Fannie Breeze (1832-1912) was a Black midwife who assisted women in Orange County. Fannie was born into enslavement, owned by the white enslaver and farmer Samuel H. Breeze. Fannie married Stanford Breeze, a Black man whose state of freedom is unknown.
Fannie practiced midwifery when the state of North Carolina was gradually professionalizing the practice. This change occurred over the latter half of the 19th century. In 1885, midwives were exempt from needing a state license to practice; by 1893, the state Board of Health kept record of midwives’ names and addresses, and required their certification for births. By 1917, all midwives in North Carolina had to receive certification from the state. However, it is unknown whether the implementation of these laws included or excluded women of color in the definition of a professional midwife. Because Fannie Breeze was enslaved for part of her life, it is unknown whether the state recognized her work.
Regardless of her recognition as a midwife by the state, Fannie Breeze is still well-remembered among Orange County families. She was known for assisting all women who needed help with their births and indeed became an honorary family member to many whom she assisted. She is the namesake for Fanny’s Ford on the Eno River. Fannie Breeze is buried in the Pleasant Green United Methodist Church Cemetery in Orange County.