Gellhorn, Edna Fischel, 1878-1970

Mrs. Edna Fischel Gellhorn, a St. Louis civic leader and widow of Dr. George Gellhorn, internationally known gynecologist of the medical faculty of Washington University, was born in St. Louis December 18, 1878, and in her community betterment activities followed in the steps of her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Washington E. Fischel. She attended Mary Institute. She was graduated from Bryn Mawr College in 1900, served as lifetime president of her class, and was an elected trustee of the college. She was active in the women's suffrage movement and in 1920 became a founder and first vice-president of the National League of Women Voters. She also served on the national League's board and as president of the St. Louis and Missouri Leagues. Mrs. Gellhorn helped form and worked actively in the United Nations Association, the National Municipal League, and the American Association of University Women.

During World War I, she served as regional director of the food rationing programs. She was also a civil service commissioner, and worked vigorously to achieve the merit system and other moves to improve public services. She had served on the St. Louis Board of Children's Guardians and on the Board of the St. Louis Urban League. Reforms which she actively worked to achieve were the Missouri minimum wage law, improved educational facilities, elimination of child labor and improved election laws. She was one of the founders of John Burroughs School and was the first president of the College Club. In 1968, Washington University created the Edna Fischel Gellhorn Professorship of Public Affairs, a chair endowed by admirers. At age 79, she was selected as Woman of Achievement by the St. Louis Globe-Democrat. Edna Gellhorn died September 24, 1970 at the age of 92.