From Contract Surgeon to Town Doctor: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Light Herr

Objectives The life and legacy of Dr. Martin L. Herr of Lancaster, PA helps to correct the popular perception that contract surgeons in the Civil War were nothing more than quacks and butchers when in fact they proved to be courageous and competent physicians essential to give medical care to overwhelming numbers of casualties. Methods Personal papers and archives of ML Herr in the Lancaster Historical Society (Lancaster, PA) were reviewed. Results ML Herr obtained his medical training and degree while serving as a contract surgeon during the Civil War. He transformed that experience to become a community leader and town physician and surgeon. His legacy helps to restore the reputation of contract surgeons to the honor they deserve. Conclusions Dr. ML Herr served both his fellow man and his community with distinction during the Civil War and in civilian life. He left the army, his country, the people of Lancaster, his family, and his profession better off because of his presence.