Author: Newark Women

Elsie Reed Eatman

1930-2014 Born and raised in Newark, graduated East Side in 1948. She was a nurse (Martland), teacher and manager at … More

Modina Boyd Davis Watson

1927-1994 Hairdresser, makeup artists, assistant, secretary, stylist and “gal Friday” for Sarah Vaughan who traveled the world with Vaughan from … More

Mary Boland

c. 1950- Director of the AIDs program at the Children’s Hospital of New Jersey in Newark. She co-founded the program … More

Marguerite L. Gates

1885-1965 Born in MA, attended Mt. Holyoke College and then came to work at Newark Library in 1907 for John … More

Evelyn Silverstein Simpson

1931-2021 Newark space planner, interior designer, teacher and potter. Graduate of Weequahic High School and Newark School of Fine and … More

Anna (Annie) T Nivison

1835-1920 An 1868 graduate of the New York Medical College for Women, Annie T Nivison opened “The Homestead” a private … More

Eva Hodgson

1924-2020 Eva Hodgson was an internationally known Bermudian activist, union leader and author (read more here). However, she had an … More

Bessie Lanier Smith

1924-1966 Bessie Lanier was born in Virginia but graduated Arts High in 1942 with a major in music. She was … More

Susan Amelia Barnet

1814-1897 Born in Mendham but raised in Newark. Member of the first class of the New York Women’s Medical College, … More

Rose A Leonardis

1916-2012 Lifelong Ironbound resident. Proprietor of the Rose A. Leonardis Funeral Home after the death of her father in 1953. … More

Peggy Officer Lista

1913-2013 Inducted into the Newark Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994 for being a basketball and track standout at Central … More

Ruth McClain Rambo

1940- Ruth Rambo, known at the time as Ruth McClain, is a graduate of Fisk University. In the 1960s she … More

Mildred Roberts Helms

1907–2002 Community activist, encouraged the building of affordable housing in Clinton Hill. In 1972, she helped found the Clinton Hill … More

Dorthaan Williams Kirk

1938- One of the first people hired by Newark’s jazz station WBGO and became the face of and a fierce … More

Willie Belle Hooper

1906-1999 Born in Georgia and attended school, including getting a teaching certificate in Florence, S.C, after which she taught in … More

Asimina Zois

1909-1987 Arrived in Newark at age 7 from Greece. She began sending care packages back to her native village in … More

Anna Lois Russ Jones

1911-1987 Mother of Amiri Baraka. Born in Alabama, lived in Newark from 1926. Attended Tuskegee, Fisk, and Shaw College. Administrator … More

Maggie Clay Beckett

c. 1892-1972 Founded the James H. Beckett funeral home with her husband. President of the New Jersey State Federation of … More

Rose Slavitt

1895-1969 Born in Newark, but grew up in New York for some years (1910). Back in Newark by 1915. First … More

J. Isabelle Sims

c. 1873-1952 Prolific Newark social worker and lifelong Newarker. Directed Fresh Air Fund Camps for 32 years and would travel … More

Delores Rich

1948-1996 President of the Aspen Riverpark Tenants Association, who did lots of organizing for tenants in the building. Tenants were … More

Dr. Sarah D. Smalley

1875-1952 A native of Newark who practiced in Newark from 1901-1952. She was active in the Newark Equal Suffrage League … More

Dr. Rita Sapiro Finkler

1888-1968 Dr. Finkler established and headed the endocrinology department at Beth Israel Hospital. This was the first endocrinology department in … More

Marie Wolfs

1885-1986 Marie Wolfs was a Vice Principal of South Side High School for more than 30 years until her retirement … More

Aileen Fong Shane

1926-2017 Born and raised in Newark’s Chinatown Aileen Fong Shane was an early woman engineer, graduating from Newark College of … More

Helen Pollard Zimmer

1910-1980 Corporate secretary (secretary/treasurer) of Fidelity Union Bank from 1964-1975, previously assistant secretary 1961-1964 and with Fidelity from 1956. First … More

Marion Roberson Kidd

1928-2012 Born in Newark. Worked 15 years with the North Jersey Community Union later named Newark Community Health Center, as … More

Dorothy Gould

1922 – 2015 Early Black teacher, hired in 1943 for $144 a month at Cleveland Junior High as a “permanent … More

Katherine Bell Banks

1912-2008 Photo from Vailsburg yearbook 1973. Born in Tennessee, the Banks family shared a home with the WEB Dubois family … More

Dr. Anna M. Robinson Cross

1856-1925 Physician who traveled widely in the West and was very prominent in Crawford, Nebraska where she was a government … More

Christiana Oehler Trefz

1831-1913 Image from 1889 city atlas President and manager of the Christiana Trefz Brewing Company. She managed the company from … More

Margaret Kidney

1814-1917 Lived to 103. Earned her own way after the death of her husband, when she was 35, by making … More

Patricia Curvin

1936- Wife of historian Robert Curvin. Nominated to Essex County Ethics Board in 1980. Trustee and VP of the Boys … More

Curvin Family

The sisters of historian Robert Curvin. There were six daughters. They were born in Newark, but they grew up in … More

Annette “Tony” O’Flaherty

1920-2000 Served in leadership roles in many social service organizations. Representative of the Congress of Industrial Organizations. Chairwoman of Human … More

