AUGUSTUS KEEFER BOOM, M. D., holding a noteworthy position in Western Massachusetts, has done much both along private lines of practice and in the public service and as a leading physician of Adams he is considered one of the foremost men in his profession in this section. Giving to the world his highest endeavors, his progress governed by lofty ideals, and his ever forward looking attitude, Dr. Boom has made his influence strongly felt in various lines of current endeavor, as well as in his professional work. He is a member of an old and honored family of America, originally from the Netherlands, Matthews and Johannes Boom having come to this country early in the eighteenth century. Dr. Boom is a great-grandson of Nicholas Boom, who was a member of Captain Nicholas Van Rensselaer’s company in the Revolutionary War. James Boom, the doctor’s father, was a prominent man of his day, and his mother, Lucy (Selby) Boom, was also a member of a prominent family.
Augustus Keefer Boom was born in Albany, New York, May 13, 1866. Receiving his early education in the public schools of his birthplace, Dr. Boom later attended the medical department of Wooster University, Cleveland, Ohio, which was later absorbed by the Western Reserve University. His graduation from this institution occurred in 1888, and on November 9, 1888, he opened his office at Adams. From the beginning his success seemed assured, and he soon developed a very extensive and lucrative practice. For a number of years Dr. Boom served on the surgical and medical staff of the North Adams Hospital, and for the last quarter of a century he has been a member of the staff of the Plunkett Memorial Hospital, of Adams, Massachusetts, and of the Board of United States Pension Examiners. He is also active as civil service medical examiner for Adams, and is a member, and was at one time chairman, of the local Board of Health. Dr. Boom has also served on the Board of Selectmen for twelve years, and was chairman during the years 1907, 1909, 1912 and 1921. Interested in every phase of local endeavor, he served at one time as assistant engineer of the Adams Fire Department. He is a Republican in his political affiliations, but never a politician in the accepted sense of the word. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of which he is Past First District Deputy for Western Massachusetts, and was at one time District Attorney for Vermont, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is Past District Deputy, the Turn Verein and of the Quoit Club, He is also a member of the American Medical Association, and past president of both the Berkshire District of the Massachusetts Medical Association, and the Northern Berkshire Medical Society.
Augustus Keefer Boom married, January 26, 1887, Maria de Rouville, of Albany, New York, daughter of Anton and Harriet (DeBlaey) de Rouville. both natives of Holland. Dr. and Mrs. Boom are the parents of two children: Florence de Rouville and Hazel Muriel.