First Black Intern and Doctor at the Indianapolis City Hospital

Dr. Sumner Furniss (30 Jan 1874 – 18 Jan 1953). Furniss was born in Mississippi and graduated at the top (some resources say 2nd, others say 3rd) of his class of 54 students in 1894 at the Medical College of Indianapolis. He interned at Indianapolis City Hospital, the first African American to do so.

He practiced for over 50 years in the city, being one of only a few Black doctors to hold a membership in the Marion County and Indiana medical societies. Furniss helped found the Lincoln Hospital for African Americans when he and other Black doctors were denied admitting privileges at the city’s hospitals. He served on the city council from 1918-22, and on the Boards of Flanner House and the Senate Avenue YMCA. When he passed, he was the longest serving Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Prince Hall Affiliation.