My Genealogy Hound

IDA C. BARNES, M. D.
Ida C. Barnes, M. D., the leading woman physician and surgeon of Topeka, whose portrait is herewith shown, is a lady who combines professional skill with the attributes which make her an esteemed and beloved member of her sex. Dr. Barnes was born in Kansas and is a daughter of Jared and Sarah (Reed) Barnes. The parents of Dr. Barnes were both born in New York. They came to Kansas in 1857. The mother died in 1888, but the father, who is a retired capitalist, still lives, being a resident of Topeka.

Dr. Barnes remained in Kansas until she had completed her collegiate course at the Kansas State University, where she was graduated with the degree of B. A. in 1885. From early girlhood her tastes had led her in the direction of medical study, and after due preparation she entered the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, where she was most creditably graduated, receiving her diploma in 1890. She remained one year in Philadelphia as resident physician in a hospital, working in clinics and absorbing medical and surgical knowledge which could scarcely have come to her in any more effective way, and then came to Topeka. She began practice in this city in 1891 and has finely appointed offices at No. 726 Kansas avenue, where she employs in her practice every pain-alleviating medium of modern days, which has received the sanction of the profession. She is a constant student and has taken advantage of a number of post-graduate courses at Chicago, where she also became experienced in the remedial use of the X-ray and radium.

Dr. Barnes is a valued member of the Shawnee County Medical Society; of the Kansas State Medical Society; of the American Medical Association and of the Alumnae of the Woman’s Medical College, of Philadelphia and the Association of College Alumnae.

She is medical examiner for a number of fraternal associations and for the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. She is a lady of most enlightened views and of great force of character. Possessing in a notable way the necessary requisites for a good physician, she finds her field of work constantly extending. She has filled the position of chairman of the State Executive Committee of the Young Women’s Christian Association of the State of Kansas for the past 13 years. Her beautiful home is located at No. 1273 Clay street. Like her parents, she is a member of the Baptist Church.