Dr. E. Florence Smith

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Dr. E. Florence Smith

Dr. E. Florence Stir-Smith was known as a prominent female doctor—possibly the first female doctor— in Licking County. Additionally, she was known as one of the few women in the 1920’s who adopted the practice of hyphenating her last name.[1]

Stir-Smith was born on November 8, 1870. [2] She was one of five children born to parents Adam and Nancy Ann Stir in Pike County, Ohio. [3]

To receive her medical degree, Stir-Smith attended Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati. There, she met Dr. George W. Smith, and they married on July 19, 1902. [4] Eventually, the two moved to Newark, and Stir-Smith established one of the largest medical practices in the area. Her office was located at 37 N. Fifth Street. [5]

After retiring, Stir-Smith moved to Columbus, Ohio. She passed in St. Raphael’s Home on June 28, 1957 at the age of 86. [6]

S.F


References

  1. Larry Fugate, “Female physician was independent in life, practice,” The Advocate, October 22, 1991.
  2. Thomas William Lewis, History of Southeastern Ohio and the Muskingum Valley 1788-1928 (Muskingum County, Ohio: S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1928), 399-400.
  3. Larry Fugate, “Female physician was independent in life, practice.”
  4. Thomas William Lewis, History of Southeastern Ohio and the Muskingum Valley 1788-1928, 399-400.
  5. Larry Fugate, “Female physician was independent in life, practice.”
  6. Obituary of Dr. Florence Smith, Newark Advocate, June 28, 1957.