History of Franklin and Cerro Gordo counties, Iowa and biographies of representative citizens. History of Iowa, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races, Part 69

Author: Union Publishing Company (Springfield, Ill.) pbl
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 990

USA > Iowa > Cerro Gordo County > History of Franklin and Cerro Gordo counties, Iowa and biographies of representative citizens. History of Iowa, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races > Part 69
USA > Iowa > Franklin County > History of Franklin and Cerro Gordo counties, Iowa and biographies of representative citizens. History of Iowa, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races > Part 69

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

have one daughter-Emma G., wife of M. H. Evans, of Kendall Co., Ill. Dr. Good- hue and his wife are both, aside from their professional merits, valuable members of society. Scholarly, cultured, conscientious in business and social relations, they are fine types of the foundation element which has established the rank of Iowa as pre- eminent among the States.

C. H. Smith, M. D., a prominent and popular physician of Mason City, has pur- sued the practice of his profession here since 1878. He was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., not far from the now celebrated lake of the same name, March 26, 1837. His parents, Walter W., and Lydia (Rice) Smith, were natives of the Empire State, and reared seven of eight children to adultage. The mother is now deceased; the father is still living. At the age of eigh- teen, Dr. Smith entered the office of H. H. Gladden, of Panama, N. Y., where he re- mained three years, excepting the period occupied in attending one course of medi- cal lectures at Ann Arbor, Mich. He pur- sued his studies five years as best he could, having quite limited means, and then re- ceived a diploma. In the fall of 1870 he attended medical lectures again, and in March, 1871, obtained a second diploma. He began to study for his chosen vocation when but a youth, and though still a young man, has been engaged in his labors more than a quarter of a century. He has a large and lucrative practice and enjoys the confidence of his patrons to an unusual degree. He is a member of the American Medical Association, and belongs to the District Medical Society. Dr. Smith was married in 1862 to Martha J. Allen, of Warren Co., Penn. George and Hattie

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HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.

Smith are the names of their two children. The doctor is a Royal Arch Mason, and Mrs. Smith is a member of the Methodist Church.

Dr. S. H. Washburn located in Mason City the fall of 1878, and has since followed the practice of his profession. Dr. Wash- burn is of the allopathic school; is a grad- uate of the Detroit Medical College and has an extensive practice.

A. L. Wheeler, M. D., is a prominent member of the medical fraternity of Mason City. He was born in Huron Co., Ohio, May 5, 1851. His father, N. M. Wheeler, M. D., graduated at the Medical Depart- ment of the University of Ohio. He went to Dane Co., Wis., in 1854, where he is now engaged in practice. Dr. Wheeler, Sr., and his wife, formerly Pamelia Turner, are both natives of Litchfield Co., Conn. Dr. Wheeler, of this sketch, went to Wis- consin with his parents when two years of age. At the age of seventeen, he studied civil engineering, but soon relinquished it for the study of medicine. In 1872-3 he attended lectures at Rush Medical Col- lege, Chicago, and was graduated in 1875. He began his practice in Sauk Co., Wis., and there remained until 1879, when he came to Mason City. He is a member of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin, and also belongs to the Medical Associa- tion of Northern Iowa. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, as also of Odd- Fellowship. D. A. Wheeler was married Sept. 1, 1875, to Sarah A., daughter of William and Sarah (Nixon) Crow, of English extraction, but a native of Wis- consin. They have one son-Louis A. Vera E., only daughter, died Aug. 11, 1882.

