Ray Vaughn Pierce

Ray Vaughn Pierce (August 6, 1840 – February 4, 1914) was an American physician, patent medicine manufacturer and marketer, entrepreneur, automobile pioneer, New York state senator and a U.S. representative from New York.

An Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati graduate, Pierce earned millions of dollars selling patent medicines, first primarily by mail and later over the counter. He claimed his "treatments" could cure many diseases and medical conditions, including consumption (tuberculosis), blood and liver problems as well as alleviate many "women’s complaints". Many referred to Pierce as "The Prince of Quacks".

Early life

Born in Stark, New York, Pierce was the second of Duane and Mary (née Morse) Pierce's four children. He attended public and private schools, and taught school before deciding to become a doctor.

Military

Pierce registered for the draft in Pennsylvania during the Civil War. At the time he was 23 years old and unmarried. He listed his occupation as "Physician".

Medical career

In 1862, he graduated from Eclectic Medical College in Cincinnati, Ohio. He practiced medicine in Titusville, Pennsylvania, from 1862 to 1866, and moved to Buffalo, New York, in 1867.

Patent medicines

Pierce engaged in the manufacture and sale of patent medicines and established the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute. His manufacturing business started with "Doctor Pierce's Favorite Prescription", which he followed with other medicines, including Smart Weed and Dr. Pierce's Pleasant Pellets. His venture proved a success, with nearly one million bottles of Dr. Pierce's Smart Weed and other preparations shipped annually.