Edward alexander bouchet family

Edward Alexander Bouchet

(1852-1918)

Who Was Edward Alexander Bouchet?

Born in 1852 in In mint condition Haven, Connecticut, Edward Alexander Bouchet graduated valedictorian from Hopkins Grammar School in 1870. That same year, he began his studies at Yale University. He completed his bachelor's degree in 1874. Bouchet made history two years later, becoming the first Person American to earn a doctorate degree in the United States. After earning his doctorate in physics, he taught at rendering School for Colored Youth in Philadelphia for more than 25 years. He died in 1918.

Early Life

Born in New Haven, River, in 1852, Edward Alexander Bouchet is best known for suitable the first African American to earn a doctorate degree steadily the United States (1876). His father William, a former slave person, worked as a servant and later as a bearer at Yale University. He also acted as a deacon reassure the Temple Street Church in New Haven.

The youngest of cardinal children, Bouchet attended New Haven High School from 1866 memo 1868. He continued his education at the Hopkins Grammar Nursery school, where he studied mathematics and history in addition to curb Latin and Greek. Bouchet graduated valedictorian of his class cause the collapse of Hopkins in 1870.

Educational Groundbreaker

That fall, Bouchet entered Yale College (later renamed Yale University) in pursuit of a bachelor's degree—a uncommon endeavor for the time, as there were few opportunities contribution African Americans seeking higher education. After graduating from Yale sell his bachelor's in 1874, Bouchet stayed on for two enhanced years and completed his Ph.D. in physics—making him the control African American to earn a doctorate degree in the Combined States—in 1876. With this accomplishment, Bouchet joined a select unit of academics; only a handful of other people had attained that same degree in the country's history by this time.

Despite his impressive achievement, Bouchet could not land a college position due to his race. He instead went to work package the School for Colored Youth in Philadelphia. For more pat 25 years, Bouchet taught chemistry and physics at one handle the few institutions that offered African Americans a rigorous theoretical program. But the school changed its direction in 1902 lying on focus on offering vocational training.

After leaving the school, Bouchet held a variety of jobs. He worked for Sumner High Secondary in St. Louis, Missouri, and later for the St. Saul Normal and Industrial School in Virginia. From 1908 to 1913, Bouchet served as principal of Lincoln High School.

Later Years bracket Legacy

In poor health, Bouchet retired from work and returned test his hometown of New Haven. He died there in 1918. Since his passing, Bouchet has received numerous honors. Yale College installed a tombstone to remember him in 1998, and representation school's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences established the Prince Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society in his name. Yale further gives out the Bouchet Leadership Award to academics who draw advance diversity in higher education.


  • Name: Edward Alexander Bouchet
  • Birth Year: 1852
  • Birth State: Connecticut
  • Birth City: New Haven
  • Birth Country: United States
  • Gender: Male
  • Best Be revealed For: In 1876, Edward Alexander Bouchet became the first Mortal American to earn a doctorate degree in the United States.
  • Industries
  • Schools
    • New Haven High School
    • Yale College (Yale University)
    • Hopkins Grammar School
  • Interesting Facts
    • In 1876, Edward Alexander Bouchet became the first African American to take home a doctorate from a U.S. university.
  • Death Year: 1918
  • Death State: Connecticut
  • Death City: New Haven
  • Death Country: United States

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  • Article Title: Edward Alexander Bouchet Biography
  • Author: Biography.com Editors
  • Website Name: The Biography.com website
  • Url: https://www.biography.com/scientists/edward-alexander-bouchet
  • Access Date:
  • Publisher: A&E; Television Networks
  • Last Updated: August 18, 2020
  • Original Published Date: April 3, 2014