Zilpha Drew Smith

Background

Smith, Zilpha Drew was born in 1852 in Pembroke, Massachusetts, United States. Daughter of Silvanus (ship-builder) and Judith Winsor (McLauthlin) Smith.

Education

Graduate Girls’ High and Normal School, Boston, 1868.

Career

Began as telegraph operator, later in charge of department in a mercantile agency and of records in probate office. Employed by Associate Charities of Boston from its establishment, most of time as general secretary, 1879-1904. Chairman of Commission on Organization of Charity, 1888, and on Needy Families in Their Homes, 1901 (both in National Conference Charities).

Associate director Boston School for Social Workers, 1904-1916. President Massachusetts State Conference Charities, 1909. Trustee Esther M. Hawks Trust (educational).

Membership

Served at various times as civil service examiner for philanthropic or semi-philanthropic positions.

Connections

Father:

Silvanus Smith