Cushman, Vera (1876–1946)

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Cushman, Vera (1876–1946)

American YWCA leader. Born Vera Charlotte Scott, Sept 19, 1876, in Ottawa, Illinois; died Feb 1, 1946, in Savannah, Georgia; dau. of Samuel Swan Scott (businessman) and Anna Margaret (Tressler) Scott; attended Ferry Hall at Lake Forest, Illinois; graduate of Smith College, 1898; m. James Stewart Cushman (businessman, 1871–1952), Oct 15, 1901.

Active feminist, served on National Board of YWCA (1906–36) and became 1st president of New York YWCA (1912); as chair of War Work Council of YWCA during WWI, worked to establish Hostess Houses at US training camps and in Europe to meet needs of women workers in war zones; received Distinguished Service Medal (1919); served as vice president of World's Council of YWCA (1924–38).