Newark Women

Alphabetical List of Posts

  • Elsa Greenwood

    1893-1957 Lifelong resident of Newark, who attended Robert Treat School. She ran the Elsa Greenwood School of Dance. When she died in 1957 the Newark News claimed it was due to exhaustion from staging dance recitals, which she did frequently around the city and state. In her early career she was in theater including at…

  • Elsa Rehmann

    1886-1946 Sister of Antoinette Perrett. Famed landscape architect. Large biography linked below from the Cultural Landscape Foundation. 1908 Barnard Graduate. 1904 Newark High graduate. Lived at 492 Mt. Prospect Ave. Bibliography

  • Elsie Reed Eatman

    1930-2014 Born and raised in Newark, graduated East Side in 1948. She was a nurse (Martland), teacher and manager at the Newark Housing Authority. Eatman was the first president of the Pennington Court Tenants Association and vice president of the Newark Tenants Council. She was also on the Executive Board of the Newark Teacher’s Union.…

  • Elvira Rodrigues

    1918-1985 Elvira Rodrigues (left) co-owned an oil firm. She was a community leader in the Ironbound, leader in many Portuguese organizations, member of the East Side High board and delegate to the Democratic National Convention. Photo from Newark Public Library. Bibliography Knowing Newark – Roots of the Portuguese Can be Found In Three From Old…

  • Emily B Thomas

    1870-1924 Assistant teacher to James Baxter at the Colored School from at least 1888. Spent most of her teaching career at Commerce Street School. Member of the Phyllis Wheatly Society. In 1900, lived with the father of Rose S. Ray Moryck, Adam Ray. In 1910, lived on High Street with famous Newark Black doctor William H…

  • Emily Coe Jenkinson

    1855-1922 Emily (Coe) Jenkinson (d. 1922) served as president of the Newark YWCA for more than 20 years. The Sunday Call listed her in 1922 as one of 50 people who had done the most for Newark. She was born in Newark to George and Mary Coe. The family moved to Fulton, IL but both…

  • Emily Rollins Miles

    1910-1999 Fashion designer. Known for her hats and for frequent fashion shows in Newark. Born Emma Rollins in Tennessee. Image from: Newark Library. Bibliograpjy  “History of Queer Club Spaces in Newark | Queer Newark”‘ Kukla, Barbara. Defying the Odds: Triumphant Black Women of Newark Newark Library Digitized Items. (2)  “Clipped From Daily News”‘ Stewart, Nikita…

  • Emma Coleman

    1864-1935 Ran Coleman National Business College in Newark after the death of her husband in 1903. Bibliography NJ Women’s Project, “Past and Promise: The Lives of NJ Women” (extensive) Kukla, Barbara J., “Newark Women: From Suffragettes to the State House” C-25 Coleman Business College, Newark News Morgue, Newark Public Library Coleman Business School material. New…

  • Emma Oschwald Egge

    c. 1883-1960 Born in Newark, first woman to graduate the NJ College of Pharmacy in Newark, along with Esther Newman who died a few months later of appendicitis. In 1905, she passed exams to receive her license to practice. Emma was a pharmacist for Newark City Hospital for 30 years. Helped her father manage a…

  • Emma Ward Edwards

    1845-1896 Emma Ward Edwards was one of the first woman doctors in NJ. Born in Newark, she graduated valedictorian of the first class of the Women’s Medical College of the New York Infirmary in 1870. She opened a general practice in Newark, practicing at the Home of the Aged, and around Newark. Member of Essex…

  • Estelle Stuckelman Greenberg

    1933- Estelle Greenberg was an activist in Newark in the 1960s. Among other roles she was: chairman of Essex County Concerned Democrats, ran the Freedom Democratic Party in Newark and was a leader in the South Ward Independent Voters League. Estelle and her husband Gerald lives at 17 Porter Ave in Weequahic. Some of her…

