C. W. McConkey

Dr. C. W. (Doc) McConkey practiced veterinary medicine in Henry County for 59 years, from 1914 until 1973. He was still working when he passed away at age 82 and was well known by both town and country folks from all over northwestern Ohio.

Doc was born July 27, 1890, in Fulton County, the son of Melvin and Susan (Johnson) McConkey. He was graduated from Cincinnati Veterinary College in 1914. On April 14 of that year he went into partnership with Dr. Karl H. Kolbe at Palmer's livery stable located on North Perry Street across from the Heller-Aller Manufacturing Co.

In those days Doc's main patients were work horses. As times changed, so did his practice. When horses were phased out on farms and replaced by livestock, Doc began making "Country Calls" in his Ford Roadster. Small animals, such as dogs, cats, and other pets, were also part of his practice. If there was a sick animal around Henry County, there was a good chance that Doc would be treating it. His patients ranged in size from parakeets to elephants. He was assisted from 1945 until his death by Anna Gebers of Napoleon.

Doc never went in much for fancy medicines, equipment or prices. He treated animals and people fairly. There was many a time he took something other than cash for payment.

He wasn't just a good "horse" doctor, he was a good man. There are many a person living in or around Henry County today who can remember Doc treating an animal for the cost of the medicine (or for free,) or contributing to some personal or public charity. He was not only a credit to his profession but to a way of life that barely exists today.

Submitted by Marilyn Fruth