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Dr. Eli Boggs Died 10 Years Ago This Week

Dr. Eli Boggs had lived a full life when he died at age 92 on January 7th 2002.  He practiced medicine from the mid-1940s until his retirement in the 1980s, making house calls at all hours of the night.  His nephew, Dr. Fitz Gilbert recalls that he was frequently paid by his rural patients with chickens, eggs or preserves.  Eli Boggs, the son of another Hazard doctor, James P. Boggs, was born in San Juan, New Mexico, but spent most of his life in Hazard.  Boggs was a member of Hazard High School's first football team.  He graduated from medical school in Boston, Massachusetts.  Later Boggs served as chairman of the board of directors of Citizens Bank and served two terms as Hazard City Commissioner.  Shortly after graduating from medical school, he married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Craft in 1941 at the First Presbyterian Church in Hazard.  Years later his wife recalled that often the only time she and Eli had together was when she would accompany him on house calls or ride with him to the hospital for a baby delivery.  During the 1983 Black Gold Festival in Hazard, Dr. Boggs was honored with the declaration of Dr. Boggs Day.  Citizens of the area who had been delivered by him filled the streets. A young medical student in attendance that day later wrote that Dr. Boggs made house calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week, lowered fevers, cured sniffles, delivered babies, but above all comforted his patients when they needed it most.  Boggs was honored at the 1994 Hazard Appalachian Regional Medical Center's Doctors' Day Dinner and was named Hazard Man of the Year. He graduated from the University of Kentucky and Middlesex Medical School in Boston.  He was a charter member of the Kentucky River District Health Department and the Kentucky Chapter of the American Academy of Family Practitioners.  Boggs had been chairman of the board of directors of Citizens National Bank in Hazard. 

"I was born 1961 at MT. Mary Hospital. Dr. Boggs was our family Dr. and our friend.  He was a very busy man, but I can remember we lived on High street and sometimes he would stop in and take coffee and just check on how things were going. My mother Ailene was a little flustered that day because she had not finished her cleaning for the day and tried to apologize. I'll never forget, I was only 2 years old.  The good Dr.said, "Ailene, your floors are clean enough to eat off of". A few months later on New Year's Day, my brother Randall was born. A few years later two sisters came along with the help and love of Dr. Boggs.  My dad John Edwards said DR. Boggs was the best Dr. ever and he was right. Thank you from the bottom of my heart you will always be loved and never ever forgotten.  What a fine person you were to us all."  Vickie Edwards Smith, Crossville, TN

"I agree that there should be a statue of Dr. Boggs. He was the kind of Doctors that others should strive to be like. Heaven has a special place for a man like that." Paula Crutched, Hazard, KY

"Dr. Boggs was an exceptional man that cared for all. He gave his time, compassion and words of wisdom to anyone in need.  He is the reason that I and my Mother are alive today. She was gravely ill at the time of my delivery and Dr. Boggs pulled her through. He delivered me on July 9, 1972 at the old Hazard ARH in Airport Gardens. He will always be my Hero. May his compassionate legacy live on."  Betty Neace/Eversole, Bulan, KY

"Dr. Boggs delivered two of my children, Ewell Edward Ritchie in 1955 and Wanda Hurt in 1956.  They were born at Mount Mary Hospital in Hazard.  He was a great man.  He will never be forgotten." Jane Hurt in Illinois  

"Doctor Boggs brought me into the world way back in May of 1958. God bless you sir."  M.K Combs, Whitesburg, KY

"He delivered my sister at Hazard ARH Sept.10, 1975.  I now take care of  his sister, Mrs. Sarah Boggs Gilbert.  This family has been more than kind to all of us we thank you very much." Paula Slone

"Dr. Boggs delivered me and I remember going to him for many years after." Edwina G. Whitaker, Hazard, KY

"He delivered me in Mount Mary Hospital back in 1957 and I thank him for that.  My mom and dad were Roy Sizemore and Audrey Napier Sizemore." Connie Sizemore Simpson, Indianapolis, Indiana

