Chapter 1, 82 Years in Brief

Excerpts from The Official History of Chiropractic in Texas

By Dr. Walter R. Rhodes

Published by Texas Chiropractic Association, 303 International Life Building, Austin, TX 78701.  As authorized by the various Boards of Directors of the Texas Chiropractic Association from 1958 to 1977, the idea first being presented to the board by E. L. Bauknight in 1958.

These excerpts are presented for educational purposes.

Just before the turn of the century Mid-America gave birth to chiropractic, a new and desirable form of treatment for sick and suffering humanity.

It would seem to any reasonable person that a new scientific endeavor, especially one that worked demonstrably good results on a consistent basis, would be more than welcome.

It has, if one takes the limited view, had many battles, hard struggles and narrow victories; throughly mixed with frustration, occasional defeats and doses of pessimism; and still more struggles face it in the future.

But a historian must look at the whole picture and see individual events, however painful they might have been at the time, as an apart of the overall pattern.  Only the larger view paints the true picture.

Chapter 2, The Founding and Before

Excerpts from The Official History of Chiropractic in Texas

By Dr. Walter R. Rhodes

Published by Texas Chiropractic Association, 303 International Life Building, Austin, TX 78701.As authorized by the various Boards of Directors of the Texas Chiropractic Association from 1958 to 1977, the idea first being presented to the board by E. L. Bauknight in 1958.

These excerpts are presented for educational purposes.

Chiropractic officially dates its birth from September 18, 1895, when D. D. Palmer successfully adjusted the spine of Harvey Lilliard, a janitor in the building where he had his offices, and Lillard’s hearing abruptly returned.  Palmer, born March 7, 1845, was 50 years old at the time.

But it is unfair, really, to date it from there unless one has a fairly broad understanding of events going on before.  A surprising amount of background is now available to help explain events that played substantial roles in the history of the first 10 years, ….

At the great gatherings of chiropractors even today the parts played and the lasting influence of the three greatest men are discussed …. The trio we must consider are D. D. Palmer, Willard Carver, and B. J. Palmer and the story really begins when we realize that the families of D. D. Palmer and Willard Carver were neighbors since before 1882 ….

Chapter 3, The Death of D.D. Palmer

Excerpts from The Official History of Chiropractic in Texas

By Dr. Walter R. Rhodes

Published by Texas Chiropractic Association, 303 International Life Building, Austin, TX 78701.As authorized by the various Boards of Directors of the Texas Chiropractic Association from 1958 to 1977, the idea first being presented to the board by E. L. Bauknight in 1958.

These excerpts are presented for educational purposes.

D. D. Palmer had a strong sense of personal ownership concerning anything chiropractic but his always erratic feelings of responsibility became even less reliable with the passage of time and circumstances.  He established schools at the drop of a hat and taught until he wanted to move on, issuing “diplomas” with no particular set of standards except his own at the moment.  ...

The personal ownership that had once been his for a short time in 1895-1898 was now gone forever.  It’s really a compliment of the first order to him to realize that his idea was bigger than any one man, including himself, and it had grown into a profession needing increasing teaching, regulation and intense research that could be given only by greater numbers of applied minds.  This was 1913, only a bare two years away from the first state licensing laws in Arkansas, Kansas and Iowa ….

Chapter 4, The First Arrivals in Texas

Excerpts from The Official History of Chiropractic in Texas

By Dr. Walter R. Rhodes

Published by Texas Chiropractic Association, 303 International Life Building, Austin, TX 78701.As authorized by the various Boards of Directors of the Texas Chiropractic Association from 1958 to 1977, the idea first being presented to the board by E. L. Bauknight in 1958.

These excerpts are presented for educational purposes.

Things were not the same then as now.  It seems redundant to mention that we now live in the midst of communication, ease of travel, fast mail, annual conventions and, if we need to know anything quickly, long distance telephone.