Edward Osborne, M. D., located here in March, 1880. He was born in the province of Ontario, Sept. 3, 1838. Rich- ard Osborne's paternal grandsire went to Canada from New Jersey in 1783, and served on the British side during the Rev- olutionary War. Dr. Osborne is a son of John T. and Sarah (Greeley) Osborne, both natives of Canada. The father is a farmer and justice of the peace for the county in which he lives. Dr. Osborne was reared as a farmer's son and received a good education, graduating at the Nor- mal school at Toronto in 1865. In 1867 he established a mercantile business at Tyrconnell, in which he was successful. In 1872 he bought a tannery, which he managed three years, but not finding his investment profitable disposed of the busi- ness in 1875. During the balance of that year and the following, he was local editor of the St. Thomas Journal. Meanwhile, he had been reading medicine, and in 1877-8 he attended lectures at Bennett Medical College and was graduated in 1878. He opened an office at No. 68 East Randolph street, Chicago, Ill., where he practiced until the date of his settle- ment at Mason City. He has founded a good practice here and finds his duties gradually extending. He belongs to the Iowa State Eclectic Medical Association and is a member of the Masonic Order. Dr. Osborne married Henrietta C., daugh- ter of James Bote of Brighton, Canada. Two of their three children are living- Winnie and Albert. Dr. Osborne's mother was a relative of Horice Greeley.

F. M. Somers, M. D., Homeopathist, located in Mason City in the fall of 1882, and has secured an extensive and increas-

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·HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.

ing practice. He was born in Champaign Co., Ill., being the eldest son of W. H. and Hattie (Mead) Somers. His father was a native of North Carolina, emigra- ting to Illinois at an early age. He was a strong adherent of the republican party, and was honored with responsible official positions while a resident there, from which place he removed to Leroy, Ill., and engaged in the banking business ; from thence he removed to Beatrice, Neb., where he is the present receiver of the U. S. land office. The mother was a native of Massachusetts, receiving her ed- ucation at Oberlin College, Ohio. Dr. Somers received his education at Tabor College, Iowa. In 1877 he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. John Cleaver, of Malvern, Mills Co., Iowa, where he remained two years. He then gradu- ated at the Homeopathic Medical De- partment of the Iowa State University, after which he practiced his profession at Hamburg, Iowa. He subseqently re- moved to Iowa City, where he was con- nected with the Homeopathic Department as assistant lecturer to the chair of Ma- teria Medica, which he retained until coming to his present home. He was mar- ried in 1380 to Carrie, daughter of G. D. Gregory, of Tabor, Iowa. They have one daughter-Ethel. He is a member of the Northwestern Academy of Medicine, also of Hahnemann Medical Society. As a physician he ranks foremost among his school. They are members of the Con- gregational Church.

T. M. Blythe M. D., commenced the practice of his profession at Mason City, in Ang., 1882. He came to Floyd Co., Iowa, when nineteen, and began reading medi-

cine in the office of his half brother, Dr. S. G. Blythe. He attended his first course of lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago, and graduated at Bellevue, N. Y., Feb. 25, 1880. He then formed a part- nership with his former preceptor, remain- ing with him until Dr. Blythe established himself at Mason City. He is a member of the Medical Association of Northern Iowa. He belongs to the Mason City Lodge I. O. O. F. Dr. Blythe is still a young ma", but he is thoroughly read in his pro- fession, and giving conscientious attention to the duties of an increasing business. He was born in Vincennes, Ind., Dec. 18, 1857. His father, Joseph W. Blythe, was a native of Kentucky, and emigrated to Indiana in 1855. He was a graduate of Princeton College, and was in the minis- try of the Presbyterian Church forty years. He married Miss Greene, of Tren- ton, N. J. They had a family of five chil- dren, who grew to adult age. The mother died in 1852, and a second mar riage was contracted with Elizabeth M. Moore. From this issued nine children. The Rev. Mr. Blythe died April 25, 1875. in Charleston, Ind. Dr. Blythe, of this sketch, was a student in the literary college located at Hanover, Jefferson Co., Ind.

