Born: 1857 (Newark, Ohio)
Died: 1915
Biography:
Katharine Ellis Coman (23 November 1857 – 11 January 1915) was an American social activist, professor, and pioneer in the field of economics. She dedicated her life to promoting social change and empowering women through education. Coman made significant contributions to the study of economics, particularly in understanding the economic history of the United States. Her work paved the way for future generations of female economists and social reformers.
Coman was born on 23 November 1857 in Newark, Ohio. Her parents, Martha Ann Seymour Coman and Levi Parsons Coman, both valued education and encouraged her intellectual pursuits. Coman received much of her early education at home. She later attended the University of Michigan, where she studied under renowned professors, including Charles Kendall Adams and James Burrill Angell.
After earning her Bachelor of Philosophy degree in 1880, Coman joined the faculty at Wellesley College in Massachusetts. At Wellesley, she first taught English rhetoric and then became an instructor in history. Coman’s interest in economics led her to advocate for the inclusion of economics courses in the college’s curriculum. In 1883, she taught Wellesley’s first political economy class, making her the first American woman to teach the subject. She was a trailblazer and helped establish Wellesley College as the only American women’s college to offer statistics.
Coman’s commitment to addressing social problems through economics shaped her teaching and research. She believed that understanding the economic history of the United States was crucial for creating positive change. To conduct her research, Coman traveled extensively, visiting factories and tenements to observe and analyze working conditions. She also took her students on field trips, providing them with real-world experiences and fostering a deeper understanding of societal issues.
As a social activist, Coman advocated for trades unionism, social insurance, and the settlement movement. She was passionate about improving the lives of workers and promoting equality. Coman’s notable works include The Industrial History of the United States and Economic Beginnings of the Far West: How We Won the Land Beyond the Mississippi. These publications showcased her expertise in economic history and shed light on the struggles and triumphs of the American people.
Coman’s impact on the field of economics extended beyond her teaching and research. She was a co-founder of the American Economics Association, being the only woman among the founding members. Additionally, she authored the first paper published in The American Economic Review, further solidifying her place in history as a pioneering female economist.
Throughout her career, Coman faced challenges and discrimination due to her gender. Despite these obstacles, she persevered and became an influential figure in academia and social reform. Coman’s dedication to education, social justice, and women’s empowerment left a lasting legacy. Her work continues to inspire economists, historians, and activists to this day.
Awards:
– Co-founder of the American Economics Association
– Author of the first paper published in The American Economic Review