"Dr. Boggs delivered my two daughters.  He was a wonderful doctor." Linda Dalton, Houston, Texas

"I guess I am one of the many babies that Dr. Boggs delivered.  He delivered me on August 16th, 1968.  Thank you!" Linda in Buckhorn, KY

"Dr. Boggs was still making some house calls in 1978, he was going to my grandmother's house in1978 when she died.  He was my whole family's Dr.  He will always be with us." Patty Taylor, North Vernon, IN

"I am one of many who was brought in this world by this great man.  I have many fond memories of visiting him.  He made going to the doctor a far less frighting experience.....what can anyone say but thanks for bringing me into this world and I hope to see you in the next." Charles Walker, St. Petersburg, Florida

"I was one of the last few to have the privilege of being delivered by this great man (Nov 77). And he was my doctor for most of my life.  You could always trust him to take the best care of you that he possibly could.  You really could trust him and he was not just a family doctor he was more than that he became a member of your family." Angela Melton, Hazard, KY

"Dr. Boggs was a great doctor and a very nice man."  Jack Duff, Hazard, KY

"I remember dr Boggs.  I went to school with  his son, Sandy, Eli Jr." Carol Collette Rutter, Cleveland, TN

"Thanks to the man they called Doc Boggs. If my Mom is correct, and she usually is, I owe you an extreme debt.  One that is beyond measure. Granny-Lizzie Couch and her daughter Caroline Turner were my great grand mother and grand mother respectively. My mother M. Kathleen Turner talked about you in the most reverent of terms. Love to all from Chicago. Maybe someday I'll get a chance to shake hands. Named after my Grandpa Henry Turner." Henry Marsh, Chicago, Illinois

"Dr. Boggs delivered both my husband Larry Fritts, and I too!! Later he delivered our twins, Chrystal and Eric in 1976. He truly was a family Doctor! We will miss him so. But the memories of seeing his smiling and cheerful face will linger on!" Edna Deaton Fritts, Carlisle, KY

"Dr. Boggs delivered my brother, Billy Haven Williams on July 19,1962, my sister Annabel Williams, wife of Carl Ray Combs, my sister Helen Cathaleen Williams, and me, Bonita Williams Napier.  I can remember Dr. Boggs and getting shots.  I did not enjoy the needle but held no hard feelings because he was so kind and gave us candy.  The last time I remember seeing him was when I was a freshmen in High School at M.C. Napier High School.  I was around 15 years old and he hadn't changed any.  He was just as kind to me then as when I was getting my shots.  I will always think fondly of Dr. Boggs."  Bonita Williams Napier, Airport Gardens

"Dr. Boggs was a doctor and good friend to my grandparents, Hazel and the late Roy G. Eversole.  As a small child, I thought doctors only made housecalls on TV.  So you can imagine how impressed and amazed I was when my grandmother was sick at home and Dr. Boggs came to see her.  I remember standing at her bedside and watching him with his many instruments and his doctor bag.  He was a wonderful man and a great asset to our community and to all who knew him.  My thoughts and prayers are with the family."  Carla Pack Brashear, Hazard, KY

"Dear Peggy, I was so sorry to hear about your father.  This is a wonderful tribute.  I have shared it with some of my friends.  I think about you often.  Love and Light."  Sallie Norton, Louisville, Ky

"I was probably amidst the last few to be delivered by Doc Boggs (September 1977).  I will always remember what a kind and gentle man he was.  I can remember the dread that would come across my face when my mother would tell me she was taking me to the doctor.  The dread would quickly turn to a smile when she would tell me that it wasn't just any doctor, that it was Dr. Boggs. He took care of all my ailments until I was at least 11 years old.  And to add to what Mr. Hillenmeyer said about his grandfather, yes, he did work 28 hours a day.  I was greatly saddened and shocked to hear of his passing.  He will be greatly missed by everyone who's life he touched."  Jennifer Elam, Lexington, KY

