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The Wigton Family

Omaha Medical College provided private medical education from 1880-1902. In 1902, it joined the university system as the University of Nebraska College of Medicine. The year 1968 marked the transition to the University of Nebraska Medical Center. For clarity, “UNMC” refers to all iterations of the campus in this exhibit.

Alonzo L. Wigton

Harrison Alonzo Wigton, MD

Robert Spencer Wigton, MD

Robert Swift Wigton, MS, MD

Dr. Wigton's Art

James Harrison Wigton, MD

Family Album

Alonzo L. Wigton, c. 1914

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

Mary Hunt Wigton, c. 1930

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

Alonzo L. Wigton

1841–1914

Born January 19, 1841, in Delaware County, Ohio, Alonzo “A. L.” or “Lon” Wigton was the founder of one of the many prestigious medical lineages at UNMC. One of eight siblings, A. L. was a teacher prior to serving in the 88^th Ohio Volunteers during the American Civil War. He married Mary Hunt on December 5, 1866, and within a year they moved to Poweshiek County, Iowa. In 1873, they moved again to Hastings, Nebraska. A. L. became editor of the Hastings Gazette-Journal until 1885, when he joined the Union Life Insurance Company. He contributed to the Hastings community in many ways, including as the “originator” of Hastings College. He served in the Nebraska State Legislature from 1879 to 1880. In 1891, the offices of the Union Life Insurance Company relocated to Omaha, and A. L. and Mary did as well. In 1898, the company combined with Royal Union Mutual Life of Des Moines, Iowa, and A. L. was named vice-president of the Nebraska branch. He remained in Omaha until his death in 1914.

The Great April Snowstorm, 1873

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

A reminiscence by Mary Hunt Wigton (Mrs. A.L. Wigton) dictated to her granddaughter in 1930 when Mary was 84. It recounts the family’s arrival in Hastings, Nebraska.

A. L. Wigton's Discharge from the 88th Ohio Volunteers, 1864

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

Hastings College Announcement, 1882

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

"Hastings Gazette-Journal" Printing House, c. 1880

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

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Harrison Alonzo Wigton, MD, c. 1905

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

Harrison Alonzo Wigton, MD

1878–1951

Harrison A. Wigton, MD, second son of Alonzo and Mary Hunt Wigton and graduate of Omaha High School and Hastings College, completed his medical education at UNMC in 1904. After practicing at the Nebraska State Hospital in Lincoln until 1907, Dr. Wigton established a general practice in Omaha at 18^th and Vinton Streets. After studying psychiatry in Vienna in 1920, he joined George A. Young, Sr., MD, in private practice. He and Dr. Young later joined the faculty of the College of Medicine’s Department of Neurology and Psychiatry. He and his wife, Jessie Mosher Wigton, raised three children, Robert Spencer, Margaret, and Betty.

Learn More About the Wigton-Aita-Young Clinic

Harrison A. Wigton, MD, Board Certification, 1940

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

Both Harrison A. Wigton, MD, and his son, Robert Spencer Wigton, MD, taught in the Department of Neurology and Psychiatry within the UNMC College of Medicine. The joint department was split in 1960.

McIntosh Portable Wall Plate

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

This device was used as a form of portable electroshock therapy for muscle stimulation as well as an early form of cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) for mental health and mood disorders. It is still used in a variety of treatments.

Syringe Kit used by Harrison A. Wigton, MD, c. 1930

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

Prior to the days of single use disposables, hypodermic syringes were made of metal and later glass. Cleaning and sterilization were difficult and usually included passing the needle through a flame or drawing through a carbolic acid or alcohol solution. Needles routinely needed sharpening on a whetstone. It was a skillful physician or nurse who could administer injections with minimal pain for the patient.

Hemocytometer, c. 1910

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

Invented by French anatomist and histologist, Louis-Charles Malassez, in the late 1890s, the hemocytometer is used to count the number of cells in a specific volume of fluid. This hemocytometer was used by Harrison A. Wigton, MD, in his practice at 18th and Vinton Streets in Omaha.

Scarificator , c. 1920

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

A scarificator is typically used for medicinal bleeding treatments by making superficial cuts in the skin. This instrument was used by Harrison Wigton, MD. It has several lancets concealed within the unit and is spring loaded so that when the lever is triggered, the blades emerge simultaneously, minimizing discomfort for the patient.

Mercury Column Sphygmomanometer, c. 1910

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

Used by Harrison A. Wigton, MD, to measure patients’ blood pressure.

