In 1826, Dr. James Barry, a Royal British Army surgeon, performed the worlds first successful cesarean operation. It was one of Dr. James Barry many major medical contributions from improved hygiene standards and improved diet for patients, to promoting a plant-based treatment for syphilis and gonorrhea.

He was also a vocal advocate for humane and improved care for prisoners, asylum patients and leprosy patients as well as increased sanitation and regulation of health professionals when in charge of South Africa’s health system as a colonial inspector. His career as an army surgeon and physician alone would make him a notable figure, however he became most famous for a personal matter he wished to keep secret – that he was assigned female at birth.

Dr. Barry retired in 1864, and died from dysentery on Jul. 25, 1865. Sophia Bishop, the charwoman who took care of the body, examined his anatomy and revealed after the funeral that Berry was a female. Berry, formerly named Margaret Ann Buckley, was the niece of James Barry, a celebrated Irish artist and professor of painting at London’s Royal Academy.