Abbott was the name of two sisters who were American social-work pioneers. They were born in Grand Island, Nebr.
Edith Abbott
(1876-1957) taught at the Chicago School of Civics and Philanthropy and was dean of the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration from 1924 to 1942. She fought against injustices in the treatment of the poor, and was a critic of politics in welfare programs. She helped awaken the government to its responsibility in the welfare field.
Grace Abbott
(1878-1939) served as chief of the United States Children’s Bureau from 1921 to 1934, and fought for the rights of women and children throughout the world. She was a member of the Committee on Economic Security which developed the Social Security Act.