C. W. Gaylord, dental surgeon, was born in Hamilton, Madison Co., N. Y., in 1828. His parents were Chauncey Gaylord, of Bristol, Conn., and Anna (McGraw) Gay- lord. They were married in Herkimer Co., N. Y., and were the parents of three children, one son and two daughters. Ilis father was a sharp-edge tool maker, and introduced the first trip hammer in the State of New York. In 1839 he came to Michigan. On account of sickness and

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HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY. ›

the unsettled state the country, he re- turned to New York, where he remained uutil his death in 1864. The subject of this sketch received an academic educa- tion. At the age of twenty-two he com- menced reading medicine, which he prose- cuted for some time, but abandoned it and took the dental practice. In 1861 in Otsego Co., N. Y, he enlisted in the 76th New York Volunteer Infantry, assi ted in raising a company, and was commis- sioned as 2d lieutenant, serving a short time when he was discharged for physical disability. In 1864 he went to Dodge- ville, Wis., and in 1869 came to Mason City. He was married previous to com- ing to this county, in Dodgeville, Wis., to Virginia O. Wheeler. Five children blessed this union-Blanche A., Duane W., Anna V., Chauncey M. and Madge M. The doctor is a member of the State Dental Association, and a member of the A. F. & A. M., and I. O. O. F., and A. O. U. W.

J. L. Harkison, dental surgeon, has been engaged in the practice of his profession here since 1879. His acknowledged skill has won him an extended and profitable business. He born in Embro, province of Ontario, ,May 28, 1855. His parents, John and Ruth (VanSlack) Harkison, are still residents of that place. Dr Har- kison was reared on a farm, and received a good fundamental education at the com- mon schools. He began to study for his profession in 1873, with Dr. Rupert, at St. Mary's, where he attended lectures and received a certificate allowing him to practice dentistry. In the summer of 1877 he came to Wisconsin and located at Waterloo, where followed his vocation.

In 1878 he received an honorary diploma at the dental college of Wisconsin.

H. W. Sale, dentist, was born in Walk- ingham, Berkshire, England, Dec. 14, 1857. His father was a Baptist preacher. Ilis mother was Mabel M. Knott. In 1864 he emigrated to this country, landing at New York, and from there proceeding to Belvi- dere, Ill., where he remained for a few years. In the fall of 1876 he went to Glenwood, Iowa, where he remained, under the instruction of Dr. Shriver, for three years, attending several courses given by the Nebraska State Society. In the spring of 1879 he came to Mason City and is now receiving a good practice.

CLEAR LAKE PHYSICIANS.

Among the physicians who have located at Clear Lake in the past, who have died or moved away, are Drs. W. M. Skinner, W. C. Stanbery, Silas Card, W. H. Stan- ley, Dr. Oviatte, Dr. Baker, A. M. Tuttle and Dr. Giger.

In 1883 the medical profession was represented at Clear Lake by Drs. George F. McDowell, J. B. Charlton, J. C. Wright and Dr. Spaulding. The dentist was W. R. Clack.

Dr. W. M. Skinner was the first physi- cian to locate at Clear Lake. He came here from New York in 1857 and re- mained for one year, when he went to Animosa, where he still lives. Dr. Skin- ner was a man of intelligence and educa- tion. He was an old school teacher, but chose the medical profession as his life calling and graduated in New York.

Dr. W. C. Stanbery was the next phy- sician to locate at Clear Lake. He came here in 1858 and remained for several years, removing shortly after the break-

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ing out of the war to Mason City, where he died.

Dr. Silas Card was the next physician to locate at Clear Lake. He came here in 1861 and remained for about three years, when he removed to Alden, Hardin county, and subsequently to Mason City, where he died. After he left, for a num- ber of years, there was no physician at Clear Lake.

About 1868 Dr. W. H. Stanley came and relieved this vacancy. He was a married man and brought his family with him. In his practice he was allopathic ; was well trained in the profession and soon worked up a good practice for those days. He remained here until about 1873, when he returned to his former home in New Salem, Wis. When last heard from he had left that place and was practicing his profession in Dakota.

