News – Sheridan Media
Today, there are many women doctors, but in the late 1800s and early 1900s, there were very few.
The first licensed woman doctor in Wyoming was Dr. Lillian Heath of Rawlins. In 1881, she was an assistant to Dr. Thomas Maghee, who helped Dr. Osborn, examine the brain of outlaw Big Nose George Parrott. Osborn cut the skull cap off to examine the brain, and gave the skull cap to 16-year-old Lillian Heath as a souvenir.
Later she became the first licensed woman doctor in Wyoming. Heath kept the skull cap for years using it as a door stop, and her husband used it as a tobacco pipe ashtray. Later, she donated it to the Union Pacific Museum in Omaha, Nebraska.
One thing a doctor often encountered in frontier Wyoming were gun-shot wounds. Heath is mentioned in the Rawlins Republican, July 12, 1895 – (This was after a shooting near Rawlins) The two bullets were removed from Smith after he was brought in Tuesday. Dr. Heath and Dr. Maghee cut out the one which entered his right side and lodged in the back.
She is mentioned in this story in The Saratoga Sun, August 15, 1895 – F.M. Baker, county assessor, accompanied by Dr. Heath, county physician and Miss Mamie Miller, came over from Rawlins Thursday evening for a short visit to the future metropolis of Carbon County. They went up to South Spring creek fishing Saturday and were accompanied by the Misses Edna and Nellie Bennett.
Carbon County Journal, February 2, 1895 – Dr. Lillian Heath, of Rawlins, has been appointed assistant county physician by Dr. Johnson, of Carbon, the county physician.
Carbon County Journal, September 28, 1901
A few years later Sheridan had a lady doctor, Dr. Anna G. Hurd.
This from The Sheridan Post, March 14, 1911 –Dr. A. G. Hurd Appointed Member of State Board of Health—Governor Pay a High Compliment to Women of State. Governor Joseph M. Carey has paid a very high compliment to the women of Wyoming In the appointment of one of their number to membership on the state board of health. It is a recognition the sex is fully entitled to in a state where women exercise the franchise and are eligible to hold public office. It was very evident last November that the woman vote was for Judge Carey. This vote can always be depended upon to take the side that makes for the state’s best interest. Dr. Anna G. Hurd, of this city, who is the recipient of the honor of membership on the state board, has been a successful practicing physician since 1904, being a graduate of the Denver and Gross Medical college of that year, she entered Gross Medical in 1900, and in 1902 Gross was consolidated with the Denver Medical, and her diploma is from the Denver and Gross Medical.
Dr. Hurd was born in Macon county, Missouri, just when, it would be impolite to say. She came to Wyoming with her parents when 5 years of age. She obtained her schooling in Sheridan county, and graduated from the Sheridan High school in 1896, being a member of the third class that received diplomas from that institution. Her ambition from a child had been the study and practice of medicine.
On Christmas eve, 1896, Anna G. Glenn was married to Mr. Lyman F. Hurd, at that time a young newspaperman. They removed from Sheridan to Denver. She took hospital work in the Arapahoe county hospital at Denver.
Dr. Hurd is a valued member of the Sheridan County Medical society, Wyoming State Medical society and the American Medical Association. In her profession she enjoys the highest esteem of the medical profession and the people of the city. Dr. Hurd is the mother of ‘three bright children, two sons aged 13 and 11 respectively, and a daughter of five.’
Aside from her profession she is a plain American mother and housekeeper and presides over one of the most comfortable homes in the city. At spare times she is interested in the work of the several Woman’s clubs and is a welcome guest in society and a very accomplished entertainer in her own home. Mr. Hurd, the real but modest head of the family, is a well-known Sheridan businessman, being business manager of the Sheridan Post and secretary of the Sheridan Chamber of Commerce and therefore shines by no reflected light from his accomplished wife. Dr. Hurd has received many congratulations upon the honor Governor Carey has bestowed upon her, and her appointment will prove popular throughout the state.
The Sheridan Post, May 9, 1911
The Sheridan Post, December 12, 1911 – Private Hospital Dr. Hurd in Charge —Splendid Location on Residence Hill —Modern Equipment. Answering a long-felt need, work was commenced last week on a large addition to the Hurd residence on Kilbourne street, Residence Hill to be occupied when completed as a private hospital.
Later another addition will be built and should the demand warrant a larger building to be occupied exclusively for hospital purposes will be erected. The hospital will be in charge of Dr. Anna G Hurd, county health physician and one of the leading members of the local medical fraternity. Together, the two additions will accommodate a liberal number of patients.
Quarters for nurses and housekeeper will also be provided. The hospital will be equipped in the most approved manner and cozily furnished, giving it a home like air not found in larger institutions. It is hoped to have it ready by January 1st. While cases of a general nature will be admitted, it is planned to make the hospital primarily an institution for women and children, special attention will be given maternity cases. Cases of contagious diseases will not be admitted. The location is ideal for such an institution. Situated above the noise and smoke of the flats, affording a magnificent view of the mountains and overlooking the city on the north, with open country on the west and an abundance of fresh air, it is all that could be asked. This in conjunction with the fact that the hospital will be modern in every respect, with trained nurses and experienced attendants, should make it popular from the first.
Several women doctors practiced over the years in Sheridan, one was Lucile K. Kuchera who practiced medicine in the towns of Monarch and Acme during the 1950s.
Feature photo taken at the Hot Springs County Museum in Thermopolis. Big Nose George skull photo taken at Carbon County Museum in Rawlins. Photos by C. Vannoy.
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Last modified: December 1, 2025