Hanger, Inc.

[Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984]

When the Civil War broke out, 18-year-old James Hanger enlisted in the Virginia cavalry. Less than two days later his left leg was torn off at the knee by a cannon ball. A Federal surgeon amputated his leg just below the hip, saving his life. It was the first amputation of the Civil War—the first of over 60,000 to follow.

A few months later, after a prisoner exchange, James returned to his home in Churchville, Virginia. He would later say that when he returned home, “I was the prey of despair. What could the world hold for a maimed, crippled man!”

As it turned out, the world held a lot for James Hanger. Instead of wallowing in his despair, James devoted himself to designing a prosthetic leg, leading ultimately to a revolutionary innovation that relieved the suffering and enhanced the lives of tens of thousands of amputees. James was issued patents for his new design and the company he founded, now called Hanger, Inc., is today the world’s leading manufacturer of prosthetics, valued at over $1 billion.

James Hanger overcame his adversity, turning it into an opportunity to improve himself and to make the world a better place.

Today is the birthday of James Hanger. He was born on February 25, 1843.

A daily dose of history fb page

[Abilene Slim SASS 81783]

I was at the National WWI Museum here in KC and they had a special exhibit of prosthetics from Civil War era to today. Fascinating stuff. 

[Blackwater 53393]

I have been a customer and patient of Hanger Clinics.  They do good work, but recently, they have made it hard to get service under Medicare.

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

There is a Hanger Company that make wonderful orthotics. Could it be the same people?

[Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984]

Just now, Forty Rod SASS 3935 said:

There is a Hanger Company that make wonderful orthotics. Could it be the same people?

It is.