Biographical and Historical Record of Ringgold and Decatur Counties, Iowa; 1887 ---------------------------------------- 'THE MEDICAL PROFESSION' The life of a medical practitioner in a newly settled country is generally one of toil and hardship. compensation is usually meager, and however extensive may be the physician's practice, much of it must be rendered gratuitously on account of the poverty of his patients. A strong constitution and abundant patience is requisite to success, and success frequently means on the part of the physician merely the consciousness that he has performed his duty well. Many of those who first ministered to the sick in Decatur County were not graduates of any medical institution, and would not to-day be recognized as competent physicians; but they exercised what knowledge they had in the interests of suffering humanity, and deserve credit for what they did. As the county grew in population, the number of physicians increased, and in a few years all the settlers had reliable medical advisers within a short distance from their homes. Fever and ague was the chief complaint, and by far the most frequent among the early settlers. It was especially prevalent in the region lying along Grand River. Aside from this disease, from which few pioneer settlements in the West were ever entirely free, there was little sickness. The early settlers were generally men and women of strong constitution and robust health. They never called a doctor unless their symptoms were alarming, but instead relied upon the efficacy of herb teas and other simple remedies. Had it not been for fever and ague, doctors would have had but little to do. That disease disappeared as the country improved, and now few portions of the country can boast of a healthier climate and population than Decatur County. No great epidemics have ever visited the people. There is nothing in the condition of air and climate to cause disease; and the present generation is free from inherited taints, and blest with good habits and vigorous health. The physicians of Decatur County have generally been men of more than average ability in their profession. Not a few have been of culture and extensive scholarship. The present practitioners are almost without exception reckoned among the most honorable citizens, and in their professional character are possessed of judgment, faithfulness, knowledge and skill such as entitled them to rank among the most useful members of society. ------------------------------------------ 'DECATUR COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY' This society was organized June 8, 1875, the members present at that time being Drs. Chester, Stuart and Todd, of Garden Grove, and Sanford, Finley, McClelland and Layton, of Leon. Dr. Todd was chosen temporary president, and Dr. Finley the first permanent president. Dr McClelland was vice-president, and Dr. Layton, secretary. Drs. Laney and Bone, of Decatur City, became members at the second meeting, when constitution and by-laws were adopted, and a fee bill selected. Regular meetings have been held monthly, except during the severe weather of winter. At these meetings discussions and consultations are held for mutual improvement. Theses are read, and clinics frequently held. The permanent headquarters of the society are at Leon, but the monthly gatherings are held at different places by turn, and an annual picnic is generally indulged in. For 1886 J.B. Horner is President; H. Van Werden, Secretary; H.C. Van Werden Treasurer, and these three also act as censors. The present active membership includes -- W.J. Laney, Decatur City; W.A. Todd, Chariton; H.C. Bone, Grand River; M. Daniels, Terre Haute; H.R. Layton, Leon; J.R. McClelland, Leon; R.D. Gardner, Leon; W.H. Todd, Van Wert; A. Hamilton Blockly; W.C. Wheeler, Davis City; L.H. Sales, Leon; H. Parrish, Decatur City; E.C. Mason, Harding; J.B. Horner, Davis City; H.C. Van Werden, Leon; W Van Werden, Leon; E.W. Doolittle, Garden Grove; O.W. Foxworthy, Weldon; N.J Hyatt, Van Wert; Enos Mitchell, Weldon. To Be Continued . . . 'Physicians of the County' ------------------------------------------------------------------- Copied by nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert August 14, 2005 iggy29@rnetinc.net 'A Closed Mouth Gathers No Foot'.