Davis, Katharine Bement (1860–1935)

Katharine Bement Davis was a nationally and internationally recognized pioneer in penology and prison reform. She was one of the first women to hold the top office in corrections in one of the largest cities in America and, in addition, she contributed ideas about the causes of crime and the effectiveness of treatment. Davis was a highly public figure, who spoke passionately about her work in the field and influenced policymakers and practitioners alike on the design and operation of prisons and reformatories.

Katharine Davis was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1860. Her parents were reformers. In the 10 years following her high school graduation she worked as a teacher before leaving that profession to pursue a degree at Vassar College. She then was granted a political economics fellowship and went on to obtain a doctorate at the University of Chicago. Returning to Vassar, she taught for several years before being appointed in 1901 to run the first female reformatory, Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, in Westfield, New York. She remained as superintendent of Bedford Hills for 13 years.