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Early, pre-1900, McCook physicians
In McCook's early years, there were a number of medical men in the community. For instance, in 1890 there were at least eight persons who answered to the name of Doctor. At least half of these persons did not have regular "Medical School backed credentials." In those days most of these "Medical Men" were often welcomed into the Medical fraternity, regardless of formal credentials, though even then there was still a distinction between "regular" and "irregular" members.
In a story in the May 13, 1883 edition of the McCook Weekly Tribune, an early day operation is described: "Last Tuesday at the McCook Hotel, Drs. Willey and Johnson performed an uncommon and difficult operation on John Johnson of Scandinavia. The operation was that of removing a fibro cartilaginous tumor from the lower extremities of the spinal column which had been growing for the last 12 years, and when taken off and weighed, tipped the scales at 11 1/2 pounds. The time consumed in this operation was just 27 minutes from the time of putting the patient to sleep until the sutures and adhesive straps were applied and the patient had returned to consciousness, and the operation was pronounced finished. We must say that the feat was accomplished to perfection and proves to us that Drs. Willey and Johnson are reliable and can accomplish anything in the way of surgical operations, we being an eyewitness to the whole proceedings. The tumor is now on exhibition at the B. & M. Pharmacy, put up in alcohol, and shows what surgery and science can do. On waking up from his stupor, the patient said he felt better than he had for six years."
One of McCook' s very early physicians was Dr. Zachius L. Kay, of Kentucky, who graduated from the University of Louisville in 1876. After graduation he practiced medicine for a short time in Illinois. Of interest is that while in Illinois, the first baby that he delivered (of more than 3,000 in his career) was George McClain, who later became the Sheriff of Red Willow County Nebraksa. Dr. Kay came to Nebraska in 1884 (with lawyer Thomas Colfer) and practiced medicine in McCook until his death in 1937.
Dr. Kay was a man of great abilities. Early settlers described him as being of noble character. Though medicine was somewhat primitive on the frontier he was inventive in developing procedures and improving surgical instruments for use in his practice, "to alleviate pain and suffering in this area." Upon his death these "frontier day vintage instruments" were willed to St. Catherine's Hospital.
Smoking, in the early days, was widespread and Dr. Kay was somewhat unique in that he preached to his patients, with great vigor, of the evils and danger to health of the "vile habit." This, however, did not prevent Dr. Kay, himself, from smoking big black cigars. He also counseled his patients about the importance of eating well, and avoiding between meal snacks. Yet, Dr. Kay was a regular at the local restaurants at coffee time.
Dr. Kay was a long time chairman of the "Sanity Board." He was a caring man and enjoyed the confidence of the many people he interviewed over the years. According to an article in the Gaette, "he was said to have a shrewd insight for a man who had little formal training in psychology."
Dr. Alonzo P. Welles practiced medicine in McCook from 1888 to 1906. Even though his training was as a Homeopath he enjoyed a fine reputation in medical circles. He was a member of the Nebraska State Medical Association, and served a term as President of that group. He was a graduate of the Hahnemann Homeopathic College in Chicago and had practiced in Chicago and Aurora, Neb., before coming to McCook.
Dr. Welles was a lad of 16 when he enlisted in the Union Army with his father, in 1861 . After numerous battles both were captured in North Carolina, in 1864, and were sent to the infamous Southern Prison, Andersonville. They were finally paroled in the last days of the Civil War, but upon arriving home they learned that Alonzo's mother, believing that her husband and son were both dead, had moved to another state.
Dr. Welles was very active in community affairs during his years in McCook, including the GAR, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and the Brotherhood of St. Paul and Anti-Saloon League. He was also Sunday School Superintendent of the Methodist Church and sang in the Methodist Choir.
Upon his death in 1906, the McCook Tribune commented, "Departed was an educated, cultured, patriotic, Christian gentleman."
Dr. W. V. Gage took over the practice of Dr. B. B. Davis in 1893 . Dr. Gage was a very forward-looking individual. Professionally: He opened McCook's first hospital, a five-bed facility above McCook's bank. When he heard that an anti-toxin had proven to be a cure for diphtheria, Dr. Gage ordered some of the anti-toxin directly from the manufacturers to treat diphtheria cases in the McCook area.
And he was forward looking transportationally as well: A news item in 1895 reported, ". . . he rode to Indianola on a bicycle to make a professional call" That mode of transportation must have appealed to him, for a later item reported, "Dr. W. V. Gage traded a horse, buggy and everything that belongs to the rig to Charles Leach for one of his new bicycles." A few years later, in 1902, "Dr. W. V. Gage received his automobile and has devoted his spare time to diagnosing the mechanism of its motor system. At first it was weak and unable to climb a hill, but after several treatments this ailment was overcome. The automobile is a very neat little wagon and attracts much attention as it speeds almost noiselessly along the street without any visible means of propelling it."
Dr. Gage left McCook in 1903 to renew an association with his predecessor, Dr. B. B. Davis, when he accepted a professorship at the Omaha Medical College.
Dr. Gage was also the father of Jack Gage, who became Governor of Wyoming, yet another man to become Governor of a state who claimed McCook as his hometown.
Dr. Emma Easterday arrived in McCook, with her husband in 1893. At that time she practiced as an Osteopath, a graduate of the Hahnemann Homeopathic College in Chicago. Later she returned to Medical School and earned her M.D. at the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery. She practiced medicine in McCook, one of the few women doctors in the area, until shortly before her death in 1937.
Dr. Easterday was a very spunky lady. She quickly proved her medical skills and was accepted by the medical men of the community. In May 1896, Dr. Easterday assisted Dr. Gage in an appendicitis operation. The Tribune reported, ". . . it was thought to be the first operation of its kind in this part of Nebraska."
Dr. Easterday's husband was one ofthe original homesteaders in the area. He was also one of the founders of Real and Easterday Store in McCook. When Mr. Easterday passed away in 1900 Dr. Easterday assumed her husband's duties at the store. She continued to operate this business, along with her medical practice, until her death.
The Easterdays built a fine Victorian home at 312 East 2nd St. in McCook, which also served as her office. The present owners, Brett and Kristin Brown, have recently restored this home to its original glory
Sources: McCook Gazette, Centennial Edition, 1882-1982 Trails West, by Bob Ray and Lois Rutledge