Female Medical College of Pennsylvania Faculty Meeting Minutes, February 1855
Version: 5 (current) | Updated: 12/4/2025, 5:53:37 PM
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Description
Female Medical College of Pennsylvania Faculty Meeting Minutes, February–March 1855
Overview
This collection comprises the minute book of the faculty of the Female Medical College of Pennsylvania for the period February 1855 through the fourth annual commencement on March 10 1855. It includes scanned images of the original handwritten minutes (JPEG and TIFF formats), OCR‑extracted text, and the written theses of the candidates examined during that term. The materials are catalogued by the Drexel Legacy Collections under the PINAX system.Background
The Female Medical College of Pennsylvania, founded in 1850 and later renamed the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania, was one of the first institutions to train women in medicine. The faculty, led by Dean Ellwood Harvey, met regularly to discuss curriculum, examinations, and administrative matters. The minutes record the deliberations of a diverse faculty—comprising physicians such as Ann Preston, Mark G. Kerr, and Charles D. Cleveland—over a series of meetings held in Philadelphia. The collection reflects the college’s efforts to establish rigorous academic standards and to navigate the social and institutional challenges of early women’s medical education.Contents
- Meeting Minutes (February 15–26, 1855; March 1–6, 1855) – Six scanned pages (JPEG/TIFF) with accompanying OCR text, documenting attendance, thesis approvals, examinations, elections, and administrative decisions.
- Commencement Minutes (March 10, 1855) – A scanned page detailing the ceremony, the conferral of degrees to seven women, and the address delivered by Professor Mark G. Kerr.
- Candidate Theses – Four separate documents:
The collection offers a comprehensive view of faculty governance, academic assessment, and the celebratory culmination of the fourth cohort’s studies, illustrating the early institutional practices of women’s medical education in mid‑19th‑century Philadelphia.
Entities
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Entity Relationships
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Raw Cheimarros Data
@female_medical_college_of_pennsylvania:organization {founded: @date_1850, renamed: "Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania"}
@minute_book_female_medical_college:document {title: "Minute book of the faculty of the Female Medical College of Pennsylvania", start: @date_1850_06_25, end: @date_1864_10_08, institution: @female_medical_college_of_pennsylvania}
@ellwood_harvey:person {full_name: "Ellwood Harvey", role: "Dean of the Faculty"}
@edwin_fussell:person {full_name: "Edwin Fussell"}
@ann_preston:person {full_name: "Ann Preston", title: "M.D."}
@mark_g_kerr:person {full_name: "Mark G. Kerr"}
@charles_d_cleveland:person {full_name: "Charles D. Cleveland"}
@dr_thomas:person {full_name: "Dr. Thomas", role: "Treasurer"}
@clinton_gillingham:person {full_name: "Clinton Gillingham"}
@dr_fussell:person {full_name: "Dr. Fussell"}
@dr_harvey:person {full_name: "Dr. Harvey"}
@dr_preston:person {full_name: "Dr. Preston"}
@dr_kerr:person {full_name: "Dr. Kerr"}
@dr_fennell:person {full_name: "Dr. Fennell"}
@miss_emily_a_barney:person {full_name: "Emily A. Barney", gender: "female"}
@mrs_phila_o_wilmarth:person {full_name: "Phila O. Wilmarth", gender: "female"}
@miss_nivison:person {full_name: "Nivison", gender: "female"}
@miss_smith:person {full_name: "Smith", gender: "female"}
@mrs_eliza_ls_thomas:person {full_name: "Eliza L.S. Thomas", gender: "female"}
@mrs_jane_i_neals:person {full_name: "Jane I. Neals", gender: "female"}
@mrs_emeline_norton_cleveland:person {full_name: "Emeline Norton Cleveland", gender: "female"}
@mrs_jane_v_heala:person {full_name: "Jane V. Heala", gender: "female"}
