Kansan inducted into Alaska Women's Hall of Fame

CREATED Mar. 3, 2013

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) A Kansas nurse known as the "Angel of the Yukon'' has been inducted into the Alaska Women's Hall of Fame for her work during the 1925 diphtheria epidemic in Alaska.

Emily Morgan, born in Leon in 1878, risked her life by walking in sub-zero temperatures to inoculate residents of Nome, Alaska, and stop the spread of the deadly disease in the region.

Author Steve Levi, of Anchorage, told The Associated Press he was researching another project and came across an article about Morgan and contacted the Kansas Historical Society to learn more about her.

He was so impressed with Morgan's accomplishments he contacted the Alaska Women's Hall of Fame, and nominated her for the honor.

Morgan and 14 other women were inducted into the Hall of Fame this past Thursday.