Barack Obama's Irish Ancestors Reformed 19th Century Health Care

President Barack Obama's Irish American ancestors were pioneers in 19th century health care reform.

A mystery revolving around President Barack Obama's Irish roots was solved when a tomb containing the remains of Obama's Irish ancestor was discovered in the Irish medieval city of Kilkenny.

(Reuters/Getty Images)

Film-maker and historian Gabriel Murray, who found Barack Obama's great-grand uncle's tomb in Kikenny, Ireland, uncovered the surprise links while he was researching his new documentary, "Obama's Irish Roots" (visit www.olympia-films.co.uk for more information).

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One of Obama's Irish American cousins Jackson Brown Baxley (1814-1896) founded the Maryland College of Pharmacy and succesfully lobbied for the registration of pharmacists.

He was the first commissioner appointed and the first president of the Maryland Board of Pharmacy.

The link was uncovered through Obama's 8th generation grand-uncle Thomas Kearney from Shinrone in County Offaly who married Sarah Baxley (1773 -1845) in St. Paul Church in 1890.

Sarah Baxley is the link to Jackson Brown Baxley and his brother Henry Willis Baxley (1803-1876) who graduated in medicine in 1824 and became the government inspector of hospitals in 1865.

Both Baxleys spearheaded the building of public hospitals in Baltimore during the late 19th century as the city was ravaged by recurring outbreaks of cholera, yellow fever, smallpox, and other infectious diseases.

At the time, people were so afraid of hospitals that most preferred to be treated at home until the patient was near death. Hospitals in the 19th century - both in Europe and the U.S. - were viewed as a medical means of last resort.