@mrs_samantha_s_arivison:person {full_name: "Samantha S. Arivison", gender: "female"}
@mrs_mary_e_smith:person {full_name: "Mary E. Smith", gender: "female"}
@mrs_phila_o_wilmuth:person {full_name: "Phila O' Wilmuth", gender: "female"}
@philadelphia:place {state: @pennsylvania, country: @united_states}
@meeting_feb_15_1855:event {date: @date_1855_02_15, location: @philadelphia, source: @minute_book_female_medical_college}
@meeting_feb_19_1855:event {date: @date_1855_02_19, location: @philadelphia, source: @minute_book_female_medical_college}
@meeting_feb_20_1855:event {date: @date_1855_02_20, location: @philadelphia, source: @minute_book_female_medical_college}
@meeting_feb_21_1855:event {date: @date_1855_02_21, location: @philadelphia, source: @minute_book_female_medical_college, resolution: "Examinations of candidates shall commence"}
@meeting_feb_26_1855:event {date: @date_1855_02_26, location: @philadelphia, source: @minute_book_female_medical_college}
@meeting_mar_01_1855:event {date: @date_1855_03_01, location: @philadelphia, source: @minute_book_female_medical_college, agenda: "Commencement planning"}
@meeting_mar_02_1855:event {date: @date_1855_03_02, location: @philadelphia, source: @minute_book_female_medical_college}
@meeting_mar_06_1855:event {date: @date_1855_03_06, location: @philadelphia, source: @minute_book_female_medical_college, ballot_results: true}
@commencement_mar_10_1855:event {date: @date_1855_03_10, location: @philadelphia, type: "Fourth Annual Commencement", source: @minute_book_female_medical_college}
@file_pinax:file {title: "Female Medical College of Pennsylvania Faculty Meeting Minutes, February 1855", created: @date_1855_02, creator: [@ellwood_harvey, @edwin_fussell, @ann_preston, @mark_g_kerr, @charles_d_cleveland, @female_medical_college_of_pennsylvania]}
@file_a092_001_082_jpg:file {type: "image", ocr: true, describes: @meeting_feb_15_1855}
@file_a092_001_082_tif:file {type: "image", ocr: false, describes: @meeting_feb_15_1855}
@file_a092_001_083_jpg:file {type: "image", ocr: true, describes: @meeting_feb_20_1855}
@file_a092_001_083_tif:file {type: "image", ocr: false, describes: @meeting_feb_20_1855}
@file_a092_001_084_jpg:file {type: "image", ocr: true, describes: @meeting_feb_26_1855}
@file_a092_001_084_tif:file {type: "image", ocr: false, describes: @meeting_feb_26_1855}
@file_a092_001_085_jpg:file {type: "image", ocr: true, describes: @meeting_mar_02_1855}
@file_a092_001_085_tif:file {type: "image", ocr: false, describes: @meeting_mar_02_1855}
@file_a092_001_086_jpg:file {type: "image", ocr: true, describes: @commencement_mar_10_1855}
@file_a092_001_086_tif:file {type: "image", ocr: false, describes: @commencement_mar_10_1855}
# Attendance
@meeting_feb_15_1855 -> present -> [@dr_fussell, @dr_harvey, @dr_preston, @dr_kerr, @dr_thomas, @clinton_gillingham]
@meeting_feb_19_1855 -> present -> [@ellwood_harvey, @dr_fussell, @ann_preston, @mark_g_kerr, @dr_thomas, @clinton_gillingham]
@meeting_feb_20_1855 -> present -> [@russell, @ann_preston, @mark_g_kerr, @dr_thomas, @clinton_gillingham, @ellwood_harvey]
@meeting_feb_26_1855 -> present -> [@dr_fennell, @mark_g_kerr, @dr_thomas, @ellwood_harvey]
@meeting_mar_01_1855 -> present -> [@ann_preston, @dr_thomas, @mark_g_kerr, @clinton_gillingham, @ellwood_harvey]
@meeting_mar_02_1855 -> present -> [@ann_preston, @mark_g_kerr, @dr_thomas, @clinton_gillingham, @ellwood_harvey]
@meeting_mar_06_1855 -> present -> [@ann_preston, @mark_g_kerr, @dr_thomas, @clinton_gillingham, @ellwood_harvey]
# Thesis reports
@dr_fussell -> reported_favorably_on -> @thesis_mrs_cleveland:document {author: @mrs_emeline_norton_cleveland}
@dr_thomas -> reported_favorably_on -> @thesis_miss_nivison:document {author: @miss_nivison}
@dr_preston -> reported_favorably_on -> @thesis_miss_smith:document {author: @miss_smith}
@dr_preston -> reported_favorably_on -> @thesis_miss_barney:document {author: @miss_emily_a_barney}
