Julia Lathrop
(1858-1932)

American Social Reformer

birthdate: June 29
birthplace: Rockford, Illinois

Julia Lathrop played a major role in reforming the juvenile judicial system, and was an ardent advocate for the mentally ill, immigrants, equal rights for women, child welfare and social reform. In 1912, President Taft appointed Julia Lathrop the first head of the Children's Bureau -- she was the first woman to be in charge of a federal agency. In 1925 she was appointed to the Child Welfare Committee created by the League of Nations.