A PLACE IN HISTORY

Sarah Jane Quisenberry, 86, passed away January 13, 2003, in Troy, Ohio.  We don’t normally print obituaries in The World of Welding, so what does this have to do with the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology?  Mrs. Quisenberry held the distinction of being the first black female student at the Hobart Welding School and completed her classes in 1941. 

“I still have Mother’s diploma,” says her only daughter Stephanie Neal.  “She worked at Hobart Brothers Company as a spot welder during the war years and then married my father, Otto Quisenberry, in 1945.  I still have her first company identification badge too.”

It was common for females to attend the Hobart Institute during the World War II era as men left for the battlefields and vacancies existed in the factories.  Hobart Brothers Company was a military supplier producing welders for manufacture and repair of military tanks, trucks, and other equipment. 

An early Hobart ad from that 1940s era indicates, “Women are eagerly and voluntarily aiding the cause of freedom by taking their places in war industries.  Since arc welding is one of America’s most important trades, many women have chosen welding for their war work.  Women find learning to weld very easy.” 

That same ad continues, “After victory, industry will still need women welders – for only 20% of the possible uses for arc welding have been adopted today.  And welding is one of America’s highest paying trades!”

Sarah Jane was born in London, Ohio, to the late Elmer and Mindora Jenkins.  She graduated from London High School and moved to Troy to find work.  In later years, Mrs. Quisenberry worked at Stouder Memorial Hospital and retired from there.  She was a member of Zion Baptist Church in Troy for more than 60 years.  Sarah Jane Quisenberry indeed earned her place in history.