Katherine McEbright Milliken,
1850-1929

Katherine ("Kit") McEbright Milliken, first woman to graduate from Cornell University, was a leader in Akron's social and philanthropic scene during the Progressive period.

She was the daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Liggitt) McEbright. Her father had been a Civil War physician who moved to Akron in 1864. Her mother was the daughter of a judge in Millersburg, Ohio. Her father, especially, had a commitment to education. For many years he served as a member of Akron's Board of Education. Both daughters, Katherine and Carita, graduated from college at a time when few women went on to higher education. Carita McEbright, who taught at Buchtel College (now The University of Akron), was another social and philanthropic leader in the city during the Progressive period.

Milliken was married to a physician/surgeon, Charles. The couple lived in the most affluent part of Akron at the time - East Market Street. They had no children.

Milliken never worked outside the home for pay; she was too busy with her volunteer activities. The Akron Alumnus magazine referred to her as "a leader in Akron's social and philanthropic work." In many instances, she started the organizations that continue to endure in the city today.

For example, she and her husband started the Sumner Home of the Aged in West Akron and for many years she served on its board. In 1913, she was president of the Women's Auxiliary Board of City Hospital. She was also given credit, along with Mary Gladwin, in starting Akron's chapter of the Red Cross.

From 1919 to 1920, she was the chairman of the Katherine Claypole Student Loan Fund to assist worthy Buchtel College students. The committee was comprised of representatives from each of the four member organizations: the New Century Club, the Fortnightly Club, the Isabella Club and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

In 1896, she was one of the first members of the Akron Branch of the Needlework Guild of America. She was a charter member of the College Club of Akron, an organization for college-educated women in Akron. She was also a member of the Division of Literary Extension in the Department of Applied Education for the College Club.

When Milliken died in 1929, all of her assets went to her sister. But the will also stated that once Carita McEbright died, the remaining moneys should be used to establish a student aid fund at The University of Akron. She also wanted a memorial built to honor her husband.

--Stephanie Devers