Agnes Jones

A carte-de-visite portrait of Agnes Elizabeth Jones (1832-1868), who became the first trained Nursing Superintendent of Liverpool Workhouse Infirmary. Born at Fahan in County Donegal [Ireland], she instituted a system of trained nurses at the Brownlow Hill workhouse in Liverpool. She died, aged only 35, from typhus fever in 1868. Florence Nightingale said of Agnes Elizabeth Jones, ‘She overworked as others underwork. I looked upon hers as one of the most valuable lives in England.’

A small newspaper cutting tucked in behind the portrait gives the following details: 'The Liverpool Mercury states that a service in memoriam of the late Miss Jones, the originator of the system of trained nurses for workhouses, took place in the workhouse church, Brownlow-hill. Miss Jones died of fever caught in the discharge of her duties. Teneram's "Angel of the Resurrection," a fine piece of sculpture, presented by Mr. Rathbone, M.P., has been placed in the church as a monument to her memory. The sermon at the memorial service was preached by the Bishop of Derry, the former pastor and friend of the deceased lady.'

Photographed by Henry Death of 119, Camberwell Road, London.