee Crumpler para niños

• List of African-American firsts
• List of Boston University people