The following individuals were the Founders of the ANHS in 1948: Dr. Herbert M. Shelton, Dr. William Esser, Christopher Gian-Cursio, Dr. Gerald Benesh, Dr. Jesse Mercer Gehman, Symon Gould, Jack Dunn Trop, and Irving Davidson.
(1895 – 1985)
Director of Dr. Shelton’s Health School, editor of Dr. Shelton’s Hygienic Review, author of over 40 books, public speaker, and a founder of the American Natural Hygiene Society. He was a teacher and a trailblazer in the modern natural hygiene movement. While some labeled him “too radical,” many others hailed him as the visionary who rekindled interest in this transformative approach to health and wellness.
Countless lives have been changed by this remarkable man, who dedicated himself to improving the health of millions. He guided the ill back to wellness and passionately championed the cause of health and freedom. With unwavering belief, he asserted that health and happiness are attainable by all and achievable through the power of healthy living.
“Deep within the human constitution lie written laws of nature that should guide man in the conduct of his life.”
― Herbert M. Shelton, Rubies in the Sand
(1911 – 2003)
Dr. William L. Esser was an inspiring champion of optimal health and a groundbreaking visionary for wellness. His influential work as a writer, speaker, and clinician left an indelible mark through Esser’s Health Ranch, a pioneering facility dedicated to lifestyle changes that harness the transformative benefits of plant-based nutrition, exercise, and therapeutic fasting for over 65 years.
Dr. Esser had deep faith, unwavering passion, and immense compassion for others. These virtues defined him and enriched the lives of countless individuals he touched throughout his remarkable journey.
(1910-1985)
Christopher Gian-Cursio was a naturopathic doctor, nutritionist, author, editor, and researcher. He was an early adopter of and advocate for alternative medicine, naturopathy, and what he would come to call Natural Hygiene. He was one of America’s most outspoken, popular, and reviled commentators on alternative medicine.
(1912 – 2002)
Natural Hygiene stands as a profound testament to intellectual freedom, liberating the human mind from the constraints of the past in a way no other movement has. Its influence holds the potential to surpass the combined legacies of all the great pioneers, fundamentally reshaping how we think, live, and relate to our health. Nowhere is the transformative power of Natural Hygiene more vividly embodied than in the life and work of Dr. Gerald Benesh.
(1901 – 1976)
Jesse Mercer Gehman was one of the founders of the American Natural Hygiene Society. As a committed naturopath and ardent advocate for vegetarianism, he played a key role in shaping holistic health and wellness principles. Gehman was not only an influential author and editor of health-focused magazines but also an amateur wrestler deeply involved in the Physical Culture movement, which emphasized the importance of physical fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. Through his diverse contributions, Gehman inspired countless individuals to embrace a healthier, more natural lifestyle rooted in diet, exercise, and self-care.
(1894 – 1963)
As a founder of the American Natural Hygiene Society, Gould exhibited exceptional publicity and promotion skills, effectively serving as the organization’s first publicist. His visionary efforts extended beyond the American Natural Hygiene Society, as he went on to establish the American Vegetarian Party and the International Film Arts Guild. Gould’s commitment to advocacy was not confined to health and diet alone; he was also deeply engaged in political change. In addition, he played a crucial role as co-editor of American Vegetarian magazine, where he helped shape and drive essential conversations surrounding vegetarianism and its broader cultural impact.
Jack Dunn Trop, a pioneering motion picture producer from Jackson Heights, NY, is best known for his work on the Hopalong Cassidy series, which helped shape the landscape of early Western cinema. He produced the historical film The Greatest Adventure, which profiled several individuals recovering their health through Natural Hygiene.
His dedication to storytelling extended beyond film, leaving a lasting impact with his books, including You Don’t Have to Be Sick!, A Gift of Love—The Hopewood Story, and Please Don’t Smoke in Our House. Trop’s contributions reflect his deep commitment to both entertainment and wellness.
Trop’s journey, marked by frustrating doctor visits and ongoing health struggles, became a testament to resilience and transformation. His life changed when he encountered Dr. H. William Baum, a naturopath and physiotherapist whose expertise guided him toward healing and a new understanding of health. Inspired by his own recovery, Trop immersed himself in the works of health pioneers and opened The Vitamaster, a health food store in New York City. There, he connected with like-minded individuals, including Symon Gould, who introduced him to the principles of Natural Hygiene, and Dr. Herbert Shelton. This relationship further deepened his knowledge of holistic health and allowed him to positively influence those around him, encouraging a healthier and more mindful approach to living.
Trop’s journey from a successful film producer to a health advocate serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, self-discovery, and the pursuit of knowledge in overcoming life’s challenges.
Attorney Irving Davidson of Brooklyn, New York, was a founding member of the American Natural Hygiene Society as well as the New York Vegetarian Society. He was a lawyer, humorist, and teacher. He and his wife, Adele, were active members of the NHA for more than two decades. Davidson further showcased his leadership during his two-year tenure as NHA president from 1973 to 1975.Davidson formed a valuable partnership with the renowned publicist Jack Dunn Trop. In 1946, Irving Davidson and Jack Dunn Trop founded the Graham Natural Hygiene Society in New York City, a local group dedicated to promoting holistic health principles. Together, they passionately worked to advance the vision of the National Health Association, making a lasting impact in the realm of public health advocacy.
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