Dr. Elizabeth Hall Ketcham
Trailblazing Doctor
Dr. Elizabeth Hall Ketcham, daughter of Morris and Rebecca Hall, was born in 1868 in Salem, New Jersey, and went on to become a trailblazer for women in medicine. At a time when few women pursued higher education in the sciences, she followed her calling and graduated from the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1892. She dedicated her life to healing, public service, and expanding opportunities for others.
She spent her first year in the hospitals of Boston and Pennsylvania before traveling with her parents westward to Carthage, Missouri, where she built a career that would span more than four decades. As one of the earliest female physicians in the region, Dr. Hall Ketcham became a respected and beloved member of the community.
When she arrived in Carthage in the early 1890s, her presence drew attention—not only because she was a woman physician, but also because she rode a bicycle. Though she used the newer “safety” bicycle, with two equal-sized wheels, conservative Carthage society of the time often frowned upon women cyclists. Yet Dr. Hall Ketcham carried on undeterred, her independence and determination quietly challenging convention.
Known for her compassion and quiet strength, she often cared for patients regardless of their ability to pay, extending her influence far beyond the doctor’s office. Her professional leadership was also widely recognized. She was a member of the County Medical Association, the State Medical Association, the National Medical Society, and the local Medical Club. Beyond her medical affiliations, she took an active role in civic and cultural life as a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Cosmos Club of Carthage.
A devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church, Dr. Ketcham also contributed to church affairs, women’s groups, and health initiatives, always working to uplift others and strengthen her community.
After retiring from medical practice, she continued her involvement in community life until her health declined. Dr. Hall Ketcham passed away in Carthage on January 24, 1949, at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of service, strength, and compassion. She is laid to rest in Park Cemetery, a fitting tribute to a woman whose life’s work continues to inspire generations.
