Bethenia Angelina Owens-Adair, Oregon Pioneer, Physician, Teacher, Social Reformer.
Born February 7, 1840 in Van Buren County, Missouri her family crossed the Oregon Trail in 1843. They settled near Roseburg, Oregon. Married at 14, divorcing her abusive husband by 16, Bethenia turned to millinery to earn her living and raise her son George. When her son headed to college (he also became a doctor), Bethenia went to Philadelphia to study medicine at the Eclectic School of Medicine receiving a degree in 1873. Dr. Owens was the first women with a medical degree to practice medicine in Oregon. She furthered her education by attending the University of Michigan Medical School where she graduated in 1880 at age 40. She then spent time in Chicago, Europe and finished post-graduate work in Michigan before returning to Portland and continuing her practice. In 1888 Dr. Owens married Colonel John Adair and from then on used the name Dr. Owens-Adair. She practiced in Warrenton, Oregon and North Yakima, Washington. She was involved in medical legislation and the suffrage movement; was a friend to Abigail Scott Duniway and contributed articles to her newspaper "New Northwest". Dr. Bethenia Owens-Adair died in Astoria, Oregon.
Born February 7, 1840 in Van Buren County, Missouri her family crossed the Oregon Trail in 1843. They settled near Roseburg, Oregon. Married at 14, divorcing her abusive husband by 16, Bethenia turned to millinery to earn her living and raise her son George. When her son headed to college (he also became a doctor), Bethenia went to Philadelphia to study medicine at the Eclectic School of Medicine receiving a degree in 1873. Dr. Owens was the first women with a medical degree to practice medicine in Oregon. She furthered her education by attending the University of Michigan Medical School where she graduated in 1880 at age 40. She then spent time in Chicago, Europe and finished post-graduate work in Michigan before returning to Portland and continuing her practice. In 1888 Dr. Owens married Colonel John Adair and from then on used the name Dr. Owens-Adair. She practiced in Warrenton, Oregon and North Yakima, Washington. She was involved in medical legislation and the suffrage movement; was a friend to Abigail Scott Duniway and contributed articles to her newspaper "New Northwest". Dr. Bethenia Owens-Adair died in Astoria, Oregon.
Bethenia Angelina Owens-Adair, Oregon Pioneer, Physician, Teacher, Social Reformer.
Born February 7, 1840 in Van Buren County, Missouri her family crossed the Oregon Trail in 1843. They settled near Roseburg, Oregon. Married at 14, divorcing her abusive husband by 16, Bethenia turned to millinery to earn her living and raise her son George. When her son headed to college (he also became a doctor), Bethenia went to Philadelphia to study medicine at the Eclectic School of Medicine receiving a degree in 1873. Dr. Owens was the first women with a medical degree to practice medicine in Oregon. She furthered her education by attending the University of Michigan Medical School where she graduated in 1880 at age 40. She then spent time in Chicago, Europe and finished post-graduate work in Michigan before returning to Portland and continuing her practice. In 1888 Dr. Owens married Colonel John Adair and from then on used the name Dr. Owens-Adair. She practiced in Warrenton, Oregon and North Yakima, Washington. She was involved in medical legislation and the suffrage movement; was a friend to Abigail Scott Duniway and contributed articles to her newspaper "New Northwest". Dr. Bethenia Owens-Adair died in Astoria, Oregon.
Born February 7, 1840 in Van Buren County, Missouri her family crossed the Oregon Trail in 1843. They settled near Roseburg, Oregon. Married at 14, divorcing her abusive husband by 16, Bethenia turned to millinery to earn her living and raise her son George. When her son headed to college (he also became a doctor), Bethenia went to Philadelphia to study medicine at the Eclectic School of Medicine receiving a degree in 1873. Dr. Owens was the first women with a medical degree to practice medicine in Oregon. She furthered her education by attending the University of Michigan Medical School where she graduated in 1880 at age 40. She then spent time in Chicago, Europe and finished post-graduate work in Michigan before returning to Portland and continuing her practice. In 1888 Dr. Owens married Colonel John Adair and from then on used the name Dr. Owens-Adair. She practiced in Warrenton, Oregon and North Yakima, Washington. She was involved in medical legislation and the suffrage movement; was a friend to Abigail Scott Duniway and contributed articles to her newspaper "New Northwest". Dr. Bethenia Owens-Adair died in Astoria, Oregon.
Bio by: RB
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"Only the enterprising and the brave are actuated to become pioneers." -B.A.D.
"Dr. Bethenia Owens-Adair; Pioneer Woman Doctor, Writer, Speaker, Temperance and Woman Suffrage Advocate. Her efforts saw the Oregon Eugenics Law adopted in 1925."
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