In 1895 Texas was but a frontier – not almost a frontier nor barely past a frontier – but a genuine frontier.  The scars of the Civil War were only a few years past.  The state government was still trying to shake off the carpetbaggers’ influence and replace their inefficient ways.

Texas had many gaps in its legal machinery – a 26 year period, for examples, with no laws whatsoever regulating medical practices – was just barely behind.  The railroads and telegraph lines were the steel and wire wrappings that held the whole state together.  People were mostly concentrated in the locations the cattle and railroad interests used as centers with Ft. Worth, Dallas, Sherman, San Antonio, Texarkana, El Paso, and Abilene serving as good examples.

Educational facilities throughout the state operated largely in the same frontier-like atmosphere.  Theories of health and disease were rife and laughable according to the standards of today – or frightening if those were the best one had to live or die by.

Chapter 5, Iron Men

Excerpts from The Official History of Chiropractic in Texas

By Dr. Walter R. Rhodes

Published by Texas Chiropractic Association, 303 International Life Building, Austin, TX 78701.As authorized by the various Boards of Directors of the Texas Chiropractic Association from 1958 to 1977, the idea first being presented to the board by E. L. Bauknight in 1958.

These excerpts are presented for educational purposes.

The chiropractors came to stay.  It was their intention to render a service to their neighbors, a service so valuable it would be the source of their living, and so unique they would have no real competitors.

The vehement opposition springing up against them almost immediately would have succeeded in its intent if these conditions had not been met.  The chiropractor’s defense when arrested for practicing medicine without a license was always accompanied with character recommendations, usually from the town’s leading citizenry, and such citizens all across Texas would not have consistently made these recommendations if they had not received a valued service they wanted to be sure they could receive again, or assure that their family and friends would have available in time of need.  Their insistence on its availability superseded any friendships with the medical profession which would have cheerfully, blindly and unreasonably denied them that service.

And the chiropractors’ roots sunk deeply into the community life in all its phases.  The children were in the local schools, the whole family went to church, political affairs were attended, social clubs and civic organizations were participated in and the entire fabric of their lives was woven into the community.

Even the children and wives often needed to be as determined as their fathers.  In the 1920s and 1930s it was very common for chiropractors to be denied membership in civic clubs and their children were sometimes deliberately embarrassed by the defenders of the status quo.

Chapter 6, The Three Great Survival Factors

Excerpts from The Official History of Chiropractic in Texas

By Dr. Walter R. Rhodes

Published by Texas Chiropractic Association, 303 International Life Building, Austin, TX 78701.As authorized by the various Boards of Directors of the Texas Chiropractic Association from 1958 to 1977, the idea first being presented to the board by E. L. Bauknight in 1958.

These excerpts are presented for educational purposes.

The 1917-1918 influenza epidemic swept silently across the world bringing death and fear to homes in every land.  Disease and pestilence, especially the epidemics, are little understood even now and many of the factors that spread them are still mysterious shadows, but in 1917-1918 almost nothing was known about prevention, protection, treatment or cure of influenza.  The whole world stood at its mercy, or lack of it.

But out of that particular epidemic, the young science of chiropractic grew into a new measure of safety.  While many struggles would lie ahead, this successful passage of the profession into early maturity assured its immediate survival and made the eventual outcome of chiropractic a matter for optimism.  If there had been any lack of enthusiasm among the doctors of chiropractic, or a depleting of the sources of students then the epidemic took care of them too.  

These chiropractic survivors of the flu epidemic were sure, assured, determined, and ready to fight any battle that came up.  The effect of the epidemic becomes evident in interviews made with old-timers practicing in those years.  The refrain comes repeatedly, “I was about to go out of business when the flu epidemic came – but when it was over, I was firmly established in practice.” Why?

Chapter 7, The Ad that Turned the Corner

Excerpts from The Official History of Chiropractic in Texas

By Dr. Walter R. Rhodes

Published by Texas Chiropractic Association, 303 International Life Building, Austin, TX 78701.As authorized by the various Boards of Directors of the Texas Chiropractic Association from 1958 to 1977, the idea first being presented to the board by E. L. Bauknight in 1958.