@dr_harvey -> reported_favorably_on -> @thesis_mrs_wilmarth:document {author: @mrs_phila_o_wilmarth}
@dr_harvey -> reported_favorably_on -> @thesis_miss_barney:document {author: @miss_emily_a_barney}
@dr_preston -> reported_favorably_on -> @thesis_miss_barney:document {author: @miss_emily_a_barney}
@dr_harvey -> reported_favorably_on -> @thesis_mrs_wilmarth:document {author: @mrs_phila_o_wilmarth}
# Examinations & admissions
@meeting_feb_19_1855 -> admitted_to_examination -> [@miss_nivison, @miss_emily_a_barney, @mrs_phila_o_wilmarth]
@meeting_feb_20_1855 -> admitted_to_examination -> [@mrs_eliza_ls_thomas]
@meeting_mar_01_1855 -> admitted_to_examination -> [@mrs_jane_i_neals]
# Elections & appointments
@meeting_feb_20_1855 -> elected -> @mrs_eliza_ls_thomas:person {degree: "M.D.", ballot: true}
@meeting_feb_20_1855 -> appointed -> @mrs_eliza_ls_thomas:person {position: "Demonstrator of Anatomy"}
@meeting_feb_26_1855 -> appointment_letter -> @mrs_eliza_ls_thomas:person {position: "Demonstrator of Anatomy"}
@meeting_mar_01_1855 -> letter_read -> @charles_d_cleveland:person {subject: "Commencement"}
@meeting_mar_02_1855 -> announcement_adopted -> @meeting_mar_02_1855:document {type: "draft"}
@meeting_mar_06_1855 -> ballot -> [@mrs_emeline_norton_cleveland, @mrs_jane_v_heala, @mrs_samantha_s_arivison, @mrs_mary_e_smith, @mrs_emily_a_barney, @mrs_phila_o_wilmuth] {votes_white: [66,45,57,59,56,54], votes_black: [4,25,13,11,14,16]}
# Financial transaction
@meeting_feb_21_1855 -> ordered_payment -> @dr_thomas:person {amount: 55, recipient: "Ziegenfus & Carver"}
# Commencement details
@commencement_mar_10_1855 -> held_at -> @philadelphia
@commencement_mar_10_1855 -> conferred_degrees_on -> [@mrs_emeline_norton_cleveland, @miss_nivison, @miss_mary_e_smith, @mrs_eliza_ls_thomas, @miss_emily_a_barney, @mrs_phila_o_wilmarth]
@commencement_mar_10_1855 -> president -> @charles_d_cleveland:person
@commencement_mar_10_1855 -> benediction_address_by -> @mark_g_kerr:person
# Source relationships
@meeting_feb_15_1855 -> source -> @minute_book_female_medical_college
@meeting_feb_19_1855 -> source -> @minute_book_female_medical_college
@meeting_feb_20_1855 -> source -> @minute_book_female_medical_college
@meeting_feb_21_1855 -> source -> @minute_book_female_medical_college
@meeting_feb_26_1855 -> source -> @minute_book_female_medical_college
@meeting_mar_01_1855 -> source -> @minute_book_female_medical_college
@meeting_mar_02_1855 -> source -> @minute_book_female_medical_college
@meeting_mar_06_1855 -> source -> @minute_book_female_medical_college
@commencement_mar_10_1855 -> source -> @minute_book_female_medical_college
# File documentation links
@file_a092_001_082_jpg -> documents -> @meeting_feb_15_1855
@file_a092_001_083_jpg -> documents -> @meeting_feb_20_1855
@file_a092_001_084_jpg -> documents -> @meeting_feb_26_1855
@file_a092_001_085_jpg -> documents -> @meeting_mar_02_1855
@file_a092_001_086_jpg -> documents -> @commencement_mar_10_1855Metadata
Files (10)
OCR Text
Thursday Feb 15th 1855 Present Drs. F. H. P. J. T. H. Dr. Fussell reported favourably on the thesis of Mrs. Cleveland Dr. Thomas reported favourably on the thesis of Miss Nivison. Dr. Preston reported favourably on the thesis of Miss Smith Adjourned to meet on Monday 19th inst. Ellwood Harvey Dean of the Faculty. Monday, Feb. 19th 1855 Present Drs. Harvey, Fussell, Preston, Kerr, Thomas and Clinton Gillingham. The thesis of Miss Emily A. Barney on Secreting Glands was referred to Ann Preston M.D. The thesis of Mrs. Phila O. Wilmarth was retained for examination by Dr. Harvey Dr. Preston reported favourably on the thesis of Miss Barney. Dr. Harvey reported favourably on the thesis of Mrs. Wilmarth Miss Nivison, Miss Barney and Mrs. Wilmarth were admitted to an examination
OCR Text
