Edwin B. Packer, M. D., one of the leading and oldest physicians of Osage City, was born at Columbia, Ohio, May 26, 1855, the son of Benjamin and Barbara (Rosenburg) Packer. His paternal grandparents were natives of England, and while on their way to America their son, Benjamin, was born on the ocean. After landing in the United States they located in Ohio. Barbara Rosenburg was a native of Pennsylvania. His father was a millwright and bridge builder; he came to Ohio at an early date and engaged in business there until his death, in 1855. When Edwin Packer was a boy he lived in Iowa for three years and in 1869 came to Kansas and located at Osage City, as he was engaged as a surveyor by the general government. At that time Osage City had few inhabitants. There were no houses and the only means of travel was by stage on the Southwestern Stage line. He had received a good common school education and early determined to devote his life to the practice of medicine. He graduated from the Cincinnati Medical School and immediately opened an office in Osage City. He took great interest in his work and soon had a growing practice. Today he is the oldest resident and leading physician of his city. Dr. Packer has always taken great interest in the welfare of his community and of the state. Seven times he has been chosen councilman and served on the Republican county central committee, of which he was nominated and elected chairman. Dr. Packer has been a member of the State Board of Health and of the State Board of Registration and Examination for physicians. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and of the Presbyterian church, of which he is a stanch supporter and to which he contributes liberally.

In 1878 Dr. Packer married Mary E. Ferris, the daughter of John and Elizabeth Ferris of Lecompton. Mr. Ferris served in the Union army during the Civil war and gained a well deserved reputation for bravery in battle. After the close of the war he was sent South and served in a civil capacity for some time. He was a well known and prominent citizen of Lecompton, took an active interest in the welfare of the city and a leading part in the political life of the time. He served as mayor of Lecompton and was then elected justice of the peace, which position he held for years. One child has been born to Dr. and Mrs. Packer, a daughter, Pearl.