These excerpts are presented for educational purposes.

Dr. S T. McMurrain of Dallas, Texas, has the dubious distinction of being one of the two chiropractors named in the official Texas Medical History as part of the “chiropractic threat,” and he deserved to be a part of their history because he was, in fact, a vocal part of a force they spent much time and money to silence, but they only succeeded for one day – one day in jail.  The Executive Committee of the Texas Medical Association, meeting in El Paso in 1927 spent more time than that reporting his activities and planning how to stop him more effectively in the future.

Indeed he was a most excellent aggravation to them and deserves much more than a mere honorable mention in either medical or chiropractic history.

Chapter 8, The Courts in Action

Excerpts from The Official History of Chiropractic in Texas

By Dr. Walter R. Rhodes

Published by Texas Chiropractic Association, 303 International Life Building, Austin, TX 78701.As authorized by the various Boards of Directors of the Texas Chiropractic Association from 1958 to 1977, the idea first being presented to the board by E. L. Bauknight in 1958.

These excerpts are presented for educational purposes.

The courts were in a rather strange position.  That the chiropractors hauled into court were guilty of violating the law as it was written was an obvious fact.

But juries often have a way of seeing the injustice in bad laws and when they do all the evidence in the world will only add up to a “not guilty” verdict – and that’s exactly what happened most of the time – but not always.

Chapter 9, A Little Wide on the Axle

 Excerpts from The Official History of Chiropractic in Texas

By Dr. Walter R. Rhodes

Published by Texas Chiropractic Association, 303 International Life Building, Austin, TX 78701.As authorized by the various Boards of Directors of the Texas Chiropractic Association from 1958 to 1977, the idea first being presented to the board by E. L. Bauknight in 1958.

These excerpts are presented for educational purposes.

A wagon wheel running a bit wide on the axle attracts attention the other three do not.  It may squeak and wobble or may quietly leave a distinctive track, but it can never be doubted that it deserves – yea, requires – extra attention.

The profession of chiropractic has had men who rode a little wide on the axle.  Some have gotten the attention they deserved while still living, but others have not.

Chapter 10, Texas’ Own School

Excerpts from The Official History of Chiropractic in Texas

By Dr. Walter R. Rhodes

Published by Texas Chiropractic Association, 303 International Life Building, Austin, TX 78701.As authorized by the various Boards of Directors of the Texas Chiropractic Association from 1958 to 1977, the idea first being presented to the board by E. L. Bauknight in 1958.

These excerpts are presented for educational purposes.

The Texas Chiropractic College was established in September, 1908 in downtown San Antonio by Dr. J. N. Stone, M.D., D.C.[1] who was probably a very recent graduate of the Carver Chiropractic College, or possibly of the Palmer School of Chiropractic.  Its first graduate was Dr. A. R. Luttrell, also a medical doctor.

The exact street number location of the first school offices remains unknown,[2] but according to Dr. John Lege, it was on West Commerce, which was the location of the School from 1908 until September, 1919, when the facilities were moved to the Free Press for Texas Building on E. Commerce St., Across from the department store, Joske’s of Texas.[3]

On April 16, 1913, the school was chartered by the State of Texas and soon thereafter issued its first catalogue, which indicated the school had been offering a 12 month course of study since its inception.[4]

Chapter 11, Prelude to the Legislature

Excerpts from The Official History of Chiropractic in Texas

By Dr. Walter R. Rhodes

Published by Texas Chiropractic Association, 303 International Life Building, Austin, TX 78701.As authorized by the various Boards of Directors of the Texas Chiropractic Association from 1958 to 1977, the idea first being presented to the board by E. L. Bauknight in 1958.

These excerpts are presented for educational purposes.