Duryee Family

(Photo from FindAGrave, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery) All heavily involved in missionary work – specifically the Women’s Board of Foreign Missions … More

Elizabeth Hardin Goss

1895-1953 Graduated Miss Townsend’s School in Newark and then went to Vassar where she broke the world record in shot … More

Dr. Edith Gann

1905-1998 Graduate of Miller Street School, South Side High and the Normal School. Received a Phd from psychology from Columbia. … More

Jessie Yearance Cann

1882-1964 First woman to gain a Phd in Chemistry at Columbia. She was born in Newark to Frank (Newark alderman) … More

Mary Womble Spruel

1906-1988 An early Black teacher, hired in 1945 (see Timeline, bottom of page here). Born and raised in Montclair and taught … More

Dorothy Turpin Smith

1910-1987 An early Black teacher, hired in 1945 (see Timeline, bottom of page here). Was eventually appointed Supervisor of Music … More

Maude E Emery

1888-1973 Born in Boston, came to Newark before 1905. Graduated Barnard in 1910. Taught Latin and History at South Side … More

Bertha Rosenthal

1891-1957 Early College of Pharmacy graduate in 1909, “one of the youngest graduates of the college”. Only one other woman … More

Elizabeth Nelligan Hughes

1870 – 1953 President of the Police Matron’s Benevolent Association. Matron of the 4th Precinct Station. Though she was a … More

Grizel Ubarry

1953- From Fund for New Jersey: Grizel Ubarry is president and sole proprietor of G. Ubarry Inc. For the last … More

Olive A Mathews Summers

1876-1911 Born and raised in Newark. Lived at 192 Charlton St. New York Age called a “much beloved public school … More

Emily B Thomas

1870-1924 Assistant teacher to James Baxter at the Colored School from at least 1888. Spent most of her teaching career … More

Alma Beatty

1940-2015 Vice President of Community Affairs at Beth Israel. Beth Israel calls her “a trailblazer in our community”, She was … More

Sister Carol Johnston

1944-2013 Sister Carol was born and raised in Newark and attended St. Vincent’s Academy. She was Director of the Women … More

Sister Deborah Humphreys

1950- From the Hispanic Research Center at the Newark Library: “Sister Deborah Humphreys, a social worker and Catholic nun, devoted … More

Marleny Franco

1955- Founder of the Greater Newark Conservancy. Born in Colombia. In Newark from the 1980s-2000s, executive director of the Conservancy … More

Mary Dennis Poland

c. 1873-1947* Born in Ohio, Mrs. Poland was the wife of state superintendent Addison Poland. However, she was accomplished in … More

Sarah Schloss

1838-1924 For 38 years, president of the Frauen Verein Naechstenliebe or Friendly Sisters which was a leading Hebrew charitable organization … More

Irene E Morris

1900-1953 Born in Newark. Listed as a nurse in city directories from 1923. Appointed as a visiting nurse for the … More

Mildred Miller Free

1893-1939 Prominent in church and women’s circles. Active in St. Philips Church and the NJ State Federation of Colored Women’s … More

Hamilton Family

Laura Bland Hamilton 1853-1952 Born into slavery in VA. Came to Newark after the Civil War with her sister and … More

Mildred Morris Williams

1905-1958 Born in Newark. One of the early Black teachers in Newark. In 1938 the Herald News called her “one … More

Sarah Bedell Ball

1879-1962 Head of Newark’s business library from 1907-1917 or 1919. Inducted into Special Library hall of fame in 1959 with … More

Sara Jane Ash

1886-1973 One of only two woman engineers at NJ Bell Telephone Company as of 1937. Started in 1902. Born in … More

Dr. Gertrude Ash Golat

c. 1909-1980 Graduate of University of Vienna Medical School, came to Newark in 1939. For 25 years worked as a … More

Rose Baldasare Maker

1913-1997 1939 Women’s Singles NJ Tennis Champion and the Newark Open Champion 4 years in succession. Lived at 258 Van … More

Shirley Northern Green

c. 1935-1983 Appointed director of the Division of Public Welfare in 1978 by Ken Gibson. Previously served as Rent Control … More

Marcia King Stillwell

c. 1846-1929 Daughter of Mary Thompson King. Sister of Harriet and Ellen King. Marcia King was First Assistant to James … More

Helen Berry

c. 1878-1941 Very active in Essex County Republican politics and a member of the Essex County Board of Elections. From … More

Ellen C. King

c. 1839-1936 Daughter of Mary Thompson King and sister of Harriet King Brown. Born at 70 Warren Street and lived … More

Harriet A. King Brown

c.1850-1912 Thanks to Noelle Lorraine Williams for sharing this name and New York Age obituary. The New York Age called … More

Carrie Epps Powell

c. 1905-1987 Born in Newark, attended East Side High, Newark State University and graduated Rutgers in 1931. Worked as a … More

Gladys Berry Francis

c. 1911-1993 Born in Newark.* Director of Elementary Education from 1967-1978. Previously taught at Charlton Street School and South 8th … More

Grace Eubanks Malone

c. 1908-1994 First black welfare director in New Jersey. Worked as a social worker for the city starting in 1931, … More

