A Danish pharmacist in Wisconsin's Northwoods--Otto Boberg, 1885 to 1925

Otto Johan Sinius Boberg (1860-1825) exemplifies the immigrant pharmacists who helped convert the undisciplined drug trade of early America into a would-be profession. The education and inspiration of West European pharmacy that he brought with him did not square well with conditions in what had been the Old Northwest Territory. But the role of radical reformer or charismatic leader was foreign to his nature. He preferred a quiet determination and gradualism, focused at first on becoming an exceptional pharmacist among the roistering lumberjacks and dueling lumber barons of his hometown. Then, from about the turn of the century on, Otto came out from behind his counter to devote more time to his writings and to organizational efforts--working for the betterment of his calling. He and others like him, made an important difference during the period of transition in American pharmacy during the late nineteenth century. At age 65 Otto was continuing as a member of the State Board of Pharmacy, as Secretary of the Wisconsin Pharmaceutical Association, and as an analyst--although the drugstore and its management had been turned over to his pharmacist-son, Edwin. Then, on 23 October 1925, he died. Earlier that year the University of Wisconsin had recognized Boberg's exceptional service, as a pharmacist and analyst, to the people of his adopted state by conferring the honorary degree of "Master of Pharmacy." It was a title that Otto probably considered the highest possible compliment.