Texas’ chiropractors have been blessed with doctors possessing extraordinary ability in the field of politics.  Being a minority profession they were usually unable to afford the services of lawyers or professional politicians as lobbyists to represent their interests in the legislative halls.  But that was undoubtedly a blessing in disguise because no hired lobbyist could ever have given the necessary zeal and dedication to the cause of chiropractic over so long a period as was done by the doctors themselves.

Among these men were Dr. Harvey H. Kennedy of Longview; Dr. Walter Fischer, and his wife, Nell, of Temple; Dr. G. M. Brassard of Beaumont; Dr. S. M. Elliott of Dayton; Dr. F. L. Charlton of Austin; Dr. R. E. Hurting and his father Dr. R. C. Hurting both of San Antonio; Dr. J. R. Drain of San Antonio; Dr. Elton Berkman of Colorado City; Dr. Melvin Garrett of Waco; Drs. Lee and charlie Lemly of Waco; Dr. R. S. Florence of Tyler; Dr. F. A. Black of Wichita Falls and the Dickson sisters, Dr. Lucille and Dr. Beulah of Corsicana; Dr. A. B. Horne of Corsicana, Dr. Devere Biser of Dallas; Dr. L. George Grupe of San Angelo; Dr. Ernest Cheney of Jasper; Dr. E. P. Bunn of Mineola; Dr. W. V. Shaw and Dr. Roy LeMond of Austin.

Chapter 12, The People Begin to Speak

Excerpts from The Official History of Chiropractic in Texas

By Dr. Walter R. Rhodes

Published by Texas Chiropractic Association, 303 International Life Building, Austin, TX 78701.As authorized by the various Boards of Directors of the Texas Chiropractic Association from 1958 to 1977, the idea first being presented to the board by E. L. Bauknight in 1958.

These excerpts are presented for educational purposes.

The legislature was the battleground for the struggle the chiropractors could not afford to lose.  It is often said, half in jest, that when the legislature is in session no man, his profession or his home is safe until it adjourns.  But for those who work in the healing arts, there is no jest to it – the legislature is their lifeline.

The chiropractors’ early struggles in the courts from 1906 to the 1930s were only prelude battles and served to emphasize the need for legislation as well as to lay the public relations groundwork the chiropractors would desperately need in the years to come.

Although it could hardly be comforting at the time for the McMurrains, the Shaws, the Blacks, the Stanphills, and the Myers, they probably sensed their sacrifices would somehow have good purposes.  Their cases demonstrated several points, not the least of which was the utter exclusiveness of the medical practice act when administered by persons with personal axes to grind.  

The medical practice act had its roots in the Republic of Texas Constitution of 1837;[1]  it was repealed in 1847 by the 2nd Legislature of Texas in a general repealing law and the state was without medical practice regulations during the Mexican War and the Civil War and a short while following – a total period of twenty-six years.

Chapter 13, The Two Chiropractic Laws 1943 – 1949

Excerpts from The Official History of Chiropractic in Texas

By Dr. Walter R. Rhodes

Published by Texas Chiropractic Association, 303 International Life Building, Austin, TX 78701.As authorized by the various Boards of Directors of the Texas Chiropractic Association from 1958 to 1977, the idea first being presented to the board by E. L. Bauknight in 1958.

These excerpts are presented for educational purposes.

Ever since the appointment of Judge E. B. Simmons as defense counsel for the chiropractors in 1938 the medical profession had been frustrated and defeated continuously in the courts.

The public relations harassment, however, continued at every opportunity and was more or less constant.  Derogatory articles about chiropractic appeared in local newspapers, national magazines and every other source, all following the weary but familiar theme of hatred “in the interest of the public health."

The campaign of organized medicine to discredit chiropractic was coordinated nationally through the American Medical Association and the Texas Medical Association dutifully followed through.

But they were losing the public relations battle, too, although there were many days when the besieged chiropractors had occasion to wonder, especially those working for acceptance when the legislature convened, because all the harshness and venom then was focused squarely on them.  It was the new front line.