Pauline Sims Puryear

1900-1971 Miss Pauline Puryear was a social worker in Newark for many years. She’s famous nationally for being the 4th … More

Wynona Moore Lipman

1923* -1999 Though Lipman is well known as a Senator, some of her early accomplishments are lesser known. She got … More

Grace Oliver Duryee

c. 1874 – 1945 Grace Duryee headed the East Side Day Nursery for 31 years. She worked closely with philanthropist … More

Justina Eller

1886-1939 Justina Eller was the third policewoman appointed in 1918 with Margaret Dugan and Etta Fallon. They were the first … More

Margaret P. McMahon Dugan

c. 1885-1947 In 1918, Margaret Dugan, Justina Eller and Etta Fallon were appointed as Newark’s first policewomen and only policewomen … More

Eloise Frazer Gehin

c.1877-1941 Leader in the Republican Party. First woman to serve as Vice Chairman of the Essex County Republican Committee (1920) … More

Ingrid Betancourt

1956- Hispanic Services Coordinator at the Newark Public Library and head of Ethnic Services and Collections. Arrived at the library … More

Doris Thompson Dorsey

1911-1985 Doris Dorsey was the first Black woman supervisor in the Newark Post Office in 1966. She was “the only … More

Edythe Raabe

1907-1977 First woman graduate of Newark College of Engineering (now NJIT) in 1930. She was the first woman in the … More

Rose Danzis Parsonnett

c. 1900-2003 Duaghter of Max Danzis, a founder of Beth Israel Hospital and Jennie Danzis. Attended South Side High School … More

Marie Antoinette Quinby

1848-1909 Born at Park Place, Newark, died in Newark. Attended school at St. Mary’s in Burlington, NJ. Lee wrote, “Beautiful … More

Violet Johnson

1870-1939 Civic leader and suffragist in Summit. Active in the New Jersey Federation of Colored Womens Clubs and the New … More

Kate Louise Roberts

1861-1941 Editor of Hoyt’s New Cyclopedia of Practical Quotations. She got the job through JK Hoyt editor of the Newark … More

Ramona Santiago

c. 1952- Photo from Newark Library. Ramona Santiago was appointed deputy mayor in 1994. Her grandfather came from Spain to … More

Connie Francis

1937 (some sources say 1938)- Pop singer and chart topping vocalist. Connie was born Concetta Franconero in the Ironbound section … More

Esther Edwards Burr

1732-1758 Mother of 3rd Vice President Aaron Burr Jr. Esther married Aaron Burr Sr., pastor of First Presbyterian Church in … More

Frances and Eliza Coult

1836-1935, 1866-1935 Mother and sister of Margaret Coult.  Wife and daughter of Joseph Coult, Newark counsel. Frances lived to be … More

Miss Rhapsody Viola Wells

1902-1984 Photo from Barbara J Kukla Papers Born in Newark, Viola Wells, known as Miss Rhapsody was an internationally acclaimed … More

Miriam Ogden Ball

1890-1968 From an old Newark family, born in Newark daughter of Mary Depue Ogden. Attended Wellesley College and worked briefly … More

Mary Depue Ogden

1867-1960 Member of a prominent New Jersey family. Wrote the Memorial Cyclopedia of New Jersey and collaborated with her husband … More

Florence Randolph

1866-1951 Suffragist, ordained minister and clubwomen. Organizer of the NJ Federation of Colored Womens Clubs. Randolph’s life has been covered … More

Martha Belle Williams

1924-1969 With M. Bernadine Johnson Marshall, first African American woman admitted to the New Jersey Bar. From Montclair but attended Essex … More

Esther Newman

c. 1883 – 1901 First woman graduate of the NJ College of Pharmacy along with Emma Egge. Graduated in April … More

Emma Egge Oschwald

c. 1883-1960 Born in Newark, first woman to graduate the NJ College of Pharmacy in Newark, along with Esther Newman … More

Theresa Kraker Guthrie

c. 1889-1959 Lived in Newark from at least 1910. Founder of the Chronically Ill Service of Essex County. Board member … More

Bertell Collins Wright

1908-1993 President of the Essex County Tuberculosis League, based in Newark at 42 Park Place, sometimes called “Director of Negro … More

Lydia Young Hayes

1871-1943 First director of the New Jersey Commission for the Blind which had offices in Newark at 14 James St … More

Margaret Douglas Haines

1884-1966 Lifelong resident of Newark. Member of the General Assembly 1949-1953. Taught at Garfield and Avon Ave Schools. Canteen worker … More

Mariana Higbie Barker

1880- April 24, 1967 Born in Newark, graduate of Smith College 1901. President of the Board of Babies Hospital. She … More

Myrtle C. Williams

1900- 15 Jun 1965 (?) Grew up in Newark on Chestnut St. First “colored girl” to finish a 4 year … More

Stella Windsor Wright

1887-1932 From North Carolina. Social worker who helped establish the Friendly Neighborhood House with Gladys Churchman and Louise Shugard. Stella … More

Dr. Eva Topkins Brodkin

1899-1994 First female dermatologist in New Jersey. Practiced in Newark from 1927 to 1977. Also chief of dermatology at St. … More

Clara Dasher

1930-1995 President of the Essex County College Board of Trustees, longtime active member of the Newark Teacher’s Union. Teacher from … More