Dr. Oviatte came from Wisconsin in 1870, located at Clear Lake and opened an office. His practice was eclectic. He was 'a single man about thirty years old. After remaining for three or four years he concluded there were greener fields to be found, and returned to Wisconsin where he is still engaged in practice.

Dr. Baker was the next physician, and was one of the first to represent the homeopathic branch of the profession He remained for three years, when he moved to Minnesota and it is said has quit practice

Dr. A. M. Tuttle, a son of E. A. Tuttle, one of the early settlers of the county, began the practice of medicine at Clear Lake about 1878 and remained for several years. He was a homeopathist and un- derstood his profession, but his success

was not what he had expected, and he moved to Britt, where he still lives, enjoying a lucrative and ever increasing practice.

Dr. Giger, a homeopathist in practice, located at Clear Lake in 1881, coming from Oregon. He, was a young, single man, and seemingly understood his pro- fession. He remained during the summer and then returned to Oregon.

Geor- e F. McDowell, M. D., is older in practice and a longer resident than any other physician now established, having come to Clear Lake in January, 1870, rank- ing Drs. Charlton and Wright by two years. He was born in Stueben Co., N. Y., in 1846, and was reared to manhood in Genesee Co., Mich. He graduated from the Medical Department at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in 1869, and entered upon his practice in Livingston Co., Mich. In September following, he came to Black Hawk Co., Iowa, and to Clear Lake as above stated. lle is a self- made man, acquired his rudimentary edu- cation unaided, engaging in teaching and other occupations, and by sure degrees overcoming all obstacles, until he was fitted for the calling to which he has de- voted his life. He has a large practice, and besides his popularity as a medical practitioner, he is prized especially for his geniality and social qualities. He mar- ried Alice, daughter of Ilon. M. P. Rose- crans, of Clear Lake. Pearl is the only child.

J. B. Charlton, M. D., was born in Washington Co., Penn., in 1846. His parents went to Keokuk Co., Iowa, in 1856, where he passed the next six years of his life. He enlisted in 1862, a lad of sixteen,

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in the 18th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. His first service was in the ranks and after- ward as sergeant major of his regiment, after which he was chiefly engaged in de- tached service, and especially on scout duty. During the unfortunate Red River expedition, he bore despatches from Gen. Steele at Camden, Ark., to Gen. Banks on the Red River, traversing safely a dis- tance of 120 miles on horseback alone, through a tract of country infested with rebels. After delivering his papers to Gen. Banks, he returned as he came, with- out accident or detention. He was on duty in several severe battles, and at the expiration of his term of enlistment, was commissioned 2nd lieutenant, by Gov. Stone. He went to Pennsylvania where he attended school for a period of time. He went to New Orleans and having by chance secured the position of clerk to the super cargo of a merchant vessel, sailed for Hong Kong, China. Arriving at that port and his services being no longer needed, he was discharged and left to make his way home, and at his own ex- pense. He went to Keokuk county, and in 1869 began the study of medicine, and was graduated from the Medical Depart- ment of Iowa State University, Iowa City, · in March, 1872, where he entered upon the practice of his profession at Clear Lake. In September following he was appointed demonstrator of anatomy in his alma mater, holding the position four years and alternating its duties with those of his profession at this place. He was at the same time a member of the surgical board of the hospital. Dr. Charlton is thoroughly read and eminently skillful in both sur-

gery and medicine, has a large and lucra- tive practice, which is constantly extend- Ing. Genial and intelligent, he maintains socially an enviable popularity. He is commander of Tom Howard Post, G. A. R., of Clear Lake, and has served three years as mayor. Mrs. Charlton, formerly Jennie Rosecrans, was born in Ohio. Their daughter, Ethel, and son, Max, were born at Clear Lake

