The Great Indian Doctor - Nancy Cowley Griggs

Everyday El Dorado

Nancy Griggs, according to an article in the Walnut Valley Times in 1895, was described as a women who “…came of that sturdy, rugged pioneer stock, whose indomitable will, honesty and courage laid the foundation of this nation and paved the way, through untold hardships for a civilization, the broadest and highest in the worlds history. This was the atmosphere in which she was reared and these were the environments in which she grew to womanhood.” When Nancy (Johnson) Cowley Griggs came to Kansas Territory, with her first husband Matthew Cowley in 1857, it was home to several tribes of Native American’s who were at war with each other and with the incoming settlers. According to reports, she won their confidence, ministered to the sick, fed the hungry and became famous among them. She acquired a practical knowledge of their use of herbs as medicine and became adept in their application. She studied nature and nature’s remedies and went on to marry Albert (A.O.) Griggs on October 25, 1874. Following their marriage, Nancy moved her healing practice into town where she became known as the Great Indian Doctor. Learn more at EverydayElDorado.com