  • Esther Edwards Burr

    1732-1758 Mother of 3rd Vice President Aaron Burr Jr. Esther married Aaron Burr Sr., pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Newark and founder of Princeton University (then the College of NJ), in 1752. Historic Newark talks about the townspeople’s excitement when she arrived, so much that they painted her likeness on teacups. In June she…

  • 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) and first woman to be named a judge (police judge) in Essex County. Organized the first eight chapters of B’nai B’rith. Active on behalf of United Jewish Appeal and lifetime member of the Newark Beth…

  • Esther Newman

    c. 1883 – 1901 First woman graduate of the NJ College of Pharmacy along with Emma Egge. Graduated in April and died in August due to appendicitis after an operation. She was listed as a prize winner at the graduation and had been appointed Chief Pharmacist for the Hebrew Dispensary three weeks before her death.…

  • Estrella Alonso Martinez

    1924-1998 Lifelong Newark resident, daughter of Spanish immigrants. With her husband Antonio, founded what they claim was the first Spanish restaurant in the area – the first Spanish Tavern in the Ironbound in 1963. Later they founded the Spanish Pavillion in Harrison. She was a member of the Centro-Orensano Club. Bibliography “Estrella Martinez, Owned Restaurants”…

  • Etta Fallon

    1880-1960 Etta Fallon was the first women policewoman with Margaret Dugan and Justina Eller in 1918 and they were the only woman officers for many years. She promoted to Sergeant in 1943 with Dugan, retiring in 1948 as the only woman on the force, as the other two women had died. She was assigned for…

  • Eugenia “Jeanne/Jean” (Byrd) Dawkins

    c. 1926-1978 Owned the Key Club, one of Newark’s most famous jazz clubs, with her husband. She ran the club after her husband died In 1976 she was named Newark’s Woman of the Year and received a Key to the City. In 1977, she organized the “Newark Salutes Jazz” festival. She was a member of…

  • Eurlee Wright Reeves

    Feb 19, 1897 – Feb 1, 1990 Eurlee Reeves (center) was Newark’s only female night club owner in the Swing Era. She founded the Nest Club on Warren St which was a major Black nightclub offering full musical revues in the 1930s and 1940s. She bought the Cabin LaBlanche in 1937 and renamed it. Big…

  • Eva Hodgson

    1924-2020 Eva Hodgson was an internationally known Bermudian activist, union leader and author (read more here). However, she had an important Newark connection and was in Newark for a significant time period. In 1969, during the first years of Essex County College Ms. Hodgson was coordinator of Black Studies. Essex County was the first public…

  • Eva Mae Mulford

    c. 1884-1886 to 1944 Daughter of Clara Irene Mulford. Lived in family house at 41 Chestnut. Early African American nurse associated with the Newark Board of Health. She was appointed in late 1917 or early 1918, it was reported in the Jan 1918 The Crisis. Mulford made 209 visits” regarding tuberculosis. She served at the…

  • Evelyn Silverstein Simpson

    1931-2021 Newark space planner, interior designer, teacher and potter. Graduate of Weequahic High School and Newark School of Fine and Industrial Art. Lived on Renner Ave during highschool. She tudied ceramics at the Newark Museum, among other places, and studied at Edison State College, Pratt Institute and Parsons with concentrations in architecture, planning, and design.…

  • Everane (Eva) Crump Harris

    1913-2006 Born in Pleasantdale, NJ but lived in Newark by 1930 and in the Ironbound at 101 Hawkins St by 1950, after her first husband died, and for the rest of her life. Teacher’s aide at Hawkins Street School for many years. Ran the Trinity Reformed Church food pantry for many years at least from…

  • Fannie Rosencrantz

    1881-? Called by the Evening Star the first female dentist in Newark. Born in Russia. Graduated the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery. In 1905, the only woman of 47 candidates to pass NJ exams. Practiced at 205 Springfield Ave and later 490 Clinton. Originally lived in New York City. Practiced from 1906-1915 in Newark, and…

  • Fannie W Sweasy Smith

    c. 1851 – 1923 Fannie W Smith was the only Newark women to attend the International Congress for Women in 1915, representing the New Jersey branch of the Woman’s Peace Party. Fannie also served as Vice Principal of Newton Street School, teaching in Newark for 40 years. Her sister Augusta was Vice Principal of Lincoln…