J. C. Wright, M. D., entered upon the duties of a medical practitioner at Clear Lake in the spring of 1878. He was born at Lancaster, Ky., in 1851. In 1857 his parents removed to Bloomington, Ill. He came to Iowa in 1872, for three years attended the Cedar Valley Seminary, and then began the study of medicine at Osage, Mitchell county, in the office of Dr. J. E. Nichols. He attended one course of lec- tures at Rush Medical College, Chicago, afterward matriculating at the Medical Department of Iowa State University, Iowa City, where he graduated in 1880. He initiated his practice at Forest City, remaining there one year. Dr Wright is a gentleman of prepossessing personal appearance, skilled in his profession, in which he is sure to rise far above medioc- rity. His business is rapidly and perma- nently increasing, and he is making swift strides toward marked success. Mrs. Wright, formerly Agnes Mclaughlin, is a native of New York, of Scotch lineage. Dr. Wright's parents were native Ken- tuckians.

W. R. Clack, dental surgeon, founded his business at Clear Lake, Feb. 4, 1878, and is the earliest resident dentist. Sev- eral individuals of the same profession had previously practiced here periodically,

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but none had been permanently estab- lished. Dr. Click is son of the Rev. William Clack, a pioneer Baptist minis- ter of Milwaukee, Wis., and is now resi- dent at Prairie du Chien, in that State. The father is a native of England, and at . thirty years of age came to Pennsylvania, removing thence to Wisconsin. Dr. Clack was born in La Fayette Co., Wis., in 1852. He prepared for his profession at Milwaukee, studying under Dr. D. W. Perkins. He commenced dental practice in 1874. He married Adda, daughter of Rev. R. R Wood, of Cedar Lake, Jan. 26, 1883.

ROCKWELL PHYSICIANS.

The representatives of the medical fra- ternity at Rockwell in 1883 were Drs. E. C. Miller and T. A. Smith.

A Dr. Lafevre practiced medicine in the vicinity of Rockwell for a number of years after it had been laid out. He has been gone a number of years.

Edson C. Miller, M. D., located in Rockwell, March 19, 1874. lle began the study of medicine in 1869 with Dr. W. C. Lewi-, of Clermont, Fayette Co., graduating at the Chicago Medical Col- lege, March 10, 1874, when he came to his present home. He was born in West Virginia in 1846. His parents, Abraham and Nancy (Ross) Miller, removed to Pennsylvania when he was an infant, thence to Allamakee Co., Iowa, in 1857, where they resided until their death, Sept. 27, 1877. He married Mary L., a daugh- ter of William R and Martha L. (Rey- nolds) Putnam, and they have one child- Shirley P. The doctor is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F. at Rockwell; also the present mayor of the village. He

is a brother of Captain G. R. Miller, of Mason City.

Thomas A. Smith, M. D., located in the village of Rockwell, in March, 1880. Dr. Smith was born in Ogle Co., Ill., Dec. 30, 1846, but was brought up in Stephenson county, in that State. He enlisted, Aug. 7, 1862, when less than sixteen years of age, in the 92d Volunteer Infantry of Illi nois, and served until the close of the war. He participated in many important battles, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge and others. He started with Sherman on his march to the sea, but was taken prisoner while his regiment was executing a flank movement on the enemy. He was detained a prisoner about five months, being part of the time in Andersonville prison. He began the study of medicine at Shan- non, Ill., and graduated at Rush Medical College in 1875, and was also at the Illi- nois State Eye and Ear Infirmary as a stu- dent for some time. After he graduated he practiced medicine several years at Shannon, and came here in 1880. His wife was Lydia A. Kellogg, a daughter of Dr. Ephraim Kellogg, of Kansas City, and and a niece of the late Gen. Kellogg, of Wisconsin, who was at one time com- mander of the famous iron brigade in the rebellion. They have two children-Zell and Kellogg.

PLYMOUTH PHYSICIANS.

