Consuelo Clark-Stewart (July 22, 1860 – April 17, 1910) was an American physician and the first African American woman to practice medicine in Ohio.
For twenty years, Clark-Stewart ran a thriving medical practice in Youngstown, Ohio, where she treated both black and white patients. She was the daughter of Peter H. Clark, who is considered the first Black socialist, and the wife of William R. Stewart, one of the first Black attorneys and elected representatives in Ohio.
Early life
Clark was born in Ohio in 1861, one of three children of abolitionist Peter H. Clark and Frances Ann Williams Clark. She graduated from Gaines High School in Cincinnati in 1879.
Career
After graduating from high school, Clark studied medicine privately with Dr. Elmira Y. Howard, the first woman physician in Cincinnati. She then obtained a place at Boston University School of Medicine, graduating in 1884 after earning the highest honors on her final exams. She returned to Ohio and worked at the Ohio Hospital for Women and Children.
In 1890, Clark married attorney William R. Stewart. Thereafter, she referred to herself as Dr. Consuelo Clark-Stewart. She moved with her husband to Youngstown, Ohio, where set up a private practice in medicine and treated both black and white patients.
In Youngstown, Clark-Stewart was active in the YWCA and in setting up free kindergartens.
Death
Clark-Stewart died of Pernicious anemia on April 17, 1910, at the Massillon State Hospital. According to press reports, Clark was also mentally ill and had been judged insane.