"Doctor Boggs delivered me on Friday August 15 1969 at the old Hazard ARH down at Airport Gardens in Hazard.  Thank you for being there Dr. Boggs.  My mom's name was Emma Lou (Deaton) Saxton at the time."  Timothy Paul Saxton, Middletown Ohio

"I have nothing but fond memories of Dr. Boggs.  He was our doctor, neighbor and friend.  We will miss him."  Joe D. Gorman, Tucson, AZ

"Dr. Boggs delivered me.  I was sad to hear of his passing and my sympathies to his family."  Joe Williams, Hazard, KY

"Dr. Boggs always made 'going to the Dr.' a comforting experience.  My sympathies to the family, but you should also know that God has a special place for such a special man."  Kimberly Begley Jeskie, Harriman, Tennessee

"Dr. Boggs delivered both my children and was always there when we needed him.  He will be greatly missed by everyone."  Modeane Moore Begley, Corbin, KY

"Dr. Boggs delivered our oldest daughter on the 17th day of March 1964.  Dr. Boggs is well thought of in our family.  We will always remember Dr. Boggs."  Ovitt Couch, Brownsfork, KY

"One of the kindest people you could meet.  A gentleman of the highest standards.  He delivered both my sons and just a touch on the hand made it better.  I will always remember Eli Boggs."  Glynna Miniard Richie, Hardburly, KY

"Dr. Boggs helped bring all of my sisters and brothers into this world, plus my wonderful wife.  He was the best.  We all will miss him and Hazard lost a good friend to all."  Randy & Pam Holbrook, Hazard, KY

"Dr.  Boggs was my 'Grandfather,' as we call him.  Our family so appreciates all of the love that you have shown for him and our family.  Growing up my favorite part of the summer was getting to go and spend a week with Gran and Grandfather.  They are two of the most special people in the world.  It is hard to imagine he had time to be with his family (from reading your comments he must have worked 28 hrs. a day), but there has never been a man that loved his family and his community more.  Thank God for giving all of the amazing talents to my grandfather that he did.  I don't think I overstate myself by saying that Hazard would be a different town if not for Dr. Eli Boggs.  Thank you for always being there, loving everyone regardless of their creed, color or social standing.  May god bless us with men and women with 1/2 of the love and strength he had.  Thank all of you for helping our family remember such a wonderful person; and thank God for the peace he has brought my grandfather.  We will always love and remember him."  Joseph Hillenmeyer, Lexington, KY

"Dr. Boggs delivered me on 1-10-62.  Obviously I don't remember it but am glad he did.  Sorry to hear he passed away."  Jim Stepp, Cincinnati, OH

"Dr. Boggs delivered my first child on 1/2/67 at Mount Mary Hospital.  When my son was around 11 years old, I had taken him to the ER at the old Hazard hospital because he was being checked for appendicitis.  He was being seen by the ER physician.  While waiting in the room for some test results, Dr. Boggs passed by.  He glanced in our direction and then proceeded on down the hall.  I told my son that this was Dr. Boggs and that he was the one who delivered him.   His response was, 'Mom, then how come he didn't know me?'"  Kathaleen Godsey, Bulan, KY

"I was a patient of Dr. Boggs in the 1970's and 80's.  He delivered my first husband, James Eric Grigsby, his Mom and many more in their family.  I have had many doctors since but none did or could hold a candle to Dr. Boggs.  He was truly a great man and friend to his community.  He will be greatly missed."  Pamela Kay Fugate, Ary, KY

"I Remember Dr. Boggs in the 1950's.  I had a nervous breakdown and he doctored me with much care and concern and I recovered.  He was a wonderful person.  He was professional but down on our level with his kindness and compassion.  I will always remember him.  I know all will Miss him.  I also knew his dad, James P. Boggs.  I had a cousin that was named after him.  He delivered my cousin in 1934.  I now live in Dayton and I pray that he is at peace."  Anne Smith, Dayton, Ohio 