Clara Zahn

1870-1953 Born in Newark, attended Newark Public Schools and Newark Normal School. First woman principal of a grammar school. Appointed … More

Jennie Reich Danzis

1875 – Sept 24, 1945 Wife of Max Danzis and was one of the founders of Beth Israel Hospital, with … More

Fannie Rosencrantz

1881-? Called by the Evening Star the first female dentist in Newark. Born in Russia. Graduated the Pennsylvania College of … More

Betty Lester

1945-2021 Worked in Public Defenders Office. In 1977 appointed a Municipal Court Judge at age 31. In 1985 appointed to … More

Laura Mayo Wilson

1871-1963 First woman to graduate the New Jersey Law School, along with Lulu Kinsgsland Garrabrant (who was never admitted to … More

Elitea Bulkley Allison

c. 1913 -2007 Received her graduate degree of Library Science in 1936, starting in Orangeburg South Carolina. Bachlor’s from Claflin … More

Eleta Caldwell

1945-2017 Principal at Arts High School 1991-2003, previously Chair of Art and teacher. Artist, co-founded the 1980s, “Black Women in … More

Gladyce Black Sherman

1908-1995 Artist and educator. Member of the faculty of the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts for over 20 … More

Mildred Lockett Lipscombe

1922-? Another of the library’s first Black librarians, hired 8 years after Theresa Moore. After graduating Virginia Union University, and … More

Elizabeth Albright Spurr

1870-1934 Newark native and lifelong resident. Founder of the Newark Branch of the Red Cross in 1917. She was also … More

Mina C. Ginger Van Winkle

1875-1930 Well known suffragist. Her mother Hilda is listed in Newark from at least 1889 (“H Ginger, watches”). She graduated … More

Theresa Swartz Grotta

1836-1922 Bohemian Jewish immigrant. Worked tirelessly on behalf of needy families in Newark, president of Hebrew Ladies Immediate Relief Society … More

Louise Connolly

1862-1927 Supervisor of grammar grades Newark Pubic Schools (1902). Became associated with Public library. About 1906-1910, served as superintendent in … More

Wilma Jackson Grey

1945- Image from Newark Library First African American woman to Direct Newark Public Library. Library employee for 46 years. Graduated … More

Dr. Mildred Gregory

1884-1975 Raised in Newark. Graduated Wellesley and taught at Skidmore College until 1924. Then attended Columbia College of Physicians graduating … More

Barbara George

c. 1953-2000 First woman and first African American woman police captain. Weequahic graduate. Sharpe James called her a “trailblazer, role … More

Margaret Coult

1860-1930 Head of the English department for the Newark high school system and a teacher at Barringer for many years. … More

Margaretta T Craven

c. 1853-1935 Founded Miss Craven’s School in Newark, opened in Spring 1875. Craven retired in 1915 and the school was … More

Anna F Whitmore

1848-May 22, 1934 Founder of girls school: the Newark Seminary. Lifelong Newark resident. She was principal of the school until … More

Dr. Eleanor Haines

1845-1924* First woman admitted to the Medical Society of NJ in 1876. Practiced in Newark for over 50 years. Affiliated … More

Sarah Fawcett

1846-1899 First supervisor of drawing in Newark. She had a “strong personality which was a combination of the clean-cut principles … More

Trish Morris-Yamba

1944*-2019 Founded the CHEN School. She was recognized as a visionary in the field of early childhood education. She was … More

Sandra King

1948- Born in Newark. Weequahic Class of 1965. Graduated from Rutgers Newark. Board of Newark Library, Branch Brook Park, and … More

Maria Vizcarrondo-De Soto

1951- First woman and Latina President of United Way of Essex and Hudson. She was the first Hispanic elected Essex … More

Myrna Milan-Rivera

1954- First Hispanic Newark municipal judge in 1988. Active with the Puerto Rican Congress and Aspira. In 1992, she was … More

Mary E. Cary Burrell

1866-1949 Born in Virginia. Strong member of NJ State Federation of Women’s Clubs from 1915, running the Legislative Department, while … More

Mary Thompson King

c. 1806 – 19 Mar 1893 Married Jacob King Oct 22, 1829. With her husband, ran an Underground Railroad stop … More

Mary H. Avery Hine

1822-1907 18-year president of the YWCA, later honorary president. On death, she was the oldest member of Christ Church in … More

Griselda Ellis

1870- Sept 8, 1949 *NJ Death Index starts again in 1950, mentioned in Bernardsville News “Griselda Ellis of Newark” Aug … More

Rosamond Stewart Marrow

1903-1972 President of the Board of the Community Hospital (African American hospital, previously Kenney) in Newark. Also on the faculty … More

Lettie Mae Mulford

1883-1970 *sometimes listed as “Lettie Mulford” or “May Mulford” Teacher in the Newark Public School System for 42 years. A … More

Eva Mae Mulford

c. 1884-1886 to 1944 Daughter of Clara Irene Mulford. Lived in family house at 41 Chestnut. Early African American nurse … More

Anna Luella Seager

c.1887 -1957 Associate supervisor of the Newark Normal School and later Associate Professor Education at New Jersey State Teacher’s College. … More

Charlotte Kroll

1872-1958 Owner of Domestic Art Rooms 149 Washington St., teaching china painting. Buried by St. John’s Church Newark. Also imported … More