Charles Graves, M. D., was a native of the old Bay State. He was reared to ma- turity and educated in Oneida Co., N. Y., whither his parents removed when he was very young. He commenced the practice of his profession in the county where he had spent nearly all his life, and where his skill and fine traits of manly character are

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still held in honored remembrance. In 1865 he transferred his business to Ply- mouth, Cerro Gordo Co., Iowa, where he re- mained uutil his death, continuing to practice until two years previous to that event, when failing health compelled him to desist. He was nearly sixty-three years of age when he died, March 7, 1878. The date of his birth was Oct. 12, 1815. His integrity as a man, his genial nature and his conscientious prosecution of the duties of his profession, won for him material success and an uncommon degree of re- speet from his friends. He was married Jan. 20, 1835, to Sarah Cleveland, of Oneida county. Of their seven children but three survive-Charles Henry, Wil- liam C. and Austin D. Mrs. Graves died in 1875. His son, Charles Henry Graves, was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., Oct. 28, 1838, and there grew to manhood. He was carefully educated and fitted for the inevitable struggles in life incumbent up on the men of latter generations. He was married in July, 1863, to Florence DeGraff. They have the following children- Rob- ert E., Charles R., Frank H., Sarah A and Minnie I. Mr. Graves removed with his family to Plymouth in 1865. He erected his present residence in 1872.

George II. Walker, M. D., was born at Rockford, Ill., Feb. 21, 1845. His parents

changed their residence to Avon, Rock Co., Wis., when he was but three years old. Dr. Walker was an industrious student in the common schools and later at Durand College, where he finished his education preparatory to his medical course, which he began in the office of Dr. S. B. Van Valzah, of Durand, Ill. He attended lectures at Rush College, in Chi- cago, and received his credentials from that institution, Feb. 3, 1869. He com- menced the practice of his profession at Calamine, Wis., and continued there one year. He then established himself at Durand, where he practiced until 1875. In that year he went to Plymouth and opened a drug store, where he operated two years. In 1877 he sold his interest therein and has since devoted his time and energies solely to the duties of his profession, and has met with signal suc- 'cess He was married in 1872 to Adelaide A. Buffington, of Bradford Co., Penn. Dr. Walker and his wife have five chil- dren-Lillian, Raymond, Arthur, Edith and Claude.

ROCK FALLS PHYSICIAN.

Dr. Barber has recently located at Rock Falls, and is the only physician at that place.

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HISTORY OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.

CHAPTER X .

THE PRESS OF CERRO GORDO COUNTY.

There is no instrumentality, not even excepting the pulpit or the bar, which exerts such an influence over society as the press of the land. It is the Archi- mediam lever which moves the world. The talented minister of the gospel on the Sabbath day preaches to a few hundred people; on the following morning his thoughts are re-produced more than a thousand fold, and are read and discussed throughout the length and breadth of the land. The attorney at the bar, in thrill- ing tones, pleads either for or against the criminal arraigned for trial, often causing a jury to bring in a verdict contrary to the law and testimony bearing on the case. His words are re-produced in every daily that is reached by the telegraphic wire, and his arguments are calmly weighed by unpredjudiced men, and accepted for what they are worth. The politician takes the stand and addresses a handful of men upon the political questions of the day; his speech is reported, and read by a thousand men, for every one that heard the address. Suddenly the waters of one of our mighty rivers rise, overflowing the land for miles and miles, rendering thousands of people homeless, and without means to secure their daily bread. The news is flashed over the wire, taken up by the press, and known and read by all men. No time is

lost in sending to their relief; the press has made known their wants and they are instantly supplied. "Chicago is on fire! Two hundred millions of property destroyed. Fifty thousand people ren- dered homeless!" Such was the dread in- telligence proclaimed by the press. Food and clothing were hastily gathered, trains were chartered, and the immediate wants of the sufferers were, in a measure, re- lieved.

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History of Franklin and Cerro Gordo counties, Iowa and biographies of representative citizens. History of Iowa, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races, Part 69

Author: Union Publishing Company (Springfield, Ill.) pbl Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Union publishing company Number of Pages: 990

Author: Union Publishing Company (Springfield, Ill.) pbl
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 990