Kickapoo Indian Medicine Company



The Kickapoo Indian Medicine Company was a patent medicine manufacturer and distributor, founded in 1881 by John E. Healy and "Texas Charley" Bigelow as "Healy & Bigelow Co", and reorganized in 1895 (following Healy's departure) as "Kickapoo Indian Medicine Co." The company was responsible for the most well-known "Wild West"-themed medicine shows of the late 19th century, sending troupes of entertainers all across North America and Europe.

While the company promoted itself as a purveyor of traditional Kickapoo remedies, and indeed hired many native peoples to perform in their travelling medicine shows, they had no ties to any member of the Kickapoo nation.

Kickapoo's Product Line

 * Kickapoo Indian Sagwa
 * Kickapoo Indian Oil
 * Kickapoo Indian Worm Killer
 * Kickapoo Indian Salve

Resources

 * "Healy & Bigelow's New Cook Book" (library.duke.edu) &mdash; 1890 advertisement and recipe booklet
 * "Kickapoo Indian Medicine Co. Health and Happiness Booklet" (library.duke.edu)