"Dr. Boggs was a great doctor and a great man of faith.  He is now in heave with Dr. Jesus making house calls.  His daughter, Peggy and I were classmates at Hazard High School.  Dr. Boggs was my mother and father's doctor for many years.  My condolences go out to his family with all my love."  Robert A. Basey, Covington, KY

"When I was a boy, my family and I would travel to Viper every summer to visit Mamaw and Papaw.  The highlight of these vacations for me was playing in the 'Branch'.  On one occasion I slipped, fell and cut my leg.  Dr. Boggs treated me, and to this day (roughly forty years later), we still talk about the time 'Bobby cut his knee catching minnows', and Dr. Boggs is fondly remembered!  I was saddened to hear of his passing."  Bob Budacki,  Fox River Grove, Illinois

"My mother was born and raised in the hills of Perry County near Viper, KY.  Dr. Boggs delivered my brother in 1969.  I appreciate him taking care of my mother and brother."  Christie Gail Combs, Middletown, Ohio

"My Mother, Lelia Allen Bailey Baker, was homebound for the last two years of her life.  Dr. Eli Boggs visited her fairly often in her home.  My mother looked forward to their casual chats and his calm reassurance.  God rest his soul."  Linda Bailey Dunn

"My Grandmother is 93 years old and thought the world of Doctor Boggs.  He delivered many of her grandchildren.  He was deeply loved and will be missed.  God Bless the Boggs Family."  Noble, Hazard, KY

"Dr. Boggs delivered both of my boys.  He took care of them most of their lives.  He was always there for us.  God Bless His Family."  Marie Hensley, Texarkana, Texas

"I worked for Dr. Boggs at the Hazard Clinic during the summers of 1965-1970.  He was one of the most professional and dedicated doctors I have known.  I will never forget him."  Donna Lawson Glenn, Middleburg, Florida

"How my heart grieves for Margaret Boggs and the family on the loss of Dr. Eli, one of the finest men that ever walked the streets of Hazard.  He loved people and it showed in his everyday life, his kindness to patients and his going beyond the call with the patients and their families.  My family was one of those families that received the Dr. Eli TLC bedside manner.  My granny, Nancy Ann Couch Stacy (Aunt Noonie) loved him with all of her heart.  If she got a little ache she had to have Dr. Eli come by the house on Liberty St.  He never failed her, he was always there, if just to pat her on the head and chat with her while she smoked her little clay pipe.  Uncle Matt Horn and Aunt Laura Horn depended on him so much.  When Uncle Matt became disabled and had to lay abed, Dr. Boggs was there daily to  check on him, to bring him up on Hazard news, and would make sure that whatever Uncle needed was there for Auntie to administer to him through Dr. Eli's watchful eye.  How he was paid is beyond me.  I know that he was paid, whether it was in a good meal, a hearty handshake or money when they had it, but he felt paid.  You see, the people of Hazard was his life and he made sure they felt good about being who they were or where they were from or how much money they carried in their pockets.  He never treated anyone any different than the other.  I can close my eyes and see him smilingly sitting on the side of my Granny's or my Uncle Matt's bed, making them feel as though they were his only patients, and although very busy, never once left our home, until he felt it was time to take his leave.  Bless his heart, and what a big heart it was.  God took a good and faithful servant home when He sent his Angels to carry him onto Heaven's Golden Shore.  That smile brightened up Heaven I know and I bet Granny, Auntie, and Uncle Matt were glad to see him with his old doctor bag.  What a servant of the people.  Heaven's gain but Hazard's loss.  Remembering fondly Dr. Eli Boggs."  Ida Lee Hansel, Spartanburg, SC

"Dr. Boggs delivered me in 1972 and in 1981 my dad was sick with cancer.  Dr. Boggs would make house calls to check in on him.  Thanks Dr. Boggs.  May God bless your family."  Lesia, Vicco, KY