Marion Thompson Wright

1902-1962 Graduate of Barringer High. First African American woman in the US to earn a PHD in History. Rutgers annual … More

Mary Philbrook

1872-1958 First female attorney admitted to the bar in New Jersey. Practiced in Newark for many years. Bibliography “New Jersey … More

Elizabeth Swain(e) Ogden

1645-1706 In 1666, settlers from CT settled Newark. Elizaeth is said to be the first of the 1666 Newark landing … More

Renee Starks Steed

1914-1996 Born Renee Gregory. Fashion designer. Directed Renee’s School of French Designing and Modeling (591 High St) and ran New … More

Julia Baxter Bates

c. 1917-2003 The first African-American student admitted to Douglass College. Granddaughter of James Baxter, principal of the Colored School. Master’s … More

Marian C Manley

1892-1977 Ran Newark’s Business Library, a branch of the Public Library from 1926-1954. She retired in Oct 1954. Under her … More

Alma C Mitchill

c. 1893-1960 A Brooklyn native, Alma Mitchill came to Newark 2 years after graduation. She served as librarian at PSE&G … More

Dr. Vera Schectman

1890-1971 Russian immigrant. Graduate of the Women’s Medical College of UPenn. The first woman doctor at Beth Israel Hospital in … More

Mabel F Thomas

1887-1974 Early female dentist in Newark. Worked for Dr. C A Spahn and then practiced on her own. She began … More

Janet MacRorie

1887-1950 Assistant ad manager for PSE&G for 10 years. Pioneer in setting up standards and polices for commercial radio programs. … More

Carole Anderson Graves

1938- President of the Newark Teacher’s Union. Leader of the 1970 Teacher’s Strike. Later ran for General Assembly and served … More

Ruth Crumpton Dargan

1921-2010 Became a Newark policewoman in 1949. First Newark woman detective chosen for the Homicide Squad and sent to Quantico … More

Florence Peshine Eagleton

1870-1953 Born and died in Newark. Vice President of the NJ Suffrage Association, president of the Woman’s Political Union. Founder … More

Armita Harris Douglas

1874-1958 President, New Jersey Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs. Helped organize the NAACP and the Urban League in Newark and … More

Elizabeth Miele

1898-1975? Went to Barringer and Central High graduating Central in 1918. Newspaper reporter for the Newark Ledger, lawyer, publisher of … More

Majorie M Sweet

1892-1963 In Newark from at least 1915. The Sunday Call claimed she was the first licensed woman automobile driver in … More

Dorothy Palmer

c. 1893-1984 Operated the Dorothy Palmer School of dancing on Broadway in Newark for more than 50 years. Retired in … More

Laquetta C Nelson

1955- Advocate for gay and lesbian rights. Co-founder of the Newark Pride Alliance. Awarded the 2004 Community Service Award from … More

Janyce Jackson Jones

1951- Co-Pastor of Unity Fellowship Church located in Newark, NJ. Pastor of Liberation in Truth Unity Fellowship Church for which … More

Eleanor E Hamilton (Kingsley)

1882-1956 Eleanor E Hamilton was superintendent and director of Presbyterian Hospital in Newark from at least 1927-1947. She was name … More

Grace L Gregory

1919-2007 Owned Poro Beauty Shop on West Market in the 1940s-1950s. In 1983, founded “Guiding Light Inc.” (originally Caring and … More

Audrey Harvey West

Audrey Harvey Massiah Harris West 1927-2003 Born Audrey Harvey in Trenton, Audrey attended Howard University and came to Newark in … More

Aneatha Dames Todd

1918-1998 Active in the UMDNJ struggle, member of the Concerned Citizens of the College. Instrumental in organizing the Gladys Dickinson … More

Nellie Gray (Grashof)

c. 1843-1928 Singer, mezzo-soprano. Active in the choirs at Trinity Cathedral (quartet during Civil War) and B’Nai Jeshurun as well … More

Olivia Queene Brown

1882-? Beauty culturist since 1912, ran the Poro Beauty School on 9 Wallace Street which she opened in 1936 or … More

Anna E Whittington

c. 1875-1956 African American woman who ran her own real estate agency in Newark for more than 30 years from … More

Gloria Gaynor

1943- Born Gloria Fowles in Newark. Graduated South Side High in 1961. Singer. Biggest hit “I Will Survive”. Bibliography Barbara … More

Rose Kussy

1887-1955 President of the West Side Trust Company after the death of her husband. Graduate of Barringer (Newark) High and … More

Elsa Greenwood

1893-1957 Lifelong resident of Newark, who attended Robert Treat School. She ran the Elsa Greenwood School of Dance. When she … More

Jessie L. Creamer Cone

1880-1965 Feb 1898 Class of Newark High School. She attended the Women’s College of Baltimore and graduated in 1903. She … More

Julia Sabine

1905-1990 Head of the Art and Music Department at Newark Library. Worked at the library for over 40 years. Taught … More

Sandra West

1947-2019 1964 Weequahic graduate. Editor of the Black Organization for Students newsletter at Rutgers and first African American female editor … More

Abigail Malmgreen

1909-2009 1926 Graduate of Barringer High. Worked at Bamberger’s Department Store and then for the Newark Welfare Department. Lifelong political … More