  • Fanny Tuell (Faye Adams, Scruggs, Jones)

    1923-2016? Pioneering R&B singer who had several chart-topping hits in the 1950s, including 1953 hit “Shake a Hand”. Active from the 1940s-1960s. Born in Newark as Fanny Tuell and lived at 588 North 11th Street through at least 1950 when she was married to Thomas Scruggs. She performed Gospel / religious music in Newark with…

  • Florence Haines

    1869-1955 Secretary of the New Jersey Women’s Political Union Charter Member of the Newark League of Women Voters New Jersey Assembly Representative from 1926-1931 Lifelong Resident of Newark. Graduated Newark High in 1888. Supervisor of Music in Newark Public Schools Sister of Margaret Haines, first sisters in the General Assembly. Photo from Rutgers Special Collections.…

  • 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 of the New Jersey League of Woman Voters. One of the first woman to serve as trustee of Rutgers, a trustee of the Newark Museum, Newark Music Foundation and Art Club of Newark. Life member…

  • Florence Randolph

    1866-1951 Suffragist, ordained minister and clubwomen. Organizer of the NJ Federation of Colored Womens Clubs. Randolph’s life has been covered widely in several publications including the sources below. In Newark, Randolph was pastor of AME Zion Church. Bibliography NJ Women’s History Summit Historical Society Papers at New Jersey Historical Society Women’s Project of New Jersey…

  • Frances “Fannie” Traphegen Rippel

    1860-1943 President of the Home for Aged and Respectable Women from 1929-1934, and a longterm board member and volunteer. Lived in Newark from at least 1900-1930. She was president of the Heidelberg Guild of the First Reformed Church. Upon his death her husband established the Fannie Rippel Foundation in her honor which is still active.…

  • 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 99 and was active in Christ Reformed Chuch in Newark and enjoyed bridge. She was born and taught school in Sussex County. (Image is Frances from Newark News).  Eliza was born in Lafayette but graduated Newark…

  • Geneva, Helena and Gertrude Turman

    The three Turman sisters performed with their brother Buddy in nighclubs around Newark and New York. Gertrude Turman performed in Newark nightclubs as a “shake dancer”. Helena also specialized in dance. Geneva Turman was a popular soloist Helena Turman 1914-1970 Besides family performances, danced in shows produced by Johnny Gardner and toured with Harlem on…

  • GiGi Foushee

    1947-1997 GiGi Foushee was a Newark police officer, county detective, head Newark’s ABC department, deputy mayor & first African-American woman warden of Essex County Jail. “In a few months short of 50 yrs she accomplished more than most men and women do in their lifetimes” – Charles Cummings Photo from Newark Library. Bibliography Knowing Newark…

  • Gladyce Black Sherman

    1908-1995 Artist and educator. Member of the faculty of the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts for over 20 years, also graduated from the school. Her work was exhibited at the Newark Museum, Montclair Art Museum, Art Center of the Oranges, and in NYC. Charter member, of Women in the Arts, Washington DC. She…

  • 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 Street School and was Vice Principal at South 8th Street, Oliver Street and Bragaw Avenue Schools. Starting teaching in 1936. She graduated Newark State Teachers College and was a member of the Phillis Wheatley Literary…

  • Gladys Grauer

    1923-2019 Artist, launched the Aard Studio Gallery in Newark in 1972. Also ran for office with the Socialist Workers Party in 1960. Founding member of Black Woman in Visual Perspective, New Jersey Chapter of the National Conference of Artists, and the Newark Arts Council. Photo by Colleen Gutwein, 2014. Bibliography Biography at Affero Art Gallery Extensive…

  • Gladys Hillman-Jones

    1938-1998 Worked 32 years as a teacher and administrator for the Newark Public Schools, becoming deputy superintendent. In her eulogy, Rev. James Scott said, “if Gladys left no other legacy it was that she told us in so many countless ways that we can make a difference”, and stated that she had a firm belief…

