Isabel Hughes Chapin Barrows became the first woman employed by the State Department in 1868 after her husband, Samuel J. Barrows, became ill. Barrows was WHS's stenographer and Isabel took over his work. In 18680910WHS_FWS1, WHS says "Mr Barrows improves fast Mrs Barrows is still his substitute." Isabel Barrows went on to also become the first female ophthalmologist and worked in reform issues such as African American and Native American rights, as well as Prison Reform.