Rebecca Lee Crumpler facts for kids

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

Rebecca Lee Crumpler, born Rebecca Davis, was an amazing American doctor, nurse, and writer. She lived from 1831 to 1895. Rebecca made history by becoming the first African-American woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. In 1883, she wrote a book called A Book of Medical Discourses. This book was for nurses and mothers. It was also one of the first medical books written by an African American.

Early Life and Inspiration

Rebecca Lee Crumpler was born in 1831 in Christiana, Delaware. Her parents were Matilda Webber and Absolum Davis. She grew up in Pennsylvania with her aunt. Her aunt was like a doctor in their town, caring for sick people. This experience likely inspired Rebecca to help others through medicine. In 1852, Rebecca moved to Charlestown, Massachusetts, where she worked as a nurse.

Becoming a Doctor

In 1860, Rebecca Crumpler was accepted into the New England Female Medical College. She received money from the Wade Scholarship Fund to help pay for her studies. This was a special time because the American Civil War was happening. There was a great need for doctors to care for soldiers. This opened up more chances for women to become doctors.

New England Female Medical College in 1860

Rebecca's supervising doctor recommended her for medical school. In 1860, there were many doctors in the United States. However, only about 300 were women, and none were African American. This made Rebecca Lee Crumpler the first and only African-American doctor in her class.

She studied for three years. In February 1864, she finished her classes, wrote a thesis, and passed her final exams. On March 1, 1864, she officially became a Doctor of Medicine. She was the only African-American person to graduate from that school.

Working as a Physician

Dr. Crumpler first practiced medicine in Boston. She mostly cared for poor African-American women and children. After the American Civil War ended in 1865, she moved to Richmond, Virginia. There, she worked for the Freedmen's Bureau. This group helped formerly enslaved people.

Rebecca lived at a time when it was very hard for African Americans to go to medical school or publish books. She faced a lot of racism (unfair treatment because of her race) and sexism (unfair treatment because she was a woman). Many male doctors did not respect her. They sometimes would not approve her patient's prescriptions or listen to her medical ideas. Rebecca knew being the first African-American woman in this field would be tough. But she kept going and worked very hard.

Nathaniel Topliff Allen Homestead, where the West Newton English and Classical School was located starting in 1854

In 1860, Rebecca also attended the West Newton English and Classical School in Massachusetts. She was a special student there, focusing on math. Later, she taught in Wilmington starting in 1874. She also taught in New Castle, Delaware beginning in 1876.

A Book of Medical Discourses

In 1883, Dr. Crumpler published her book, A Book of Medical Discourses. She used notes she had kept throughout her medical career. The book was written for nurses and mothers. It focused on how to care for women and children.

Rebecca wanted to show how important it was to prevent illnesses. She believed women should learn about the human body before becoming nurses. This would help them protect lives better. The book also gave advice on non-medical topics, like how to have a happy marriage.

Personal Life

Rebecca Davis married Wyatt Lee on April 19, 1852. Wyatt was from Virginia and had been enslaved. This was her first marriage. Wyatt's son, Albert, died a year later at age 7. This sad event might have made Rebecca even more determined to study nursing. Wyatt died from tuberculosis in 1863, while Rebecca was still a medical student.

Arthur Crumpler, around 1891

Dr. Rebecca Lee married Arthur Crumpler on May 24, 1865, in Saint John, New Brunswick. Arthur had also been enslaved and escaped from Southampton County, Virginia. He worked as a blacksmith for the Union Army.

Rebecca and Arthur were active members of the Twelfth Baptist Church. They lived at 20 Garden Street in Boston. Their daughter, Lizzie Sinclair Crumpler, was born in December 1870. By 1880, the Crumplers had moved to Hyde Park, Boston.

Death and Legacy

Rebecca Crumpler passed away on March 9, 1895, in Fairview, Massachusetts. She and her husband Arthur are buried at the nearby Fairview Cemetery. Arthur died in May 1910. For 125 years, they were buried in graves without headstones.

On July 16, 2020, a special ceremony was held at Fairview Cemetery. A new gravestone was placed to honor Rebecca Lee Crumpler and her husband Arthur. This was made possible by people who raised money, led by Vicky Gall, a history lover.

Rebecca Lee Crumpler's legacy continues today.

• In 2019, Virginia Governor 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 helps students from different backgrounds who want to work in health care. They offer mentors, workshops, and resources to help members succeed.

Interesting Facts About Rebecca Lee Crumpler

• She was one of the first female doctors to write a book in the 1800s.
• Her aunt, who cared for sick people in their town, greatly influenced her.
• Dr. Crumpler worked for the Freedmen's Bureau. She provided medical care to formerly enslaved people who white doctors often refused to treat.
• She believed that treating women and children was a great way to help her community. She often treated children even if their parents couldn't pay much.
• Her home at 67 Joy Street in Boston is a stop on the Boston Women's Heritage Trail.
• No photos of Dr. Crumpler exist today. However, a newspaper article from her time described her as "a very pleasant and intellectual woman." It also said she was "tall and straight, with light brown skin and gray hair."
• She once said the secret to a happy marriage is to keep up the "careful routine of the courting days."

Images for kids

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  Arthur Crumpler, around 1891

See also

In Spanish: Rebecca Lee Crumpler para niños