  • Gladys St. John Churchman

    1902-1974 Gladys Churchman ran the Friendly Neighborhood House, as well as being part of the Churchman Funeral Home. She was also involved in many other community efforts such as the YMCA and the Newark Preschool Council. Member of the Board of Education. She graduated Washington School with honors, Central High and then the Normal School…

  • Gloria Fowles Gaynor

    1943- Born Gloria Fowles in Newark. Graduated South Side High in 1961. Singer. Biggest hit “I Will Survive”. Bibliography Barbara J Kukla Papers, Newark Library’ 1961 South Side Yearbook Gaynor, Gloria. I Will Survive: The Book

  • Gloria Jones Swieringa

    1938- In 1956, Gloria Jones was believed to be the first blind student ever elected to the National Honor Society, while she was at Barringer High School. She was an A student and also involved in many clubs and planned to go to Boston University. She was possibly one the first blind students in NJ…

  • Golden Johnson

    1903-1984 Golden Johnson was the first black woman to serve as a Newark municipal court judge. She grew up in Terrell Homes (then FDR Homes) in the Ironbound. She ran for Congress in 1980, & had a career of public service. Photo from http://digital.npl.org East Side yearbook 1961 Bibliography Digitized materials from Newark Library(2) “Newark’s…

  • 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 for 42 years, helped found the Newark Branch of the NAACP and served on the board of the Sojourner Truth branch of the YWCA. She was president of the Lincoln-Douglass Memorial Association. From 1936, she…

  • Grace Eubanks Malone

    c. 1908-1994 First black welfare director in New Jersey. Worked as a social worker for the city starting in 1931, and became director of welfare from 1964-1969. After her retirement served as director of the Northeast Region for the US Dept of Housing. 1965 Rutgers Newark Graduate. On the board of directors of the Fuld…

  • Grace L Boynton Gregory

    1919-2007 Owned Poro Beauty Shop on West Market in the 1940s-1950s. In 1983, founded “Guiding Light Inc.” (originally Caring and Sharing) a tutoring and counseling agency. She also had a 32 year career in government and helped train housing counselors for HUD. Also served as organist and pianist for many local churches. Barringer graduate. Bibliography…

  • Grace Murphy

    1882-1966 Founded Murphy Funeral Home on Roseville Avenue and operated it until her death for 26 years. Her obituary listed her as one of “the few women morticians in New Jersey” and “one of few women in business”. Active in Catholic organizations. Lifelong Newark resident. Bibliography Kukla, Barbara J. Newark Women: From Suffragettes to the…

  • Grace Oliver Duryee

    c. 1874 – 1945 Grace Duryee headed the East Side Day Nursery for 31 years. She worked closely with philanthropist Louise Shugard. The Newark News wrote she “has been mother and grandmother to two generations of Newark’s children from all parts of the city”. Louise Shugard said, “she is the most faithful soul I’ve ever…

  • Griselda Ellis

    1870- Sept 8, 1949 *NJ Death Index starts again in 1950, mentioned in Bernardsville News “Griselda Ellis of Newark” Aug 12, 1948 She considered herself “Newark born and bred”. Appointed Principal of the Girls Vocational School in 1914 and remained so until her retirement in 1927. Previous work: From at least 1890-1900 she was an…

  • Grizel Ubarry

    1953- From Fund for New Jersey: Grizel Ubarry is president and sole proprietor of G. Ubarry Inc. For the last 33 years, she has worked with non-profit organizations, community development corporations, charter schools, businesses, and financial institutions in the development and management of successful community development initiatives. Previously she served as Director of Essex County…

  • H. Blanche Harris

    1878-1956 (Thanks to George Robb who did much research on Harris). Blanche Harris was active in the suffrage movement in Newark. She was president of the Lincoln Branch, Women’s Political Union of Newark. She spoke around the state on suffrage in this role. Harris was also active in political campaigning. In 1912, she worked on…