Chapter 14, Texans Under “Miscellaneous"

Excerpts from The Official History of Chiropractic in Texas

By Dr. Walter R. Rhodes

Published by Texas Chiropractic Association, 303 International Life Building, Austin, TX 78701.As authorized by the various Boards of Directors of the Texas Chiropractic Association from 1958 to 1977, the idea first being presented to the board by E. L. Bauknight in 1958.

These excerpts are presented for educational purposes.

Texans made national news in 1964 when struggles between two competing national chiropractic organizations reached an apex with the resignation of several prominent members of one group and the subsequent formation of a new national association.

The International Chiropractic Association (ICA), under the firm influence of Dr. B. J. Palmer, had long been a competitor with the National Chiropractic Association (NCA).  In their struggles the two national groups were being divisive and thereby hindering national legislative efforts on behalf of the profession.  The divided front was a professional problem of the first order especially when their differences were aired in Congress.

Two Texans, Dr. Devere E. Biser of Dallas and Dr. L. K. Griffin of Fort Worth, both members of the International Chiropractic Association’s Board of Control, joined with three other members of that board, Dr. A. A. Adams of Tacoma, Washington; Dr. Richard W. Tyer of Jackson, Mississippi, and Dr. Harold F. Russell of Edmonton, Alberta; and also with Dr. Clair W. O’Dell, the chairman of the International Chiropractic Association’s World Posture Pageant.  These men all resigned their International Chiropractic Association positions to establish a new national organization with new objectives and new goals, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).

Chapter 15, Awards and Events

Excerpts from The Official History of Chiropractic in Texas

By Dr. Walter R. Rhodes

Published by Texas Chiropractic Association, 303 International Life Building, Austin, TX 78701.As authorized by the various Boards of Directors of the Texas Chiropractic Association from 1958 to 1977, the idea first being presented to the board by E. L. Bauknight in 1958.

“Unselfish service is its own reward; God sees to that, but each man has a human side.”

Dr. Clyde M. Keeler penned these words several years ago as he was making plans to annually honor the chiropractor most deserving of praises in the year just past.  The ego of man needs an occasional pat on the back in praise, or, as Keeler put it, “Has the need of a bouquet with the wish that God may continue to bless him or her."

Keeler was responding to an idea inspired by a beloved spiritual leader of Southern Methodist University, Mr. R. E. L. Saner, an attorney of no small prominence in Dallas who, among his other actions, sponsored the “R. E. L. Saner Annual Scholarship and Gold Watch Award for the outstanding student at Southern Methodist University."

Keeler determined to create a similar award and plans were made to present an impressive plaque.  Jack Hubbel was commissioned to do the first sculpture model in 1934, which has had periodic design changes until its final modification in 1954.  The plaque is annually cast in bronze, and mounted on wood with an appropriate inscription before presentation.

Chapter 16, The Conclusion of it All

Excerpts from The Official History of Chiropractic in Texas

By Dr. Walter R. Rhodes

Published by Texas Chiropractic Association, 303 International Life Building, Austin, TX 78701.As authorized by the various Boards of Directors of the Texas Chiropractic Association from 1958 to 1977, the idea first being presented to the board by E. L. Bauknight in 1958.

These excerpts are presented for educational purposes.

The antagonism between traditional medicine and chiropractic deserves some explanation.  It has been so consistent, and so hurtful to certain individuals, it needs all the understanding available.

Medical doctors have always cast themselves in the rule of public protectors and their actions have assumed scientific correctness as they went about all their business, including that of trying to destroy the “chiropractic threat,” which, from their point of view, was a menace to the public health.

They traditionally had the considerable advantage of legal precedent, usually having written the laws which they then correctly accused their disagreeing competitors of breaking.

Describing themselves as “seekers of truth” they insisted they would use all science to their patients’ benefit, at any cost to themselves personally.

But such underlying assumptions will not bear close scrutiny.  If truths are presented to them by enemies, or, even presented by friends at the expense of pride, the medical doctors are only as likely to accept those truths as they are to seek oaths of perpetual poverty.