It was resolved that the examinations of candidates shall commence on Wednesday the 21st inst. Dr. Thomas, (the Treasurer) was ordered to pay a note in hand of $55. that was given to Ziegenfus & Carver. Adjourned to meet on Tuesday 20th inst. Ellwood Harvey M.D. Dean of the Faculty Note to the above minute. It was ordered that the Dean should enter on the record that Misp Smith and Misp Barney were admitted to an examination only on the ground of a previous arrangement made with them by the late Dean. Tuesday, 20th Feb. 1855. Present Russell, Preston, Kerr, Thomas, Gillingham and Harvey. Mrs. Eliza L.S. Thomas having been examined on all the branches was elected by ballot to the degree of M.D. On motion Mrs. Eliza L.S. Thomas was then chosen to fill the office of Demonstrator of Anatomy after the close of the present term. Adjourned to Meet Monday 16th inst. Ellwood Harvey M.D. Dean
OCR Text
Monday, Feb 26th 1855. Present, Fennell, Kerr, Thomas and Harvey. A letter from Mrs. Eliza L.S. Thomas was read, accepting the office of Demonstrator of Anatomy. After much informal conversation in relation to filling the Chair of Obstetrics which becomes vacant at the close of the present session the Faculty adjourned to meet again on Thursday 27th inst. Ellwood Harvey Dean. Thursday, March 1st 1855 Present, Preston, Thomas, Kerr, Gillingham and Harvey. A letter was read from President Cleveland in relation to the Commencement. Mrs. Jane I. Neals was admitted to an examination. It was agreed that a commencement should be held in the College Building on Saturday, March 10th at 11 A.M. The draft of a sixth annual announcement was read by Dr. Preston and after some remarks its further consideration was deferred to the next meeting. Adjourned to meet on Friday 2nd inst. Ellwood Harvey, Dean.
OCR Text
Friday March 2nd, 1855 Present, Preston, Kerr, Thomas, Gillingham and Harvey. The draft of an announcement was again presented and after some amendment was adopted. Adjourned to meet on Thursday 6th inst. Ellwood Harvey, Dean. Tuesday March 6th, 1855. Present, Preston, Kerr, Thomas, Gillingham & Harvey. The Faculty balloted for the candidates with the following result <table> <tr> <th></th> <th>White.</th> <th>Black.</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Mrs. Emeline Norton Cleveland</td> <td>66</td> <td>4</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Mrs. Jane V. Heala</td> <td>45</td> <td>25</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Mrs. Samantha S. Arivison</td> <td>57</td> <td>13</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Mrs. Mary E. Smith</td> <td>59</td> <td>11</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Mrs. Emily A. Barney</td> <td>56</td> <td>14</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Mrs. Phila O' Wilmuth,</td> <td>54</td> <td>16</td> </tr> <tr> <td>All were declared elected except Mrs. Neald.</td> <td colspan="2"></td> </tr> <tr> <td>At a former meeting Mrs. Eliza L.S. Thomas,</td> <td>67</td> <td>3</td> </tr> </table> Ellwood Harvey Dean.
OCR Text
The Fourth Annual Commencement was held in the lower lecture room of the college building on Saturday, March the 10th, 1855. As many were present as the room would contain comfortably. The degree was conferred upon the following named ladies, by the President, Prof. Charles D. Cleveland. Mrs. Emeline Horton Cleveland, J. N.Y. Miss Samantha Sabina Nivison ... N.Y. Miss Mary Elizabeth Smith ... N.Y. Mrs. Eliza Lucinda Smith Thomas ... Ohio Miss Emily Ann Barney ... Ct. Mrs. Phila Osgood Welmarth ... Mass. The Baledictory Address was delivered by Prof. Mark G. Kerr. Every part of the performance came off well, and much satisfaction and enjoyment were expressed by all present. Ellwood Harvey Dean.
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- ✓ v5 (current) · 12/4/2025, 5:53:37 PM
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"Reorganization group: 1855_February_Meetings"
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