1882-1964
Jessie Cann was the first woman to gain a Phd in Chemistry at Columbia.*
Jessie was born in Newark to Frank (Newark alderman) and Fanny Cann and was a 1901 graduate of Newark High. She graduated Goucher College and became a science teacher at Belleville High. Her obituary stated she also taught at Newark schools.
In 1911 Cann became head of the chemistry department at Rockford College, IL and then in 1914 an instructor at University of Illinois.
Jessie taught at Smith College for 34 years from 1918-1952 and was briefly head of the department.
In 1940 she was listed on the census at the family house on Brunswick St in Newark, listed a professor. After retirement, she moved to Millburn. She is buried in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.
The Star Ledger stated she was “a descendant of Newark’s first settlers.”
*Harriet Winfield Gibson wrote to the News and claimed she was the first to receive the degree, which she earned in 1899 so Jessie Cann may have been second.
Bibliography
Newark Girl At Columbia wins Chemistry Phd Star Jun 7, 1911
Dr. Jessie Cann, 80 Professor at Smith, New York Times Feb 21, 1964
“Dr. Jessie Y Cann, 80 Professor of Chemistry” Star Ledger Feb 21, 1964
“Teachers Appointed by Bellevile Board” Newark News May 17, 1911
Newark Sunday Call Feb 10, 1918
“High Honor for Ms. Cann” Newark News Sept 10, 1911
“Local Woman Awarded Degree by University” Newark News Jun 1, 1910′
“Local Woman First to be Awarded Chemistry Degree by Columbia” Newark News Jun 7, 1911
“Miss Cann Not the First” Newark News Jun 8, 1911