Willis Sharpe Kilmer

Willis Sharpe Kilmer (October 18, 1869 – July 12, 1940) was an American businessman, newspaper publisher, and horse breeder. He is best known for his development and marketing of Swamp Root, a popular patent medicine in the early 20th century.

Early Life

Willis Sharpe Kilmer was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Jonas M. Kilmer and Amanda Sharpe Kilmer. He attended Cornell University, where he studied business and journalism.

Career

Swamp Root

Kilmer's most notable achievement was the development and marketing of Swamp Root, a patent medicine that claimed to cure kidney, liver, and bladder ailments. The formula was originally created by his uncle, Dr. S. Andral Kilmer. Willis Sharpe Kilmer took over the business and used aggressive advertising techniques to make Swamp Root a household name. The product was sold through mail order and in drugstores across the United States.

Publishing

In addition to his work with Swamp Root, Kilmer was also a newspaper publisher. He owned the Binghamton Press in Binghamton, New York, and was involved in various other publishing ventures.

Horse Breeding

Kilmer was an avid horse breeder and owned a successful stable of Thoroughbred racehorses. One of his most famous horses was Exterminator, who won the Kentucky Derby in 1918. Kilmer's contributions to horse racing were significant, and he was well-respected in the racing community.

Personal Life

Kilmer married Helen Kilmer, and they had one son, Willis Sharpe Kilmer Jr. The family resided in Binghamton, New York, where Kilmer was an active member of the community.

Death

Willis Sharpe Kilmer died on July 12, 1940, in Binghamton, New York. He was buried in the Kilmer family mausoleum in Spring Forest Cemetery.

Legacy

Kilmer's legacy is a mix of his contributions to the patent medicine industry, publishing, and horse racing. While Swamp Root is no longer a household name, his impact on advertising and marketing strategies in the early 20th century remains significant.

See Also

• Patent medicine
• Thoroughbred horse racing
• Binghamton, New York