"I am sorry to hear of Dr. Boggs' death and passing.  My son was delivered on August 15, by Dr. Boggs since Dr. Gilbert was out of town at the time of his birth.  Dr. Boggs also treated my two children when they were little babies.  He will be greatly missed.  My heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends and the whole Hazard community."  Emma Lou Deaton Congleton, Middletown, Ohio

"Dr. Boggs was a wonderful doctor.  He was the best - they don't come no better than Doc.  He delivered my three daughters.  When he delivered my last daughter, I was upset that she was not a boy and I recall him saying if you don't want her I will be glad to take her.  If all our doctors was like Boggs we would have it made.  I send my sympathy to his family, what a loss."  Wanda Neace, Hazard, KY

"I am the daughter of the late John and Stella Pennington.  Dr. Boggs delivered me in 1956 at the old Mt. Mary hospital.  He also delivered my oldest in 1978.  I can remember so many times when he came to our home in Walkertown to care for myself and my family in the 1960's.  My mother worked at the clinic for several years and I always heard her tell wonderful stories about him.  My prayers and sympathy go to his family.  He will be greatly missed."  Mary Ann Mullins, Dice, KY

"Dr. Boggs was a wonderful doctor and person.  He was well liked by everyone who knew him.  He will be greatly missed by the entire community.  I send sincere thoughts to the family.  michele blackford, Lexington, KY 

"Dr. Boggs will be missed dearly.  He delivered me in 1957 and delivered my oldest son in 1975.  You could count on him, he cared about his patients  There aren't too many like that left.  When they did a tribute to him at the Black Gold festival that year it was really something.  He will truly be missed and he was more than a doctor to us.  Our condolences go out to his family and our love.  I have been to his house several times when I was pregnant for tooth aches.  He never turned anyone away.  Bless his heart and may he rest in peace."  Brenda Ann (Williams) Sampsell, Hazard, KY

"Dr. Boggs delivered me in April 1975. There will never be another like him.  He will be missed greatly. REST IN PEACE. Kristi Bryant."  Bonnyman, KY

"Dr. Boggs was a great doctor and a great person.  He was our family doctor all the years we lived in Hazard.  We need more doctors like him .  He will be greatly missed."  Jimmy Adams, Cadiz, Ohio

"Dr. Boggs was my doctor, after I got married until I left Hazard.  He was the most compassionate doctor I have ever had. I am so sad to hear of his passing.  When I go to the doctor's office now at U.K. Family practice, I look at the pictures they have on their wall of him and I remember what a kind, gentle doctor he was.  I will always remember him.  My prayers and sympathy go to his family."  Patty Busy, KY

"Dr. Boggs was my doctor after I married and moved to Hazard.  He was a very kind and concerned doctor and the medical community lost the best but Heaven gained an angel."  Mickey Banks, Huntsville, Tennessee 

"Eli Boggs, a cousin of Jesse Elmer Eversole, delivered me and attended my mother, Martha Martin Ogrosky much of her life.  From house calls to my home at Jeff, KY, or office visits at Big Bottom, Hazard, I will remember his attentive demeanor and healing results well worth the price.  He did a great job and will be well remembered."  V. Martin Ogrosky, Charlotte, NC

"Dr. Eli Boggs was a part of this community for so many years and spent them helping so many, many people it would be impossible to say in such a short space how much he meant to everyone.  He was a kind, compassionate, loving, caring man.  I never saw him mad at anyone.  He went that extra mile we often say about someone who goes above and beyond.  The people who knew Dr. Boggs knew a very, very special kind of person.  Our sympathy goes out to his wife, Margaret, his son and daughters and all the relatives who were a part of this man's life.  He will always have a place in the history of Hazard for his knowledge of medicine and wise use of that knowledge.  May he now rest in peace."  Elizabeth Snyder Duncan, Hazard, KY

