Jane Payne, M.D. (1825-1882)

Jane Payne's family migrated from Bristol, England in 1825, and her father Henry served as an Episcopal priest in Ohio before finally settling in Mount Vernon. Although her sight was impaired and she was challenged by infirmities left by childhood diseases and injuries, Payne resolved to become a physician. She began her studies with Dr. John W. Russell in Mount Vernon and in 1861 graduated first in what was the ninth class of the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Overcoming prejudices against female physicians, she practiced from 1861 to 1882, showing special concern for municipal sanitation and care for the poor. Her office was at the northwest corner of South Main and West Gambier streets, and after succumbing to cancer she was buried in Mound View Cemetery.

Mount Vernon, Ohio · United States