Anna Manning Comfort

Anna Manning Comfort, M.D. ( Manning; January 19, 1845 – January 12, 1931) was an American physician who specialized in the treatment of women's diseases. She was the first woman medical graduate to practice in the state of Connecticut.

Comfort was also an activist and vocal opponent of American imperialism. She was a leader in the women's suffrage movement, as well as a social reformer who defended the rights of Native Americans and African Americans. A member of Sorosis since 1878, Comfort was also a pioneer clubwoman.

Early life and education

Childhood Anna Manning was born in Trenton, New Jersey, January 19, 1845. Comfort's mother was Elizabeth (Price) Manning, Comfort was of English and French descent.

As a child, Comfort moved with her family to Boston, Massachusetts, where she received an academic education.

In 1865, George Comfort was a scholar in linguistics and art criticism, and was one of the principal founders of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Syracuse Soon after their marriage, George Comfort was hired by the newly-founded Syracuse University as a Professor of Modern Languages, History and Aesthetics. Since retiring from her active medical practice, Comfort wrote prose, verse, and biographies.

Comfort held memberships in the New York Woman’s Medical Society; Honorary Membership in the Lozier Medical Club; and 55 years of membership in Sorosis.

Anna Manning Comfort died of pneumonia, in New York, January 12, 1931.

Selected works Women's Education and Women's Health: Chiefly in Reply to "Sex in Education", with George Fisk Comfort (Syracuse: T.W. Dunston, 1874)