Welcome Turner Jones facts for kids
Welcome Turner Jones (born November 13, 1865 – died January 12, 1940) was an important American doctor. He helped start the first hospital for African Americans in Newport News, Virginia. He did this with three other African-American doctors. This hospital later became known as the Whittaker Memorial Hospital.
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Early Life and Education
Welcome Turner Jones was born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1865. This was soon after the Civil War ended. His father, S. T. Jones, was a minister. His mother, Margaret A. Jones, was a homemaker.
Welcome Jones went to Washington and Jefferson College (W&J) in Pennsylvania. He earned his first degree there in 1890. He was the first African American known to graduate from W&J College. He later received a master's degree from the same college in 1900.
A book about the class of 1890 mentioned how proud they were of Welcome Jones. It said he showed that Black people could be just as successful as anyone else when given the same chances.
Jones then went to medical school at Case Western University School of Medicine in Ohio. He worked hard to pay for his studies. He took jobs in brick yards, farm fields, and flower shops. He earned his medical degree in 1893.
Medical Career
After finishing medical school, Dr. Jones moved to Norfolk, Virginia, in 1893. He worked there as a doctor for two years. In 1895, he moved to a nearby town called Newport News, Virginia. There, he built a very successful private practice. He mostly focused on helping children with their health problems.
Starting Whittaker Memorial Hospital
Around 1900, many African Americans in the United States found it hard to get good medical care. They were often turned away or sent to separate, poor quality hospitals. In 1908, Dr. Jones and three other African-American doctors decided to change this. These doctors were Walter T. Foreman, W. P. Dickerson, and Robert L. Whittaker.
They put their money together to open the first hospital for the Black community. It was on the top floor of a building owned by James A. Fields. He was a well-known Black lawyer. Before this hospital, Black people could only get medical help at a clinic in the city jail.
As the Black community grew, so did their need for medical care. The doctors wanted to build a bigger hospital. Dr. Jones became the president of the Whittaker Memorial Association. He helped raise money to build and keep up the new hospital.
The foundation for the new hospital, Whittaker Memorial Hospital, was laid on May 27, 1914. It was named after Dr. Whittaker, who had passed away before the building was finished. This hospital became the largest medical facility serving the Black community in Virginia. Dr. Jones was also a strong voice for public health. He spoke out about health differences affecting African Americans.
Personal Life
Welcome Jones married Bessie Lucas on February 22, 1899. They had two daughters, Margaret and Arnetta. Margaret later married Fletcher J. Bryant Sr., who was a minister.
Dr. Jones was an active member of the A. M. E. Church. He also belonged to several groups like the Masons and the Odd Fellows. He was the medical examiner for the Odd Fellows.
He was also a talented musician. He played the bass and the mandolin. He enjoyed reading poetry and classic English and American books.
Retirement and Passing
Dr. Jones retired in 1938 after working as a doctor for 40 years in Newport News, Virginia. He moved back to his family home in Washington, Pennsylvania. Later, he moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, to be closer to his daughter, Margaret. He passed away at her home on January 12, 1940. His funeral services were held in Washington, Pennsylvania.
Images for kids
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Welcome Turner Jones
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James A. Fields House, Newport News, VA
