Dr. Mary Edwards Walker
Personal Information Mary Edwards Walker was born in Oswego, New York, in 1832 and raised by abolitionist and activist parents. Her parents placed great value on education and encouraged her to succeed, even if it meant pushing back against the norms of the day. She graduated from the Syracuse Medical College in 1855 and was, not surprisingly, the only woman in her class. She married Dr. Albert Miller, a classmate, but kept her maiden name. They set up a joint practice which failed in part because of her unusual attire and the reluctance of people to accept female doctors. Official Medal of Honor Citation Because of her dedication, service, and tenacity, she was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Andrew Johnson in November 1865.
