c. 1883 – 1901
Esther Newman was the first woman graduate of the NJ College of Pharmacy along with Emma Egge. She graduated in April and died in August due to appendicitis after an operation. She was listed as a prize winner at the graduation, graduating with high honors and had been appointed Chief Pharmacist for the Hebrew Dispensary three weeks before her death.
The Sunday Call wrote, “If there are any two young women in Newark who have the right to be proud of their efforts of their efforts the last two years they are Miss Emma P. Egge and Miss Ether R. Newman.”
Esther was born in Austria and came to the United States at about 1 year old. She lived on Prince Street, the oldest of 8 children.
Esther had been working at Burkhard’s Pharmacy and gone to Lyons Farm for a vacation before starting her new position as Chief Pharmacist, when she was struck with appendicitis. By the time she got to St. James Hospital it was too late for treatment.
This incident helped spur Jewish Newarkers to establish their own hospital: Beth Israel. She was buried in the Hebrew Cemetery.
Bibliography
“Two Young Women Pharmacy Graduates” Newark News April 30, 1901
Young Women Pharmacist Dead, Newark News, Aug 5, 1901
Kraut, Anna Convenant of Care
“Women Graduates in Pharmacy” Sunday Call Apr 28, 1901
Obituary Sunday Call Aug 11, 1901
“Female Pharmacists” Sunday Call Apr 21, 1901