Breckinridge, Sophonisba Preston (01 April 1866–30 July 1948), social scientist and reformer, was born in Lexington, Kentucky, the daughter of William C. P. Breckinridge, a lawyer and U.S. congressman, and Issa Desha. Her father vigorously supported the rights of women and African Americans to secure higher educations. A rich legacy of political achievement and the prominent social standing of the Breckinridge family afforded Sophonisba many advantages in her early life. “Nisba,” as she was affectionately known, excelled in school and as an adolescent began taking courses at the Agricultural and Mechanical College in Lexington. In 1884 she enrolled at Wellesley College where she studied Latin and mathematics, graduating with an S.B. in 1888....
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Breckinridge, Sophonisba Preston (1866-1948), social scientist and reformer
Ellen F. Fitzpatrick
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Breckinridge, Sophonisba Preston (1866-1948)
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Sophonisba Breckinridge. Courtesy of the Library of Congress (LC-USZ62-99076).
