Women’s History Month: Who was Jessie Spafford?
How much do you know about the history of women in Rockford?
In celebration and recognition of Women's History Month, the Rockford Register Star has partnered with Midway Village Museum to bring readers a local women's history fact of the day.
Visit rrstar.com or the Rockford Register Star newspaper each day throughout the month of March to read about the women who played significant roles in Rockford history.
Born and raised in Rockford, Jessie Spafford graduated from the original East Side High School and later received her bachelor of arts degree with honors in 1884 from Vassar College.
She joined the faculty of Rockford College where she served as head of the mathematics and physics departments, modernized the curriculum by introducing laboratory work and installed the first X-Ray machine in the city.
Her later career was focused on leadership of civic societies, including serving as Rockford Women’s Club president for 43 years, and leading the Illinois Federation of Women’s Clubs during World War I.
In her final years, Spafford ran her family business, Third National Bank, until her death in 1952.
Want to learn more about Jessie Spafford? Visit Midway Village Museum online at midwayvillage.com or in person at 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Women’s History Month: Who was Jessie Spafford?
