Dr. Rezin D. Myers Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. To view the picture of Rezin D. Myers that accompanies this biography, please go to the main Scott county, Iowa page at: http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ and click on Pictures/ Documents section. Surnames: Myers, Maloy, Huffman, Smith. Dr. Rezin D. Myers, deceased, enjoyed the distinction of having opened the first office for the practice of dentistry in the city of Davenport. He was born in Steubenville, Ohio, November 7, 1820, a son of John and Abigail (Maloy) Myers. The family was of German descent but had long been connected with the history of this country even in its earliest years. John Myers, who was a native of Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, was an officer in the war of 1812 under General Harrison and was a farmer and a miller by occupation. He passed away May 10, 1850. Dr. Rezin D. Myers received his early education in the public schools of his native town, but the training which he later acquired and which made his practice of dentistry possible came as the result of his own ambition and labors. He had planned to become a physician, but a she pursued his work he became convinced that he was not suited for that profession and so devoted himself to dentistry. He did not have the means, however, to attend the schools he desired so he conceived the idea of becoming a journeyman dentist, riding or driving through the country, extracting teeth or performing other small and necessary operations among a people who in those early days had little opportunity to frequent the cities where the more skillful and better trained might attend to their wants. Dr. Myers rapidly rose in his chosen field, for he was a man who was ever on the alert to profit by experience, and as it often fell to his lot to be associated with those who were most proficient i! n their work, he soon acquired the ability and the confidence equal if not superior to that which is learned through attending lectures in a schoolroom. Dr. Myers came to Davenport in 1853, having covered the distance from Chicago by stage. Here he established his office and engaged in his profession, to which he devoted himself assiduously until about fifteen years before his death, with a success that was a gratifying return after the many hardships which only perseverance had overcome in the years he was trying to perfect himself in his art. When he retired he spent a number of years traveling, principally in Mexico for the benefit of his health. On the 30th of July, 1897, his long, earnest and eventful life was brought to a close. In Pennsylvania, in 1858, Dr. Myers was married to Miss Adeline Huffman, a native of the Keystone state, and they had five children, only two of whom are living: William Lincoln, who is in the paper business in Missouri; and Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, of Bedford City, Virginia. Mrs. Myers is a member of the Presbyterian church, whose services Dr. Myers attended throughout his life. He was, however, broad in his religious views, assisting to build many of the houses of worship in Davenport in early years, as his aid was ever given to all the measures or charities which were calculated to advance the social and moral wellbeing of the community. He was a republican in his political affiliations and active in the public life of the city, especially shortly after his arrival here. Fraternally he belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, among whose members he made many friends, who, attracted by the noble character of the man, became endeared to him through close acquaintance with his high ideals and principles and mourned him sincerely as a good citizen when his life was over. Mrs. Myers, too, has many friends in the city, which has been her home for so many years. In fact, she has lived in the same house for more than half a century. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES