William Esser

William Esser, (1911-2003) was an American naturopathic doctor, author and speaker. He was a major force promoting the concepts of Natural Hygiene and involved with founding the National Health Association. He was best known for Esser's Health Ranch, a health sanitorium specializing in plant-based nutrition and therapeutic fasting. He directed Esser's Ranch for 65 years and personally supervised the care of an estimated 30,000 patients.
Early years
William Esser was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, one of three children born to William and Wanda Esser. His father and uncles ran Esser Brothers Costumes. Although he also had a passion for music and theatre, his father (who had his own health problems) strongly encouraged him to pursue a career in medicine.
Education
He attended Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and then went on to complete training at the American School of Naturopathy founded by Benedict Lust.
Esser's Ranch
Esser's Ranch had several forms during Esser's career. Initially he opened a practice in Pittsburgh in a more "traditional" clinical model. He soon realized that to have immediate effect, he needed places for patients to stay overnight for supervised feeding and fasting. The first residential facility was opened in Connecticut, where he practiced for several years. He then transitioned to Johns Island, South Carolina, where he leased a plantation manor and received patients.
In 1949, he moved further south to Lake Worth, Florida, where he opened Esser's Ranch on a 10-acre parcel of land including 5 acres of mango trees, a tropical fruit garden, large solariums for sun bathing and room to house 20-40 patients per night. He had many noteworthy clientele including Dorothy Day. Many patients wrote about their experiences in health and life-altering terms. Esser's Ranch closed in 2001 and Esser retired at the age of 90.
Later years
Esser's Ranch was sold to Palm Beach County in 2001. In August 2003, Esser died of natural causes at the age of 92. He continued to play tennis until three days before his death, and maintained a high level of function and complete independence till the end.
Publications
Esser wrote two books: Dictionary of Foods, published by himself in 1947, and Dictionary of Natural Foods. He also authored an article titled "Illness is Not Inevitable", published in the June 1958 issue of Natural Hygiene.

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