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Consuelo Clark-Stewart

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Consuelo Clark-Stewart
Consuelo Clark-Stewart as a medical student in Boston.
Born1861
DiedApril 17, 1910(1910-04-17) (aged 48–49)
Alma materBoston University School of Medicine
Occupationphysician
Known forThe first African American woman to practice medicine in Ohio
SpouseWilliam R. Stewart (married 1890)
FatherPeter H. Clark

Consuelo Clark-Stewart (July 22, 1860[1] – April 17, 1910) was an American physician and the first African American woman to practice medicine in Ohio.[2]

For twenty years, Clark-Stewart ran a thriving medical practice in Youngstown, Ohio, where she treated both black and white patients.[3] She was the daughter of Peter H. Clark, who is considered the first Black socialist, and the wife of William R. Stewart, one of the first Black attorneys and elected representatives in Ohio.

Early life

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Clark was born in Ohio in 1861, one of three children of abolitionist Peter H. Clark and Frances Ann Williams Clark.[4] She graduated from Gaines High School in Cincinnati in 1879.[5]

Career

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After graduating from high school, Clark studied medicine privately with Dr. Elmira Y. Howard,[1] the first woman physician in Cincinnati. She then obtained a place at Boston University School of Medicine,[6] graduating in 1884 after earning the highest honors on her final exams.[7] She returned to Ohio and worked at the Ohio Hospital for Women and Children.

In 1890, Clark married attorney William R. Stewart.[4] Thereafter, she referred to herself as Dr. Consuelo Clark-Stewart. She moved with her husband to Youngstown, Ohio, where set up a private practice in medicine and treated both black and white patients.

In Youngstown, Clark-Stewart was active in the YWCA and in setting up free kindergartens.[6]

Death

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Clark-Stewart died of Pernicious anemia on April 17, 1910, at the Massillon State Hospital.[4] According to press reports, Clark was also mentally ill and had been judged insane.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b Sanderson, Thomas W. (1907). 20th Century History of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens. Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company. p. 337.
  2. ^ Taylor, Nikki M. (2013). America's First Black Socialist: The Radical Life of Peter H. Clark. Lexington, KY: University Press of Kentucky. p. 74. ISBN 9780813140773.
  3. ^ a b "Clipped From The Salem News". The Salem News. 1908-01-25. p. 8. Retrieved 2021-11-15.
  4. ^ a b c "Consuelo Clark". Colored Convention Heartland: Black Organizers, Women and the Ohio Movement. Retrieved 2021-11-15.
  5. ^ "Gaines High School". The Cincinnati Daily Star. 1879-07-01. p. 4. Retrieved 2022-01-02.
  6. ^ a b Horner, J. Richey, ed. (July 1910). "Obituaries". The Journal of the American Institute of Homoeopathy. II: 409.
  7. ^ "The Banneker Club". Boston Evening Transcript. 1884-07-02. p. 1. Retrieved 2021-12-29.