Connie Woodruff

1921-1996 Journalist, labor organizer, educator. City editor of the New Jersey Herald News. Also wrote On the Scene in Jersey … More

Nancy Zak

1948- Community organizer for environmental justice and housing with Ironbound Community Corporation. Key figure in the HUD Tenants Coalition. Rutgers … More

Thelma Gillis

1916-2003 First woman and first non-law school grad assistant chief of the municipal court clerks of the City of Newark. … More

Esther K Untermann

1896-1989 First woman secretary of the Newark Civil Defense Council (1953-1962, gained international recognition, works produced for radio and TV) … More

Kitty (Kearney) V. Taylor

1926-2008 Attended Charlton Street School and South Side High. Senior citizen activist and radio host on WNJR with “The Kitty … More

Pearl Beatty

1936-2019 Active in the Urban League, NACCP, organizing for JFK and the March on Washington. Attended Morton St. School and … More

Dolores Collins Benjamin

1913-2007 Founded the North Jersey Philharmonic Glee Club. Founded in her Newark, N.J. home in 1939, the all-male African-American choral … More

Lillian B Huff Stewart

1909-2007 Social writer, social editor of the New Jersey Herald News in Newark. Reporter who covered all kinds of stories … More

Dr. Meta Anderson

c. 1889-1942 Dr. Meta Anderson was the director of Special Education for the Newark Public Schools from 192 until 1942 … More

Estrella Alonso Martinez

1924-1998 Lifelong Newark resident, daughter of Spanish immigrants. With her husband Antonio, founded what they claim was the first Spanish … More

Marie E Gonzalez

c. 1915-2006 Came to the US in 1929 and Newark in 1940. Called the “Puerto Rican Mayoress of Newark”. Chief … More

Harriet Stratemeyer Adams

1892-1982 Wrote over 200 books over her literary career, including the plot outlines for many Nancy Drew books. Took over … More

Lilian McNamara Garis

1873-1954 Wrote for the Newark News in charge of “Women’s Work”, their first female reporter. Married Howard Garis and wrote … More

Loraine White

c. 1947 In 1980, said to be the first Black woman to become a high school football coach in the … More

Elizabeth Burke Del Tufo

1933- Head of the Newark Preservation and Landmarks Committee. Newark Historian. Known for her tours of Newark. In 1980, first … More

Jeannette Gilder

1849-1916 Worked in the editorial department of the Newark Morning Register and worked for the Newark Registrar of deeds. Wrote … More

Diane Sutton

1941-2001 Co-owned Je’s Restaurant. The first restaurant in Downtown Newark founded by people of color. Mayor Sharpe James called her … More

Marie Foster Whigham

1923-2006 Helped her husband Charles Whigham to found Citi National Bank and Whigham Funeral Home. Mayor Sharpe James called her … More

Amaelia Steward

1915-2001 Owned Steward’s Restaurant and Peppermint Lounge. Self-made millionaire. Bibliography Kukla, Barbara J. Newark Women: From Suffragettes to the Statehouse. … More

Grace Murphy

1882-1966 Founded Murphy Funeral Home on Roseville Avenue and operated it until her death. Her obituary listed her as one … More

Mae Muldrow

1909 -1977 Owned LaVogue Beauty Salon. Nationally known and active with the Cordelia Greene Johnson Foundation (scholarships for beauticians). She … More

Ella Moncur

1919-1999 Wife of jazz artist, owned the Theatrical Beauty Salon in Newark. Later retired to Florida and taught there. Image … More

Emma Coleman

1864-1935 Ran Coleman National Business College in Newark after the death of her husband in 1903. Bibliography NJ Women’s Project, … More

Jennie Caputo

1918-1996 Gymnast who competed in the 1936 Olympics. Married name Pascuzzi. Entered into the Newark Athletic Hall of Fame 1992. … More

Sally Carroll

1922-2019 One of the first Black policewomen along with Rhoda Daniels and Eleanor M. Stokes . Actively involved with the … More

Hannah (Burnet) Kinney

1761-1862 Helped found the Newark Female Charitable Society in 1803 and served as president. “A star in the social world … More

Hannah Mandeville

1811-1902 Born into slavery, one of the first members of the African American Plane St. Church and active in the … More

Emma Ward Edwards

1845-1896 Emma Ward Edwards was one of the first woman doctors in NJ. Born in Newark, she graduated valedictorian of … More

Amina Baraka

1942- Amina Baraka is an American poet, actress, author, community organizer, singer, dancer, and activist. She graduated from Arts High … More

Clara L Scudder

1874-1930 Clara L Scudder was very accomplished on the piano and organ. She learned from her father David Scudder who … More

Amanda Douglas

1831-1916 Children’s author who wrote over 50 books and lived on Summer Ave. Born in NYC but moved to Newark … More

Augusta Parsonnet

1870-1949 President, Women’s Political Union of New Jersey; President, League of Women Voters of Newark. Lived in Weequahic and Lincoln … More

Mary Mapes Dodge

1831-1905 Children’s author best known for Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates. Born in Newark and lived there for many … More

Alice Bunce

1893-1970 Alice E. Bunce was the first African American woman to graduate from the New Jersey College of Pharmacy in … More

