Biographical Sketches
LYMAN ADAMS BERGER
One of the best known physicians in the State of Missouri, is a western man by birth and interests, and is a typical representative of the progressive spirit of this section.
He was born in Lebanon, Illinois, on the 22nd of November, 1853, and is a son of Dr. Adolph and Cecelia (Adams) Berger, the former a native of Worms, Germany and the latter of Kentucky. The father was a graduate of the Heidelberg Medical College and came to this country in 1848 during the uprising of the students of that justly celebrated institution. He located in Lebanon, Illinois, where he immediately entered upon the practice of medicine, and his superior ability won recognition by a liberal patronage. Fame and fortune rewarded him and he was known as one of the most eminent physicians in the section of the state in which he located. He is still living in Lebanon, but is now retired, enjoying the rest which he has truly earned. He was prominent in public and political affairs but cared nothing for office. The family numbered 8 children, 4 of whom died in infancy, while 1 sister died at the age of 30 years. The surviving members are Lyman A.; W. E., cashier of the Jefferson Avenue Bank of St. Louis; and Albert L, an attorney of Kansas City and county auditor of Wyandotte county.
Dr. Berger, whose name introduces this review, spent his childhood days under the parental roof in Lebanon, and completed his literary education in McKendree College, at which he was graduated in 1871. He now determined to enter the medical profession, for which nature seemed to have destined him. He early displayed special talent, which was developed by thorough study and close application. He pursued a course in the St. Louis Medical College, and was graduated with the class of 1874. He immediately began practice in Trenton, Illinois, where he continued 2 years, when on account of failing health he sought a home in the west, practicing for about 2 years in Idaho City, Idaho. In February, 1880, he arrived in Kansas City, where he has since engaged in general practice, working his way steadily upward until he is today recognized as one of the most eminent members of the profession in the state. In 1887 he went with his father to Europe and took a special course in obstetrics in Berlin and Vienna. For 10 years he has been the sole medical attendant at the Home for the Aged, and is chief of the staff of the German hospital. He occupied the chair of hygiene and clinical medicine in the University Medical College, and for 8 years has been professor of obstetrics in that institution. He is the obstetrician at All Saints Hospital, and established the first obstetrical dispensary in the University Medical College, this being the first in the United States. He has also been secretary of the faculty of that school for 7 years; in 1890 was secretary of the State Medical Society of Missouri, and in 1891 was first vice-president of the Pan-American Medical Congress, in the section on obstetrics, at Washington, District of Columbia. His reputation partakes nothing of a meteoric character: it is the legitimate outcome of a skill and ability that have resulted from earnest application, thorough study, dep investigation and devotion to his chosen calling.
He has been twice married. In 1871 he wedded Miss L. E. Dausman, by whom he had 4 children, 3 yet living, namely: Haidee F., Lillie J., and Grace. The mother died in 1876 and in 1879 Dr. Berger married Ms. E. Eldon, of Syracuse, New York. She is a cultured and educated lady, and is a member of the Episcopal church.
The Doctor is a valued member of the Masonic fraternity - a Knight Templar and a Mystic �Shriner�. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias and several other societies, and is the medical examiner for the endowment rank of the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of Honor, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the National Life Insurance Company of Vermont. In manner he is ever courteous and genial, and has a large circle of friends who have been won both through business and social relations.
This page was last updated August 2, 2006.