"Dr. Boggs delivered my first child.  He was a caring doctor that had the gift of making a young mother feel safe and at ease in his care.  We will miss him."  Frances G. Himes,  Breathitt County

"Dr. Boggs was my doctor and my children's to for as long as he was in the clinic.  I can not even begin to express how loved he has been in this town and county by all.  I wish to say to his family, 'Thank You for sharing him with all of us for so many years.'  May God bless you.  You all are in many people's prayers tonight."  Betsy Smith, Hazard, KY

"Dr. Boggs, Dad and you would have turned 93 this year.  You in February.  You are one class act and you married a class act.  May God bless those who mourn you as you secure a place for them in your Fathers House.  My heart is broken."  Mary Belle Goff, Hazard, KY

"Dr. Boggs delivered me and my whole family.  When my mom learned she was pregnant with my youngest brother, Dr. Boggs had already stopped delivering babies.  My mom began to cry.  Then Dr. Boggs told her to keep it quiet and he would see her through.  I remember hearing my mom talk about the times she would take one of us to him for CARE and he would ask her if she had the money to pay for the medication and she said she would manage but he would not accept the money even if it was Easter Sunday.  I KNOW THE LORD HAS A SPECIAL PLACE FOR HIM IN HEAVEN."  James Jewell, Bonnyman, KY

Eli Boggs was a member of Hazard High School's first football team

"I have been dreading the day I would find out Dr. Eli Boggs had died ... and today it finally came.  When I was a little boy Dr. Boggs would come to my house on Skyline Drive and take care of me.  And that wasn't in the early 1900s either - it was in the 1960s!  What a legacy ... and what a truly remarkable man.  I feel very fortunate to have been brought into this world and cared for by Dr. Boggs."  anonymous

"Dr. Boggs was a great Doctor in Hazard and Perry County for many years.  He delivered many of us into this great county and took care of us for many years.  Doctor Boggs should have a statue built in his honor, he should not be forgotten."  anonymous

"I was delivered by E. Boggs at the Mount Mary Hospital in 1966.  My father was in the Air Force so my mother returned to Hazard just so Eli Boggs could deliver me; and each time she became pregnant she would return to Hazard for her deliveries."  Patricia Anne Taylor, Hazard, KY

"He was a wonderful man.  He helped so many people, myself included.  I don't know how many Sundays he left his home to come to his office because I was sick.  There are no more doctors like that anymore, none that I know anyway."  TY

"Dr. Boggs delivered me at my Grandparents home, Monroe & Myrtle Noble of Dwarf.  My parents were J. C. Jones and Bobbie Jean Jones {Noble.  My Aunt Ruth was 6 years old and when Dr. Boggs was finished with the job of my birth.  He gave my Aunt Ruth a stick of peppermint.  The story goes that she snuck in the bedroom and shared with me.  I love peppermint and Dr. Boggs."  Joyce Carter, Denver Colorado

"Dr Boggs was my grandmothers doctor back in the 60's and early 70's.  Her name was Dena Young.  He used to make house calls to her every time she got sick.  He is a wonderful caring man."  Brenda Campbell 

"I remember when I had my first baby and Dr. Boggs came to my home and tended to his colic.  Dr. Boggs was a great Doctor but twice as good a man.  He picked a good basketball player for a wife and he's just number 1 in my eyes!" anonymous

"Dr. Boggs delivered me...born in 1952.  I can also remember him coming to our house on a house call once in the middle of the night.  My little sister was very sick.  We lived 25 miles away from town, but he came." anonymous

"I remember my grandfather Goff, when I was a kid, talking about Dr. Boggs's Dad, who was also a doctor.  He went to see Dr. Eli Boggs and they talked about old Dr. Boggs.  It was a big thrill to both of them.  Dr. Boggs (The Younger), was indeed a great doctor!"  John Earl Goff, Hazard, KY

"Dr. Boggs was a great doctor."  Michael Childers 

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