Mildred Preen

1919-1979 Mildred Preen, graduate of West Side High in Newark was the first woman to graduate in Electrical Engineering at … More

Mabel Irene Gilman

c. 1897?-1943 Miss Mabel Irene Gilman who lived on Clinton Ave., was the first female detective appointed by Essex County … More

Mary C. Woody

c. 1877-1966 Mary C. Woody became the first licensed female funeral director in NJ in Newark in 1913. She opened … More

Adelaide Wilson

1901 or 1902 – ? Adelaide Wilson was raised in Newark and worked as a reporter. In 1922 she hiked … More

Miriam Studley

1899-1984 Miriam Studley headed our Charles F. Cummings NJ Information Center for many years and wrote a feature for the … More

GiGi Foushee

1947-1997 GiGi Foushee was a Newark police officer, county detective, head Newark’s ABC department, deputy mayor & first African-American woman … More

Gladys Grauer

1923-2019 Artist, launched the Aard Studio Gallery in Newark in 1972. Also ran for office with the Socialist Workers Party … More

Mary McKeon

1913-1997 Mary McKeon was the first woman president of the NJ Associations of Life Underwriters and the Newark-NJ Association of … More

Zelma Mitchell Collins

1932- Zelma Collins was the first black teacher at South 17th Street School in 1952 and rose to principal! Later, … More

Rebecca Andrade Doggett

1941- Founder of Tri City People’s Corp. First Director of the Essex County Office of Citizen’s Services, the founding Executive … More

Larrie West Stalks

1925-2015 Larrie Stalks was Essex County Register from 1974-1994. Stalks became  Executive Secretary of the Newark Planning Board in 1962. … More

Mildred Crump

1938- Mildred Crump was Newark’s first African American councilwoman and first female council President. She was also the first African … More

Barbara J Kukla

1940- Barbara Kukla was a reporter for the Star Ledger for 37 years. She has written many books on historical … More

Marion Bolden

1946- Marion Bolden was superintendent of the Newark Public Schools from 1999-2008. She was born in Newark and is a … More

Mollie Dawkins

1908-1984 Mollie Dawkins was co-organizer of the Dawkins Civic Association, worked for the Housing Authority and worked with South Side … More

Cecil I Dorrian

1882-1926 Cecil I. Dorrian (1882-1926) was a war reporter for the Newark News (WWI). She wrote a weekly column and … More

Bernice Cross

c. 1918-2011 Bernice Cross worked at the Star Ledger all her life (from 1939). She coordinated several sections of the … More

Nellie Grier

c. 1900-1984 Mrs. Nellie Grier, who was known as “Mother Grier” in Newark, founded and directed the senior center on … More

Melinda Scott

1876-1954 Melinda Scott was an English immigrant and President of a Hat Trimmers Union in Newark & worked for suffrage … More

Grace Baxter Fenderson

1882-1962 Grace Baxter Fenderson (1882-1962) was one of the first African American teachers in the Newark Public Schools and taught … More

Etta Fallon

1880-1960 Etta Fallon was the first women policewoman with Margaret Dugan and Justina Eller in 1918 and they were the … More

Leila Gardner

1914-1993 Leila Gardner was executive director of the Newark Traveler’s Aid Society. She was the first African-American in the nation … More

Pryno B Hillman

c. 1916-1964 Pryno B. Hillman (c. 1916-1963) founded the Mary Bethune Social Club, was an organizing and creative director of … More

Sarah Kussy

1870-1956 Sarah Kussy was a prolific Jewish leader. She helped found many Jewish orgs. in Newark and nationally. In Newark, … More

Pansy L Borders

1906-1978 Pansy L. Borders (1906-1978) was the first director of Child Guidance for the Newark Board of Ed and served … More

Amelia (Berndt) Moorfield

1876-1950 Amelia (Berndt) Moorfield (1876-1950), was a suffragette from Newark, with the Women’s Political Union. Her parents were German immigrants. … More

Maria DeCastro Blake

1911-2011 Maria DeCastro Blake (1911-2011) was a dean of admissions at Rutgers and recruited hundreds of Hispanic students. She was … More

Marie Anderson Bagby

1925-2003 Marie Bagby (1925-2003) was a teacher starting in 1944, and eventually principal at Barringer, West Side and University High … More

Delores Alexander

1931-2008 Lesbian feminist writer and reporter Delores Alexander (1931-2008), born in Newark and worked for the Newark News. Later she … More

Golden Johnson

1903-1984 Golden Johnson was the first black woman to serve as a Newark municipal court judge. She grew up in … More

Elvira Rodrigues

1918-1985 Elvira Rodrigues (left) co-owned an oil firm. She was a community leader in the Ironbound, leader in many Portuguese … More

Eurlee Wright Reeves

c. 1898- after. 1988 Eurlee Reeves (center) was Newark’s only female night club owner in the Swing Era. She founded … More

Vera Brantley McMillon

1909-1987 Vera McMillon worked for the Public Welfare Department for 37 years retiring as a Supervisor, co-founded Tri City People’s … More

Emily Coe Jenkinson

1855-1922 Emily (Coe) Jenkinson (d. 1922) served as president of the Newark YWCA for more than 20 years. The Sunday … More

