1845-1896
Emma Ward Edwards was one of the first woman doctors in New Jersey. She ran a large general practice in Newark, also practicing at the Home of the Aged, and around Newark. Newark News wrote she was “to many households the beloved physician, the sympathizing helpful friend who spared herself no labor to reduce the suffering of others. Cheerful, sunny in temperament and clear in judgement…she carried sunshine into the sick room and relief followed in her footsteps.”
Emma was born in Newark at 11 Washington St, where she lived all her life. Emma was educated at the private school of Dr. McKee. She was inspired to be a doctor after an illness after she left school. She graduated valedictorian of the first class of the Women’s Medical College of the New York Infirmary in 1870.
Emma worked at the college and in New York, while also practicing in Newark. She married and moved to California for 2 years, before returning around 1878, and returning to Newark practice. She built up a large, successful Newark practice, and eventually hired Dr. Sarah R Mead as an assistant. She consulted on many cases around the city and was a member of Essex District Medical Society.
Emma was on the board of managers of the Children’s Aid Society and the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children and the Home for the Aged and attending physician for those organizations and the Working Girls Club. She was also active in the Ray Palmer Club. She was a promoter of the free kindergarten movement.
Emma died on a vacation to Florida in 1896. She lived at 11 Washington St at the time of her death.
Bibliography
“Transactions” Medical Society of New Jersey
Women’s Project of NJ, Past and Promise Lives of New Jersey Women
Moss, Sandra. “An Ornament to the Profession” Garden State Legacy.
Baker, Mariana Narrative for tableaux; Newark Women of the Century.
“In Memoriam Dr. Emma Ward Edwards” Newark Sunday Call Apr 5, 1896
US Censuses
“Dr Emma W Edwards Dead” Newark News Mar 30, 1896