Jane Eleanor Datcher

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Jane Datcher

Jane Eleanor Datcher (1868–1934) was an American botanist and educator. She is notable for being one of the first African American women to earn a degree from Cornell University.

Early Life and Education

Jane Eleanor Datcher was born in 1868 in Washington, D.C.. She was the daughter of William and Eleanor Datcher. Datcher attended the Preparatory High School for Colored Youth, which is now known as Dunbar High School. She later enrolled at Cornell University, where she became one of the first African American women to graduate, earning her degree in 1890.

Career

After graduating from Cornell, Datcher returned to Washington, D.C., where she began her career as an educator. She taught at the M Street High School, which was later renamed Dunbar High School. Datcher was known for her dedication to teaching and her contributions to the field of botany.

Contributions to Botany

Datcher's work in botany included research on plant species and their properties. Her contributions to the field were significant during a time when African American women faced considerable barriers in the sciences. She is remembered for her pioneering efforts and her role in advancing the study of botany among African Americans.

Legacy

Jane Eleanor Datcher's legacy is marked by her achievements in education and botany. She paved the way for future generations of African American women in the sciences and remains an inspirational figure in the history of American education and science.

See Also

• Cornell University
• Dunbar High School (Washington, D.C.)
• Botany
• African American scientists