Gladys Churchman

1902-1974 Gladys Churchman ran the Friendly Neighborhood House, as well as being part of the Churchman Funeral Home. She was … More

Sophie L Cooper

1912-1971 Sophie L. Cooper was Newark’s first elected councilwoman, in the South Ward from 1957-1962. Photo from Newark Public Library. … More

Louise Epperson

1908-2002 Louise Epperson was key in the protests against UMDNJ in the 1960s & helped negotiate the Medical School Agreements. … More

Katherine Coffey

1900-1972 Katherine Coffey was director of the Newark Museum from 1949-1968. During her tenure she expanded education programs and programs … More

Bernice Bass

1926-2000 Bernice Bass (right) had a major presence in the city’s music, radio, & political scenes. She had a Sunday … More

Beatrice Winser

1869-1947 Beatrice Winser was director of the Newark library and museum from 1929-1942 (only female library director until Wilma Grey!). … More

Mrs. (Lena) Parker O. Griffith

c. 1880-1960 Mrs. (Lena) Parker O. Griffith (c. 1880-1960) created the Griffith Music Foundation which brought nationally recognized musicians to … More

Hilda Hidalgo

1928-2009 Hilda Hidalgo (second from right) was a Newark activist. In Newark, she co-founded Aspira of New Jersey, La Casa … More

Camille Sabie

1902-1998 Camille Sabie won two gold medals in the 1922 World Games and later became a physical education teacher. Branford … More

Dr. E. Mae McCarroll

1898-1990 Dr. E Mae McCarroll was the first American American physician at Newark City Hospital in 1946. She said she … More

E. Alma Williams Flagg

1918-2018 Alma Flagg was the first African American principal of an integrated school in Newark in 1964, in 1967 she … More

Louise Shugard

1870-1951 Louise Shugard was known as “the most prominent woman in Newark”. She worked with the Red Cross, Colored Free … More

Jennie Precker

1892-1981 Jennie Precker founded the nation’s first woman’s bank the Susan B. Anthony Building & Loan Association. It was the … More

Dr. Marie Louise Lefort

1874-1951 Newark native Dr Marie Lefort was the first woman appointed district physician for Newark from 1898-1902, significantly improving conditions … More

Jennie Levell Lemon

1913-1982 Married to Tom Lemon in Newark in 1950. Listed as a waitress in 1930, and a WPA Investigator on … More

Dora G Roworth

1885-1962 Dora G Roworth was the 1st woman to get a CPA license in the NJ in 1909. She was … More

Mary Beasley Burch

1906-2001 Mary Beasley Burch founded the Leaguers non-profit focused on the development of African American youth & was the first … More

Emily Miles

1910-1999 Fashion designer. Known for her hats and for frequent fashion shows in Newark. Image from: Newark Library. Bibliograpjy  “History … More

Musette Brooks Gregory

1876-1921 Musette Gregory was a suffragist and activist. She was a leader in the Urban League of Newark and Vice … More

H. Blanche Harris

1878-1956 (Thanks to George Robb who did much research on Harris). Blanche Harris was active in the suffrage movement in … More

Elsa Rehmann

1886-1946 Sister of Antoinette Perrett. Landscape architect. 492 Mt. Prospect Ave. Bibliography Cultural Landscape Foundation Census documents

Antoinette Rehmann Perrett

1880-1952 Garden photographer and magazine writer. Wrote for national publications. Sister of Elsa Rehmann. 492 Mt. Prospect Ave. Graduated Newark … More

Josephine Lawrence

1889-1978 Newark Sunday Call Children’s and Household Editor. Newark News Women’s Page Editor and Weekly Columnist. Wrote over 100 children’s … More

Louise Scott

1927-1983 Founder of the Scott School of Beauty Culture. Known as Newark’s first Black woman millionaire. Scott was married briefly … More

Dorothea H Wingert

1905-1990 Started writing for Newark newspapers in her teens. Wrote dozens of articles for a series on business and professional … More

Brenda Estelle Ray Moryck

1894-1949 Black writer and social activist born in Newark. Worked with Newark Bureau of Charities. She published short stories, essays, … More

Florence Haines

1869-1955 Secretary of the New Jersey Women’s Political Union Charter Member of the Newark League of Women Voters New Jersey … More

Louise Bullock

1910-1974 Louise Bullock graduated from the University of Newark’s College of Arts & Sciences in 1937. She may be the … More

Effa Manley

1897-1981 Effa Manley owned the Newark Eagles, championship winning Negro Leagues team with her husband Abraham Manley. She was very … More

Sarah Vaughan

1924-1990 Sarah Vaughan described as having “one of the most wondrous voices of the 20th century.” Vaughan grew up in … More

Clara Maas

1876-1901 Clara Maas was one of the first graduates of Newark German Hospital and was named head nurse at 21. … More

Maria Jeritza

1887-1982 Renowned Czech soprano Maria Jeritza lived in #newarknj Forest Hill from 1948 until her death in 1982. Her rapid … More

Caroline Bamberger Fuld

1864-1944 Caroline Bamberger Fuld, sister of Louis, helped found famed Newark store Bamberger & Co. She devoted her later life … More

Marie Siconolfi Villani

1921-2021 Marie Villani was the first women in Newark elected to citywide office. She served as Councilwoman from 1973-1993. Lived … More