Annabella Ravenscroft Gibson Jenkins

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Annabella Ravenscroft Gibson Jenkins
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Annabella Ravenscroft Gibson Jenkins
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Name Annabella Ravenscroft Gibson Jenkins
Birth name
Birth date October 30, 1827
Birth place Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Death date January 24, 1901
Death place Richmond, Virginia, USA
Alma mater
Occupation
Years active
Organization
Known for Founding the Retreat for the Sick
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website


Annabella Ravenscroft Gibson Jenkins (October 30, 1827 – January 24, 1901) was an American philanthropist and healthcare pioneer, best known for founding the Retreat for the Sick in Richmond, Virginia. Her work significantly contributed to the development of healthcare facilities in the southern United States during the late 19th century.

Early Life[edit | edit source]

Annabella Ravenscroft Gibson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to a prominent family. She was educated in private schools and was known for her intelligence and compassion from a young age. In 1846, she married Dr. Hunter Holmes McGuire, a noted surgeon, and moved to Richmond, Virginia.

Philanthropic Work[edit | edit source]

Annabella Jenkins was deeply involved in charitable activities throughout her life. Her most notable contribution was the establishment of the Retreat for the Sick in 1877. This institution was one of the first hospitals in Richmond dedicated to providing care for the indigent sick, regardless of their ability to pay.

Original Retreat Hospital, Richmond, Va., then known as the Retreat for the Sick

Founding of the Retreat for the Sick[edit | edit source]

The idea for the Retreat for the Sick came to Jenkins after witnessing the lack of adequate medical facilities for the poor in Richmond. She organized a group of women to raise funds and support for the hospital. The Retreat for the Sick opened its doors in a small house on Clay Street, with just a few beds and minimal equipment. Over time, it expanded and became a vital part of the community's healthcare system.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Annabella Jenkins' work laid the foundation for modern healthcare philanthropy in Virginia. The Retreat for the Sick eventually evolved into the Retreat Hospital, which continued to serve the Richmond community for many years. Her dedication to improving healthcare access for the underserved remains an inspiration to many.

Also see[edit | edit source]

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