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Title
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Ripley, Martha (1843-1912)
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birthday
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1843-11-30
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Birthplace
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Lowell, VT
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Death Date
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1912-04-18
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Occupation
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Physician
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Suffragist
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Biographical Text
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Martha Ripley was a physician, suffragist, and founder of the Maternity Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. She was born Martha George Rogers and was the oldest of five children. Leaving high school before receiving her diploma, Ripley got a first-class teacher's certificate and worked as an elementary school teacher. In 1880, Ripley enrolled in Boston University Medical School, graduating with her MD degree in 1883. In that same year she opened her own medical practice in Minneapolis upon receiving her license. She was one of the first two dozen women licensed to be a doctor in the state. During this time, Ripley was also elected president of the Minnesota Woman Suffrage Association. She held this position for six years, using her platform to advocate for public health issues, greater involvement of women on the city board, cremation, and a higher age of consent. In 1886, Ripley opened her Maternity Hospital, focused on creating a space for and run by women.
Ripley married William Warren Ripley in 1867. Together they had three daughters, Abigail, Clara and Edna May. Ripley passed on April 18, 1912 from a respiratory infection and rheumatic heart disease. She was cremated, as she wished.
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Contributor
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O'Neill, Iris
Dr. Martha Ripley, Plaque