File:Dr Kathryn M Harris, Seattle, circa 1905 (MOHAI 10215).jpg

English:

Born in Nova Scotia in 1859, Kathryn Harris attended the University of Minnesota, taught physical education, and later trained in osteopathic medicine at a school on the East Coast. She practiced osteopathy in Minnesota, Cuba, and New York before coming to Seattle around 1908. In addition to her medical practice, which included obstetrics, she was active in the woman suffrage movement and raised two children.

Early in 1912, Dr. Harris was accused of murder in an abortion death, but the charge was dismissed when it was learned that someone else was responsible. At the time, abortion was illegal, as was sending information on abortion or birth control through the US Mail. In November 1912, Harris was one of nine Seattle doctors (and 172 doctors nationwide) arrested on the latter charge in a nationwide Post Office sweep. She was tried in Seattle, fined $250, and released after being unable to pay the fine.

Harris remained in Seattle until her death in 1955, practicing osteopathic medicine at least through the 1930s.

Caption information source: Seattle Post-Intelligencer, November 21, 1912; September 27, 1913 Caption information source: Seattle Star, November 21, 1912 Caption information source: U.S. District Court: United States vs. Kathryn M. Harrison, October 15, 1912

• Subjects (LCTGM): Physicians--Canadian--Washington (State)--Seattle; Suffragists--Canadian--Washington (State)--Seattle