Spence, Clara Beebe (1863-1923)

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Clara Beebe Spence to Jane Addams, August 11, 1912

Henrietta Octavia Rowland Barnett to Jane Addams, October 31, 1920

Jane Addams to Henrietta Octavia Rowland Barnett, November 11, 1920

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Birth Date

1863-05-24

Death Date

1923-08-09

Birthplace

Bath, NY

Biographical Text

Clara Beebe Spence was an activist who led to adoption becoming an accepted and common practice. She attended Boston University’s School of Oratory and London University, originally planning to be an actress, but then turned to teaching at private schools for girls in New York City. In 1892, Spence founded her own school, where she also opened a nursery for abandoned babies. Spence used her school to promote adoption, an uncommon practice at the time. Her nursery later became the Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children.

Spence was in a partnership with Charlotte Baker. Both women each adopted two children. Spence died in 1923.