Born: 27 July 1841, United States
Died: 16 April 1930
Country most active: United States
Also known as: Malinda Ann Judson Richards
The following is excerpted from “400 Outstanding Women of the World and the Costumology of Their Time” by Minna Moscherosch Schmidt, published in 1933.
Linda Richards was born in Pottsdam, New York, July 27, 1841.
When Linda ‘was four years old her father passed away, and she and her mother went to live with her maternal grandfather, who was Linda’s most intimate friend. She received much valuable advice from her grandfather. She was the first applicant and graduate of the first school of nursing in this country, established by the New England Hospital for women and children. She assisted Dr. Edward Cowles in establishing the School of Nursing of the Boston City Hospital and the McLean Hospital, a training school for nurses for the insane. Miss Richards began her experiences as an organizer and teacher under such circumstances. She was in sympathy with every appeal to her ability to aid; a sense of duty went with her insight — it took her to Japan, where the learning of a difficult language was merely incidental to her purpose. Clear minded, direct in method, easily and steadily efficient, enduring in patience and kindness, loving her work, her patients, her pupils, she won their affection and the high regard of all who have known her. The history of nursing will always bear the strong impress she has made upon it. During her time she was Superintendent of Bellevue Hospital, Training School of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, she visited in St. Thomas’ Hospital in London, Superintendent of the Training School Boston City Hospital, and she was organizer of the First Training School for Nurses in Japan, of this.
Dr. Berry said: “Miss Richards’ work in Japan, as elsewhere, was thoroughly efficient and wholly self-sacrificing, and I know of no one who could have accomplished more in the time she was there.” The last four years of her life she was confined to the Northboro Nursing School, where she died April 17, 1930.