  • Hamilton Family

    Laura Bland Hamilton 1853-1952 Born into slavery in VA. Came to Newark after the Civil War with her sister and married Frederick Hamilton. Founder of Bethany Baptist Church. Organized a factory making baby clothes in her home which she ran for 18 years. Her husband also had an automobile exchange at their home 90 Court…

  • Hannah (Burnet) Kinney

    1761-1862 Helped found the Newark Female Charitable Society in 1803 and served as president. “A star in the social world of her day as well as a writer and theologian”. Instituted the first Sabbath schools in the city. Bibliography Kinney Family Papers, NJ Historical Society The Burnet Family – Early Years

  • Hannah Mandeville

    1811-1902 Born into slavery, one of the first members of the African American Plane St. Church and active in the church. Her obituary (see: Black Power 19th Century) said she was “well known to the negroes of this city and to many white people for her piety and good works”. She was able to purchase…

  • 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 her “an energetic woman and a credit to her race”. She was one of the first public school teachers under James Baxter at the Colored School in Newark. She was listed as assistant to James…

  • Harriet Stratemeyer Adams

    1892-1982 Wrote over 200 books over her literary career, including the plot outlines for many Nancy Drew books. Took over control of the Stratemeyer business after her father’s death. Born in Newark and lived there through at least 1915. Buried in Fairmount Cemetery. Bibliography Chira, Susan. “Harriet Adams Dies. Nancy Drew Author Wrote Over 200 Novels”, The…

  • Helen A Miller

    1898-1982 We don’t know too much about Helen A. Miller. She was the sister of Mildred Miller Free and her father James Miller was the “first of his race” to work for the City Water Department. She graduated South Side School in 1917 and was planning to attend the Normal School. By 1920, she is…

  • Helen Berry

    c. 1878-1941 Very active in Essex County Republican politics and a member of the Essex County Board of Elections. From 1920-1924, vice chairman of the Essex County Republican Committee. From 1926, member of the Republican State Committee, serving as Vice Chairman (1927-1931). In 1938, appointed to the Essex County Board of Elections by Gov. Moore,…

  • 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 woman officer of the bank and first woman in Newark to be elected corporate secretary. Lifelong Newark resident, daughter of Irish immigrants, attended East Side and Coleman Business College. Her family lived on East Kinney…

  • Hilda Hidalgo

    1928-2009 Hilda Hidalgo (second from right) was a Newark activist. In Newark, she co-founded Aspira of New Jersey, La Casa de Don Pedro and the Puerto Rican Congress and worked with numerous other community organizations. Bibliography Hilda Hidalgo Papers, Puerto Rican Community Archives, Newark Public Library Digitized material from Newark Library (1, 2) Button collection…

  • Ingrid Betancourt

    1956- Hispanic Services Coordinator at the Newark Public Library and head of Ethnic Services and Collections. Arrived at the library in 1980. Helped found La Sala, a room for service Spanish speakers, as well as the NJ Hispanic Research and Information Center which contains the Puerto Rican Community Archives. Later, assistant director and interim director…

  • Irene E Morris

    1900-1953 Irene Morris worked for the Board of Health for over 25 years. She graduated from Mercy Hospital in Philadelphia with the class of 1922. Listed as a nurse in city directories from 1923 and appointed as a visiting nurse for the Board of Health March 1926, and a nurse at Newark City Hospital August…

  • Irene Rutherford O’Crowley

    1885-1974 Born in Newark, early woman lawyer. Attended Barringer High School. Graduated from NJ Law School 1919 as VP of her class. First President of the Newark chapter of Zonta International. She was a member of the International Association of Woman Attorney and active in the League of Women Voters. She was admitted to the…

  • J. Isabelle Sims

    c. 1873-1952 Prolific Newark social worker and lifelong Newarker. Directed Fresh Air Fund Camps for 32 years and would travel to be at the Summit camp even when in a wheelchair in later life. Executive of 1923 Community Chest Campaign and director of the Newark Welfare Federation (1925) for 11 years. Replaced Beatrice Winser on…