Mercury Column Sphygmomanometer, c. 1930

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

Obstetric Forceps, c. 1930

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

Maxillary Forceps, c. 1930

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

Beckmann Nasal Scissor, c. 1930

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

Vaginal Speculum, c. 1930

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

Bone Scissor Shears, c. 1930

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

Amputation Saw, c. 1930

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

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Robert Spencer Wigton, MD, c. 1937

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

Robert Spencer Wigton, MD, as an intern at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital. He was the first resident at Penn in neurology and then served as a resident in psychiatry.

Robert Spencer Wigton, MD

1911–1998

Robert Spencer Wigton, MD, son of Harrison A. Wigton, MD, followed his father’s journey through Omaha Central High School, Hastings College, and UNMC. He graduated from UNMC in 1935, where he met Marcia Catherine Swift, a medical technologist. Following their marriage on July 27, 1937, Dr. Wigton completed an internship and sequential residencies in neurology and psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

Following the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, he was drafted into the Naval Reserve and served for two years on the hospital ship USS Solace. During World War II, he was stationed in the South Pacific and later at the Bethesda Naval Hospital. While there he met Cecil Wittson, MD. It was Dr. Wigton who recruited Dr. Wittson to join him in Omaha in 1955. This friendship had a profound effect on the history of UNMC.

In 1945, Dr. Wigton and his family came home to Omaha and lived at 52^nd and Cass Streets. They later moved to a custom-built home at 66^th and Cuming Streets. He joined his father, Harrison A. Wigton, MD, in private practice and eventually as a faculty member in the UNMC Department of Neurology and Psychiatry.

Robert Spencer Wigton, MD, University of Nebraska College of Medicine, Class of 1935

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

Dr. Wigton is in the fourth row, last person on the right.

Robert Spencer Wigton, MD, Board Certification, 1944

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

Both Harrison A. Wigton, MD, and his son, Robert Spencer Wigton, MD, taught in the Department of Neurology and Psychiatry within the UNMC College of Medicine. The joint department was split in 1960.

Mercury Column Sphygmomanometer, c. 1945

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

Used by Robert Spencer Wigton, MD, to measure patients’ blood pressure.

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Robert Swift Wigton, MS, MD, c. 2013

Courtesy of the UNMC Department of Strategic Communications

Robert Swift Wigton, MS, MD

1942– 2022

Robert Swift “Bob” Wigton, MS, MD, built a career on innovative thinking with appreciation for legacy and history. A third generation Nebraskan on both sides, Dr. Wigton attended Omaha Central High School, Harvard College, and UNMC, graduating in the class of 1969.

In July 1971, Dr. Wigton met a resident newly arrived at UNMC. Deborah Adkins, a specialist in otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat), was starting her first rotation in the Emergency Department of University Hospital. She and Dr. Wigton married on January 9, 1976.

Interested in the process of medical decision making, Dr. Wigton developed a “programmed learning” curriculum that encouraged students to reason through standardized patient diagnoses. This allowed them to see their effect on a particular situation—a “choose your own adventure” exercise in medical decision making. He also published over 160 scientific papers and book chapters on medical decision making and computer teaching programs. He served the College of Medicine as associate dean for graduate education and chief, section of general internal medicine.

Dr. Wigton’s investigative curiosity related to health care in Nebraska made him the unofficial historian of the UNMC College of Medicine.

Stethoscopes

Invented in 1816 by French physician René Laënnec, the first stethoscope was a long, rolled paper tube. Up to the 21^st century, there have been many improvements to the stethoscope, including this electric version used by Robert Swift Wigton, MS, MD, until 2005. It serves the dual purpose of amplifying sound for physicians with hearing loss and recording what a physician hears from a patient. Instructors can then play back the recording for medical students as part of clinical instruction in diagnosing ailments.

Stethoscope, 2015

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

Stethoscope, c. 1910

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

Dr. Wigton's Art

During residency and later as a faculty member at UNMC, Robert Swift Wigton, MS, MD, spent what little free time he had drawing. Much of his art turned into pieces he used to lighten up trainings and creatively announce presentations happening on campus. Peruse selections from Dr. Wigton’s sketch collection below.

Series on Bedside Manner, c. 1970

Conference Announcement, c. 1970

Announcement for presentation by Dr. Hans Weber, c. 1970

Monthly Conference Announcement, 1972

Weekly Conference Announcement, c. 1972

Weekly Conference Announcement, c. 1973

Announcement for Apple 2 Educational Program, c. 1978

Announcement for Apple 2 CPR Data Recording Program, c. 1978

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

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James Harrison Wigton, MD, and Robert Spencer Wigton, MD, at the Hastings College Centennial celebration, 1982

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

James Harrison Wigton, MD

1948–

James Harrison “Jim” Wigton, MD, second son of Robert Spencer, MD, and Marcia Catherine Swift Wigton, attended Omaha Central High School, Harvard College, and UNMC, graduating in the class of 1981. He and his wife Judy married May 24, 1973. Following residency in internal medicine, Dr. Wigton entered private practice in Omaha. He joined the faculty in the College of Medicine and served from 1991 to 1996.

