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Annie Cook

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Annie Cook
"Some real Christian women of Memphis..." Weekly Republican, November 2, 1878
Bornc. 1840
DiedSeptember 11, 1878
OccupationMadam
EmployerSelf employed
Known forNursing patients during the 1873 and 1878 Yellow fever epidemics in Memphis, Tennessee

Annie Cook (c. 1840 – September 11, 1878) was a madam who converted her Memphis, Tennessee brothel into a hospital and nursed patients suffering during the Yellow fever epidemics of 1873 and 1878.[1] She has been called the Mary Magdalene of Memphis.[2]

Biography

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Brothel

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It is believed that Cook, whose real name is unknown, was raised in Ohio and was of German descent.[3] She moved to Memphis after the Civil War and opened a brothel called Mansion House.[1]

Yellow fever

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Memphis experienced Yellow fever epidemics in 1873 and 1878. During these outbreaks, Cook converted Mansion House to a makeshift hospital and nursed many who were suffering.[1][4] Her work was recognized in local publications and she received a commendation from the Christian women of Louisville.[5]

Death

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Cook died from Yellow fever on September 11, 1878 during the Lower Mississippi Valley yellow fever epidemic of 1878.[1] The Howard Association paid to have her grave moved to Elmwood Cemetery.[5]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Willingham, Justin; Pike, Steve (2012-09-06). "Annie Cook". WKNO FM. Retrieved 2023-03-21.
  2. ^ "Yellow Fever Heroines and Martyrs – Women of Achievement". 24 November 2017. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  3. ^ Randal Rust. "Cook, Annie". Tennessee Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  4. ^ "1878 Epidemic | American Experience | PBS". www.pbs.org. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  5. ^ a b "Annie Cook". WKNO FM. 2012-09-06. Retrieved 2023-03-22.