  • Jacqueline “Jackie” Rendleman Jones

    c. 1951-2021 Jackie was the first woman firefighter at the Newark Fire Department in 1981, along with Ethel Goldsberry who was later removed. In 1982, she was the only woman firefighter of over 600! She was also the first Black woman fire captain. She was a proud member of one of the Five Founding Chapters…

  • Jane E. Johnson

    c. 1834-Feb 1907 First principal of the Normal School, for teacher training, in 1879, starting the school with 30 students. She remained with the school for 21 years, later becoming Vice Principal when it merged with the Training School. She taught, “psychology, science, history of education, mental philosophy and pedagogy”. After leaving the school, she…

  • Janet Gilchrist Paterson

    *Image is Washington Street School Class for the Blind, undated c. 1871-1964 Janet Paterson helped found the first class for the Blind in Newark with Lydia Young Hayes and was the first teacher of the Blind, at Washington Street School in 1910. The NJ Commission for the Blind calls it the first “integrated class” in…

  • Janet MacRorie

    1887-1950 Assistant ad manager for PSE&G for 10 years. Pioneer in setting up standards and polices for commercial radio programs. Editor of Advertising Women 1924-1925. Report, feature writer, and women’s page editor for the Newark Star-Eagle. Bibliography Wingert, Dorothea. “She Writes Ads Now Saving Her Stories Until Old Age” Newark Sunday Call Oct 24, 1926…

  • Janyce Jackson Jones

    1951- Co-Pastor of Unity Fellowship Church located in Newark, NJ. Pastor of Liberation in Truth Unity Fellowship Church for which she is a founding member when it was established in 1995. Executive Director of the Liberation in Truth Social Justice Center, which provided support, groups, education and services. Vice Chair of the LGBTQ Advisory Commission…

  • Jeannette Gilder

    1849-1916 Worked in the editorial department of the Newark Morning Register and worked for the Newark Registrar of deeds. Wrote for the Newark Morning Register at age 18. Bibliography Kukla, Barbara J. Newark Women: From Suffragettes to the State House. Leonard, John W. (1914). Woman’s Who’s who of America: A Biographical Dictionary of Contemporary Women of…

  • Jennie Caputo

    1918-1996 Gymnast who competed in the 1936 Olympics. Married name Pascuzzi. Entered into the Newark Athletic Hall of Fame 1992. She won the all-around 1st prize in Olympic tryouts. She was a city and state champion at Central High as well as a track and field athlete. Bibliography “Jennie Pascuzzi Vaults Into Newark’s Hall” Star…

  • Jennie Levell Lemon

    1913-1982 Married to Tom Lemon in Newark in 1950. Listed as a waitress in 1930, and a WPA Investigator on the 1940 Census. In 1959, she was a senior account clerk in City Hall. She was an aide to Addonizio from 1962-1969. Jennie ran for city council in 1969. She founded the Jennie Lemon Civic…

  • Jennie Precker

    1892-1981 Jennie Precker founded the nation’s first woman’s bank the Susan B. Anthony Building & Loan Association. It was the first bank in the world whose officers, directors, counsel & staff were all female! It was founded in 1923. The bank was founded at 1186 Raymond Blvd and named after Susan B. Anthony. The bank…

  • Jennie Reich Danzis

    1875 – Sept 24, 1945 Wife of Max Danzis and was one of the founders of Beth Israel Hospital, with her husband. President of the Beth Israel Hospital Ladie’s Guild. Founded the Reciprocity Club which offered self-improvement classes to immigrants. Was President of the Newark Section Council of Jewish Women and leader of Americanization work.…

  • 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 was “a great success as a dramatic artist” with “a strong personality”. She joked that she wanted a $90,000 position with the Newark School Board. Her address was 330 Summer Ave. A founder the College…

  • Jessie Parsons Condit

    1885-1983 Executive director of the Children’s Aid Society on Springfield Ave in Newark, where she worked for 35 years. The Children’s Aid Society served “as a protective agency for children”, provided “guidance and treatment for behavioral problems” and placed “children in boarding and adoptive homes.” Graduated Barnard College and started as the Executive secretary of…

