Harry H. Brookhart

HARRY H. BROOKHART, M. D., one of the most successful and well known physicians of Cherokee County is Dr. Harry Brookhart, of Scammon. He was born in Hainesville, Missouri, in 1872. His early mental training was obtained in the public schools of his native place, and he graduated from the high school when very young. Later, he attended the Medical Department of Washington University, in St. Louis, Missouri. He finished the course, graduating in medicine in 1895. After graduating, he immediately began the practice of his profession in Missouri, where he lived for four years. In 1899, being convinced that a greater opportunity awaited him farther West, he moved to Kansas, locating at Scammon, where he has since made his home.

His marriage occurred in 1891. His wife's maiden name was Maggie Miller, of Pittsburg, Kansas. They have only one child, Harry Carter, born in Scammon.

Mr. Brookhart's parents were Dr. Jacob F. and Mary (Bryant) Brookhart, the father being a native of Maryland, and the mother, of Kentucky. The parental family consisted of eight children, five of whom are living,—Cecilia, Ella, John, Iva and Harry H. Dr. Jacob F. Brookhart was a graduate of the Louisville (Kentucky) Medical College. in the class of 1847. He immediately began the practice of medicine, and was engaged in that profession all his life. As a Southern Democrat, he was very prominent in the politics of his State, having been a member of the Legislature at one time. During the war he was a surgeon in the Confederate Army under Lee, and served during the entire conflict. At one time he was taken prisoner in Arkansas, but was later exchanged. His death occurred in 1888, at the age of 64 years. His wife died in 1877, at the age of 49 years.

David Brookhart, the grandfather, was of German descent, and a native of Pennsylvania, but removed to Maryland, afterward living in Kentucky and Missouri. He died in Missouri, at the age of 87 years. The father of David Brookhart came from Germany with two brothers; one settled in the South, one in the North and one in Pennsylvania.

Dr. Brookhart's residence in Scammon has been most helpful to the community, as he has taken a keen interest in everything that is for the advancement of its financial and social interests. He is a good "mixer," courteous and agreeable, painstaking and careful in his diagnosis of cases, and has built up an extensive practice.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Carolyn Ward, instructor from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 5/5/97.