Wergeland, Agnes Mathilde, 1857-1914

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Dr. Agnes Mathilde Wergeland, University of Wyoming professor of history, was born May 8 or 9, 1857, in Christiana, Norway. Her early life was spent studying in Norwegian schools where she was, briefly, the student of composer Edward Grieg. From 1884 to 1886 she was a pupil of G. Konrad von Maurer in Munich, Germany. She received a Ph.D. from the University of Zurich, Switzerland, in 1890, becoming the first Norwegian woman to receive a doctor's degree. After coming to the United States in 1890, Wergeland held several teaching jobs, including positions at Bryn Mawr, the University of Illinois, and the University of Chicago. In 1902 Wergeland came to the University of Wyoming, where she taught courses in history, French, Spanish, and political economy. Wergeland's talents included writing poetry, sketching, and playing the piano. For eight years she lived with her close friend and colleague Dr. Grace Raymond Hebard, in a home known to students and faculty as "The Doctors' Inn." She died 6 March 1914 in Laramie at the age of 56.

From the guide to the Agnes Mathilde Wergeland papers, 1882-1916, (University of Wyoming. American Heritage Center.)

Agnes Wergeland (1857-1914) was born in Norway. She recieved a PhD from the University of Zurich in 1890 and was the first Norwegian woman to receive a doctoral degree. She emigrated to the U.S. and held a number of teaching positions before coming to the University of Wyoming in 1902, where she taught courses in history, French, and political economy. She lived for many years with fellow professor Grace Raymond Hebard.

From the description of Agnes Mathilde Wergeland papers, 1882-1916. (University of Wyoming, American Heritage Center). WorldCat record id: 45347014

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
creatorOf Wergeland, Agnes N. Correspondence to Henry Charles Lea, 1901. University of Pennsylvania Libraries, Van Pelt Library
creatorOf Agnes Mathilde Wergeland papers, 1882-1916 Univerisity of Wyoming. American Heritage Center.
creatorOf Wergeland, Agnes Mathilde, 1857-1914. Agnes Mathilde Wergeland papers, 1882-1916. Univerisity of Wyoming. American Heritage Center.
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith Hebard, Grace Raymond, 1861-1936. person
associatedWith University of Wyoming corporateBody
Place Name Admin Code Country
Wyoming--Laramie
Wyoming
Wyoming
Subject
College teaching
College teaching
Norwegian Americans
Women educators
Occupation
College teachers
Activity

Person

Birth 1857-05-08

Death 1914-03-06

Norwegian,

English,

German

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SNAC ID: 2050789