  • Jessie Yearance Cann

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

  • Josephine Belle Janifer

    1925-2018 Born in Montclair, Josephine Janifer was a counselor for the Newark Job Corp and in 1965 Exec Director of the Newark Preschool Council. In 1979, she became the first Director of the Newark Private Industry Council, an employment and training group for disadvantaged residents. She retired in 1992. Josephine served widely in the community…

  • 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 book with Stratemayer and over 30 adult books. She attended Barringer High School  where “her penchant for writing and her inclination towards shyness, already marked the person she would be throughout her life.”  Bibliography “Sunday…

  • Julia A. Mason Voorhees

    c. 1867-May 4, 1915 Only student from the Colored School to test into the High School in 1881 with an 82.7%, higher than many other students. When she graduated in 1884, the Newark News wrote, “among them was a young colored girl Julia A Mason who was highly applauded as the diploma was handed to…

  • 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 degree from Columbia University. Was denied the right to teach in New Jersey’s high schools so instructor at Dillard University in New Orleans. Headed the research component at NAACP headquarters. Education director at NewArk Prep,…

  • Julia Sabine

    1905-1990 Head of the Art and Music Department at Newark Library. Worked at the library for over 40 years. Taught at Rutgers Library School. Specialist in rare books, printing and fine prints. Editor of the Newark Library newsletter for many years and organized the Great Books program. Originator of the New Jersey Illustration Index which…

  • Justina Eller

    1886-1939 Justina Eller was the third policewoman appointed in 1918 with Margaret Dugan and Etta Fallon. They were the first and for many years only policewomen. Justina worked interviewing women prisoners, catching shoplifters, and was assigned to the casualty squad. She died on duty in 1939. She was born in Brooklyn. Bibliography “Justina Eller, City…

  • 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 Daily Advertiser who was a family friend. Her first publication was in 1922. She also worked in the Newark Public Library reference section under Frank Hill and John Cotton Dana for 15 years, mentioned as…

  • Katherine Bell Banks

    1912-2008 Photo from Vailsburg yearbook 1973. Born in Tennessee, the Banks family shared a home with the WEB Dubois family in New York before moving to Newark in 1922. She graduated Barringer in 1929 and was one of the first African Americans to graduate Montclair State Teacher’s College. An early Black teacher in Newark, hired…

  • Katherine Coffey

    1900-1972 Katherine Coffey was director of the Newark Museum from 1949-1968. During her tenure she expanded education programs and programs for the visually impaired & apprentice training . The Museum established an endowment Fund in her honor. Bibliography C-24 Coffey, Katherine, Newark News Morgue, Newark Public Library Katherine Coffey Papers, Newark Museum Archives Katherine Coffey…

  • 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 Taylor Show” and “Senior Citizens in Action”. She was named to the Mayor’s Senior Citizen Commission in 1963 by Addonizio and served on committees under Gibson and James. From 1976-1988 she was director of senior…

  • Laquetta C Nelson

    1955- Advocate for gay and lesbian rights. Co-founder of the Newark Pride Alliance. Awarded the 2004 Community Service Award from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Founder of the NJ Stonewall Democrats. Bibliography Queer Newark “Awards Honor Unsung Heroes and Future Leaders” Star Ledger Apr 21, 2005 The Advocate “In a Progressive State Where…

  • 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. In 1967, Addonizio appointed her as Director of the Newark Department of Health and Welfare, the first African American Department head for the city. Graduated South Side in 1942. Sister of Calvin West. Photo from…

  • Laura Champenois Wright Hedden

    c. 1860-1950 Born on Walnut St, lived much of her life in Lincoln Park neighborhood. Attended Newark High School graduating in 1876. Married Ornan N. Wright, then Charles R Hedden in 1929. He died in 1930. Pioneer in the boys club movement in the 1930s and 1940s, establishing the first Boys Clob on Halsey Street…

