06/02/2026
Dr. Frank Rigall
Dr Frank was an amazing figure in the city’s past. An accomplished doctor, businessman, city leader, and even attorney in his later years, he was one of the most influential men in the city’s history. He was probably the most accomplished academic ever to live in Prairie Grove.
He was born August 29, 1897, in Rochdale, England. At 15 he moved to Canada and soon after to the US. As a young man he worked as a telegrapher and as a dispatcher for various railroads in Canada.
He worked his way through the Kansas City College of Medicine while working for America Telegraph and Telephone, graduating in 1923. After graduation he found his way to Prairie Grove where he set up a medical practice.
While practicing in Prairie Grove, he enrolled at the University of Arkansas. He acquired a Bachelor of science in 1931, a Masters of Arts in 1937, and a Bachelor of Law in 1959.
He also completed post graduate studies from the Royal College of Surgeons and physicians in England.
Known as Dr. Frank to the Community, he partnered with his brother Cecil Rigall, also a physician, in a medical practice. In 1937, they built the Elizabeth Hospital, where Coyles Restaraunt is today. The hospital was named for their mother.
The Rigall’s recruited other Canadian doctors and Dr. Doug Manning and his wife of two weeks Eileen, an RN, joined the Hospital in 1952.
Dr Frank served as Mayor of Prairie Grove from 1947-1959. He resigned in 1959, after graduating law school and became the City’s attorney. In 1965 he passed away following a short illness. His wife Eva and son Rodney continued living in their home on west Bush street for many years.