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Family Album

Donated by the Wigton Family, from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library Special Collections and Archives

A. L. Wigton reading a newspaper in the living room of his home at 4225 Grand Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska

This image was taken by his son, Harrison A. Wigton, MD.

Harrison Alonzo Wigton, MD, age 2, 1883

1810 Vinton Street

Harrison A. Wigton, MD, opened a private practice on the first floor of the building at 1810 Vinton Street. The family lived on the second floor. Their Willys-Knight car was typically parked right out front.

1810 Vinton Street

The 1810 Vinton Street building where Harrison A. Wigton, MD, practiced still stands today.

Harrison A. Wigton, MD, in Switzerland, 1920

In 1920, Harrison A. Wigton, MD, visited Europe on a “grand tour” visiting various hospitals for lectures and networking with psychiatric physicians. This experience was typical for physicians in the early 20th century and was a precursor to the fellowship and residency opportunities available today. This is the only picture of him taken during the trip.

The Wigton Family at 5008 Chicago Street, Omaha, 1929

From left: Margaret, Harrison, Betty, Robert Spencer, and Jessie

Robert Spencer Wigton, MD, and Marcia Catherine Swift Wigton with their first son, Robert Swift Wigton, MS, MD, 1942

USS "Solace", c. 1942

Robert Spencer Wigton, MD, was stationed aboard the USS "Solace" in the South Pacific from 1942 to 1944. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Naval Reserve. The "Solace" was a requisitioned cruise ship that served as a hospital ship for the duration of World War II. It was stationed near an island where military operations were launched. The "Solace" spent much of the war in the South Seas and received patients from the Battle of Iwo Jima.

USS "Solace" Crew, c. 1942

USS "Solace" operating room, c. 1942

Robert Spencer, MD, and Robert Swift Wigton, MS, MD, age 2, playing with trains, c. 1944

Robert Spencer, MD, and Robert Swift Wigton, MS, MD, age 2, playing with trains on the floor of their home in Bethesda, Maryland, when Robert Spencer was stationed at the Bethesda Naval Hospital.

Robert Spencer, MD, and his son, Robert Swift Wigton, MS, MD, age 2, observe the animals at the zoo in Bethesda, Maryland, 1944

Two-year-old Robert Swift’s favorite animal was the Cassowary.

James Harrison Wigton, MD, 1948

Robert Spencer, MD, and Marcia Catherine Swift Wigton welcomed their second son, James Harrison Wigton, MD, in 1948. Here, he meets Aunt Charlotte Swift Teague for the first time.

James Harrison Wigton, MD, age 3, and his father, Robert Spencer Wigton, MD, play on the living room floor of the family home at 66th and Cuming Streets in Omaha, c. 1951

The Wigton Family in the living room of the family home at 66th and Cuming Streets in Omaha, c. 1955

From left: Robert Swift (age 13), Marcia, James (age 7), and Robert Spencer.

Robert Swift Wigton plays clarinet along with 8th grade classmates, Bob Scott on drums, and Jim Lymp on piano, c. 1957

At age 15, Robert Swift Wigton, MS, MD, played in a jazz band, attended the School of Jazz at Lennox, Massachusetts, and was known to write his own instrumental arrangements. He continued this passion through college and medical school.

Louis Burgher, MD, PhD, Robert Swift Wigton, MS, MD, and Dennis Lauer, MD, in the women's ward of University Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, 1968

Louis Burgher, MD, PhD (left), Robert Swift Wigton, MS, MD (center), and Dennis Lauer, MD (right), in the women's ward of University Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska.

Robert Swift Wigton, MS, MD, and Jim Adwers, MD, edit film for UNMC’s College of Medicine senior banquet, 1969

The senior banquet was a comedic roast with skits and “awards” from the class.

The Wigton Family in the living room of the family home at 66th and Cuming Streets, Omaha, c. 1973

Back, from left: Robert Spencer Wigton, MD, Judy Wigton (married to James)

Front, from left: Marjorie, Robert Swift Wigton, MS, MD, Marcia Catherine Swift Wigton, Deborah Adkins Wigton, MD, (married to Robert Swift), James Harrison Wigton, MD.