  • Laura Mayo Wilson

    1871-1963 First woman to graduate the New Jersey Law School, along with Lulu Kinsgsland Garrabrant (who was never admitted to the bar). New Jersey Law School became Rutgers Law School, in Newark in 1910 and was admitted to the bar as an attorney. Born in Newark, to William Wilson and Maria Mayo. Lived at 211…

  • Leah Adele Neuhut

    1877-1908 Born to a rabbi in Newark, blind from birth and deaf from 1904, she was called, “one of the most remarkable blind women in the country”. Neuhut a reputation as a pianist, author, and speaker. Advocated on behalf of the blind to the state government. She also advocated for a library for the blind…

  • 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 to head a Travelers Aid unit. She later worked for Family Services. Born in Jamaica and moved to Newark as a child, according to Cummings, but evidence could only be found that she lived in…

  • Lem See Wong

    1880-? Mrs. Willie Hong, was called “the only Chinese woman in the city” in 1909 and “the only woman in Chinatown” in 1911. The Star Eagle wrote, “She is very nice indeed. Mrs. Theresa E. Burnett…visits her every week and teachers her the English language and Christian principles.” Willie Hong was sometimes called the “mayor”…

  • Lettie Mae Mulford

    1883-1970 *sometimes listed as “Lettie Mulford” or “May Mulford” Teacher in the Newark Public School System for 42 years. A daughter of the first African American Newark High School student Clara Mulford, Lettie graduated Newark High School in 1901. In 1904, she graduated from the Normal School. Starting that year, she was an Assistant Teacher…

  • 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 hundreds of books for the Stratemayer syndicate, some under pen names. Lilian Garis is one of the writers who always wrote, She expressed herself in verse from early school days and it was then predicted…

  • 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 according to Robert Queen. He says she was working as a waitress when she began to write for the Herald. On the 1930 census she is listed (at age 23) as a private family nurse.…

  • Linda H. Morley and Adelaide C. Kight

    1885-1972, 1889-1972 Linda Morley was head of the business branch of Newark Public Library after Sarah Ball and before Marian Manley from 1917(1919?)-1926. With Adelaide Kight she wrote “2400 business books and guide to business literature” (1920) and “Business books 1920-1926” (1927). The Wilson Bulletin called Kight and Morley the “moving spirits of Newark’s Business…

  • Loraine White

    c. 1947 In 1980, said to be the first Black woman to become a high school football coach in the United States. In the Newark Athletic Hall of Fame. NJ’s first female assistant coach. Bibliography Extension of Remarks Newark Athletic Hall of Fame Kukla, Barbara J. “Newark Women: from Suffragettes to the State House” Glicken,…

  • Louise A Stewart Spencer

    1916-1971 Louise A Spencer was director of the (combined) Newark Parent Teachers Associations. She was vice President of the Newark March of Dimes and served on the Essex County PTA. She was a member of the Baxter Terrace Youth Organization, Baxter Terrace Tenement League and North District Public Commission Council. Louise A Spencer Elementary School,…

  • Louise Bullock

    1910-1974 Louise Bullock graduated from the University of Newark’s College of Arts & Sciences in 1937. She may be the first Black female graduate of a school affiliated with Rutgers. Served as a director of “Negro work” in United Service Organizations (USO) club activities for the Young Women’s Christian Association (YMCA). Play teacher and assistant…

  • Louise Connolly

    1862-1927 Supervisor of grammar grades Newark Pubic Schools (1902). Became associated with Public library. About 1906-1910, served as superintendent in the Summit Schools. Potentially ousted because she was a woman. 1912 became Educational Advisor to the Library and Museum. Wrote many publications. Trained museum apprentices. Original member of the National Committee for better films. Image…

  • Louise Epperson

    1908-2002 Louise Epperson was key in the protests against UMDNJ in the 1960s & helped negotiate the Medical School Agreements. She was also the first African American appointed to the Board of Health & helped elect Mayor Gibson and Irvine Turner. Photo from Newark Public Library. Bibliography Rise Up Newark profile “Over My Dead Body”…