The Doctoring Brewers

In the world of medicine, it is rare to find a family whose dedication spans multiple generations, but the Brewers of Kansas are an extraordinary exception. For over a century, this family has carried the torch of healing, passing down not just medical knowledge, but an enduring commitment to their communities. From the battlefields of the Civil War to the front lines of rural healthcare, the Brewer name has become synonymous with service, resilience, and compassion - qualities that have shaped the legacy of this remarkable family of doctors.

The story begins with Dr. Albany Brewer of Warren County, Tenn., born in 1821. Although little information exists about the first Dr. Brewer, it is known that he served as a field doctor during the Civil War. After moving to Missouri, he was listed in the American Medical Directories until his death in 1901. His son, George Henry Brewer, would follow in his father's footsteps.

Dr. George Brewer started his career in Missouri before moving to Oklahoma with his wife, Cynthia McClaflin. During their time in Indian Territory, Dr. Brewer Tragically lost his wife during the birth of their ninth child. Seeking help, he put out an advertisement for a housekeeper, which was answered by a widow named Carry Graves. Shortly after, they married. The family eventually set their sights on Kansas, and after arriving in Liberal, they continued north to settle in Grant County, near Moscow, in 1906. Dr. Brewer set up his practice, becoming a doctor, merchant, and farmer. He filled the role of a frontier doctor, serving wherever needed, while also holding the positions of Doby Postmaster and Grant County Coroner for six terms. His career ended in 1928, after he succumbed to injuries from being struck by a car in El Dorado.

While none of George's children became doctors, many played active roles in the communities of southwest Kansas. Interestingly, Agnes (Hickok) Brewer noted that her husband, Tobe, had a strong interest in medicine, particularly surgery. However, due to the isolation of Grant County and its distance from medical schools, Tobe limited his practice to livestock. When their son, Marshall Brewer, showed an interest in becoming a doctor, they encouraged him to pursue it.

Dr. Marshall Brewer graduated from Grant County Rural High School and attended Garden City Junior College. He later returned to Ulysses to teach and coach basketball, where he met Roberta Brown, who had come to Ulysses to teach seventh grade and music. They married in Wamego, Kan., in 1945. While Marshall attended school in Hays and later the University of Kansas, Roberta continued teaching.

After finishing his studies, Marshall returned to Grant County and began his practice in a house behind his parents' home. Later, he rented a space in the Hickok building at Main and Central. In the early years of his career, Dr. Brewer was the sole doctor serving Grant, Stanton, Haskell, and Stevens counties. These years shaped his reputation as a dedicated doctor who went to great lengths for his patients. He even made house calls, including one notable instance where he helped deliver a newborn in his own home.

In 1951, the opening the Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital changed the landscape of medical care in the area, allowing patients to receive treatment closer to home. In 1958, Dr. Brewer opened the Ulysses Medical Center, where he practiced for the remainder of his career. Over the years, other doctors joined him, including Dr. W.W. Dodson in 1955, who later opened his own practice in 1963, and Dr. Don Tillotson, who joined the clinic in 1966.

Beyond his role as a versatile doctor, Dr. Brewer had many hobbies, including fishing and raising thoroughbred racehorses. He was honored as Grant County Citizen of the Year in 1979, and Pioneer of the Year in 1998. In 1991, the Bob Wilson Emergency Outpatient Department was named in his honor. In 1996, he sold his clinic to Bob Wilson Hospital. After 50 years of serving the community, Dr. Brewer retired in 1997, but stayed in touch with many of his patients until his death in 2000.

The most recent generation of doctors in the Brewer family is represented by Dr. Joseph H. Brewer, the son of Paul Brewer and nephew of Dr. Marshall Brewer. Like his uncle, Dr.  Joseph Brewer graduated from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He specialized in infectious diseases and remained in the Kansas City area, where he worked at St. Luke's Hospital. Dr. Joseph Brewer became well known for his work during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, when the disease first emerged.

The Brewer family's legacy is a testament to the power of dedication, compassion, and service that transcends generations. From Dr. Albany Brewer's beginnings in the Civil War era, to Dr. Joseph Brewer's work on the front lines of infectious diseases, the Brewer name has not only become intertwined with the history of Kansas medicine, but has also left an indelible mark on the communities they served. As each generation of Brewers embraced the call to heal, they solidified a tradition of care that continues to inspire. Their enduring legacy is a reminder that while times may change, the spirit of service remains timeless.