Madelon Stockwell

Madelon Stockwell Turner (August 9, 1845 – June 7, 1924) was an American diarist and the first woman to earn a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan.

Biography

Early life Madelon Louisa Stockwell was born to Louisa Peabody and Reverend Charles F. Stockwell, the first principal of Wesleyan Female Seminary (now Albion College). In 1850, when Stockwell was four years old, he left Michigan in pursuit of a fortune in the California Gold Rush. On his travels, he contracted a disease and died.

Education Stockwell studied at Albion College and Kalamazoo College before applying to the University of Michigan under the encouragement of her mentor and teacher Lucinda Stone.

On February 2, 1870, Stockwell began her first semester at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She was the first woman to enroll at the school following a decision by the Board of Regents to open the university to female students. and Olive San Louie Anderson, enrolled at the University of Michigan. Stockwell's speech was reportedly attended by future University of Michigan student Alice Freeman Palmer. The building was designated the Stockwell Memorial Library in her honor on June 4, 1938. She also left $10,000 to the University of Michigan. Members of Stockwell's family contested the will, but their claims were dismissed by the court.

Stockwell Hall, a residence hall at the University of Michigan, is named in her tribute.