Born: 1834 (Hyde Park, Vermont)
Died: 1891
Biography:
Mary Jane Safford-Blake (December 31, 1834 – December 8, 1891) was a nurse, physician, educator, and humanitarian who made significant contributions to the field of medicine and women’s rights. Born in Hyde Park, Vermont, Safford grew up on her family’s farm as the youngest of five children. She received her education in various schools in Vermont, Illinois, and Montreal, Quebec before returning to Illinois to live with her older brother and work as a teacher in Shawneetown.
In 1861, with the outbreak of the Civil War, Safford volunteered as a relief worker in Cairo, Illinois, where she quickly gained a reputation as the Cairo Angel due to her dedicated and compassionate nursing care. It was during this time that she crossed paths with Mary Ann Bickerdyke, a renowned nurse, and together they treated the sick and injured near Fort Donelson. Safford’s experiences during the war deeply impacted her and solidified her commitment to serving others.
After the war, Safford pursued a career in medicine. She studied at the New York Medical College and Hospital for Women and later furthered her education at Vienna General Hospital, the University of Breslau, and the University of Heidelberg. At Breslau, she made history by becoming the first woman to perform an ovariotomy. She also formed a lasting friendship with Isabel Chapin Barrows, the first American woman ophthalmologist, during her time at Heidelberg.
In 1872, Safford opened a private practice in Chicago, becoming one of the pioneering female gynecologists in the United States. Her practice catered to the needs of women from all walks of life, particularly those from impoverished backgrounds. Recognizing the struggles faced by women in the South End of Boston, she later became a Professor of Women’s Diseases at the Boston University School of Medicine, where she was one of the only two professors of gynecology.
Safford’s impact extended beyond her medical practice. She also dedicated her time and energy to advocating for women’s rights, particularly in the field of education. In 1875, she became one of the first women to be elected to the Boston School Committee, where she actively worked towards improving the educational opportunities for women and girls.
Motivated by her experiences and driven by her compassion for the less fortunate, Safford developed a plan for mass housing that aimed to reduce the burden of housekeeping for women. Her innovative vision centered on the concept of cooperative housekeeping, with a shared service area to alleviate the drudgery often faced by women in managing their households.
Mary Jane Safford’s contributions to the field of medicine, her dedication to improving the lives of women, and her advocacy for education have left an indelible mark on history. She challenged societal norms, shattered glass ceilings in the medical profession, and tirelessly worked towards a more equitable society for all.