Verina Morton Jones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Verina Morton Jones
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| Born | January 28, 1865 |
| Died | February 8, 1943 (aged 78) |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania |
| Known for | Early African American physician |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Allopath |
Verina Harris Morton Jones (born January 28, 1865 – died February 3, 1943) was an amazing American doctor, someone who fought for women's right to vote, and a leader in community groups. After finishing medical school in 1888, she became the first woman allowed to practice medicine in Mississippi! Later, she moved to Brooklyn, New York. There, she helped start and lead the Lincoln Settlement House, a place that helped many people. Verina Jones was also part of many important groups, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), where she was elected to their main board.
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Becoming a Doctor
Verina Morton Jones was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on January 28, 1865. Her parents were Willam D. and Kittie Stanley. She went to the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia starting in 1884. She worked hard and earned her medical degree in 1888.
First Woman Doctor in Mississippi
After she graduated, Dr. Jones moved to Holly Springs, Mississippi. She worked as a doctor at Rust College. She also taught classes at the college's industrial school. Dr. Jones was the first woman to pass Mississippi's medical exam. This meant she was the first woman allowed to practice medicine in that state!
Helping Her Community
In 1890, Verina Jones married another doctor, Walter A. Morton. They moved to Brooklyn, New York, and opened their own medical office. Dr. Jones was the first Black woman doctor to practice in Nassau County, New York. She was very active in medical groups and also in the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs. She led their Mother's Club in Brooklyn.
Dr. Jones also joined the Niagara Movement's women's group from 1905 to 1906. This group worked for equal rights for African Americans. She also helped a committee that wanted to improve job conditions for Black people in New York City.
Fighting for Women's Right to Vote
Verina Jones strongly believed that women should have the right to vote. She was the president of the Brooklyn Equal Suffrage League. She organized programs to teach people about voting. She also wrote down examples of unfair treatment at voting places. She even spoke to Congress about these issues.
Lincoln Settlement House
Dr. Jones helped create the Lincoln Settlement House in Brooklyn with Mary White Ovington. This house was a special place that helped families and children. Dr. Jones used her own money for the down payment on the building. From May 1908, she was the head of the organization.
The Lincoln Settlement House offered many helpful things. It had a free kindergarten and a day nursery for young children. It also had a clinic where people could get medical care. The house also had fun clubs for debates and singing. They offered classes in sewing, carpentry, folk dancing, cooking, and embroidery. In 1914, the house moved to a bigger building to help even more people.
Urban League
In 1911, Dr. Jones was part of a group of five people in Brooklyn who were very active in the Urban League. This important organization worked to help African Americans in cities. It helped them find jobs and better living conditions.
NAACP Leadership
In 1913, Dr. Jones was chosen to be on the Board of Directors for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). This is a very important civil rights organization. She served on their main committee until 1925, helping to guide their work.
Later Years in Hempstead
In the 1920s, Dr. Jones moved to Hempstead, New York. She opened a medical practice there. She also joined other women in her community to start the Harriet Tubman Community Club in 1928. From 1933 to 1939, she directed this settlement house, continuing her work to help others.
Family Life
Verina Jones was a member of the Episcopalian church. She married Dr. Walter A. Morton in 1890. They had a son named Franklin W. Morton in 1892, who later became a lawyer. Sadly, Walter A. Morton passed away in 1895. In 1901, Verina married Emory Jones, who died in 1927. Verina Morton Jones passed away on February 3, 1943, in Brooklyn.
