George Omar Spiers Collection

George Omar Speirs was a medical doctor who lived in Spearville, Kansas, where he practiced medicine for many years. He became a highly regarded member of the Spearville community, was also known and respected in Dodge City, and his professional reputation extended across the state of Kansas.

George Omar Speirs was born on 06-20-1875 in Hedrick, Iowa. His advanced education consisted of a B. L. degree from Highland Park College (now known as Drake University) in Des Moines, Iowa, and a medical degree from Rush Medical College (now known as Chicago University) in Chicago, Illinois.

George began his career in 1901 by moving to Marion, Kansas. After about a year, he moved to Ellinwood, Kansas, where he practiced medicine for 14 years. While living in Ellinwood he was active in the community and was well-liked. About 1916 he married Clyde Everett Waite.

Also in 1916, Dr. Speirs moved to Spearville, Kansas, which would be his home for the rest of his life. Dr. Perkins, who had recently established a hospital and practice there, ironically became the first patient to die there. Spearville needed a doctor, and George saw this as an opportunity which he pursued. He spent the next 27 years living and working in Spearville, until his death on 01-28-1943. During his years in Spearville, he lived as a solid, model citizen. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Kiwanis Club of Dodge City. He was involved in many community activities and even served a term as mayor of Spearville. He was known widely in the area, and collaborated with the doctors of Dodge City in caring for their patients. He was instrumental in the formation of the Ford County Health Department, which was the first of its kind in Kansas. Dr. Speirs was beloved by many; it was said that he would get up in the middle of the night and drive 50 miles to care for his patients when called upon. In the aftermath of a major blizzard in December 1918 he made his house calls via a sled pulled by a team of mules.

George and Clyde eventually produced 3 children, two sons and a daughter. One son, Richard, also became a medical doctor. He returned to the area after serving as a military doctor during World War II. He established a practice in Dodge City which served the area into the 1970’s.

George suffered a heart attack in late 1942 or early 1943. On 01-25-1943 he suffered another heart attack which put him in critical condition. He passed away a few days later on 01-28-1943.