A Narrative History of The People of Iowa with SPECIAL TREATMENT OF THEIR CHIEF ENTERPRISES IN EDUCATION, RELIGION, VALOR, INDUSTRY, BUSINESS, ETC. by EDGAR RUBEY HARLAN, LL. B., A. M. Curator of the Historical, Memorial and Art Department of Iowa Volume IV THE AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Inc. Chicago and New York 1931 WILLIAM AMOS ROHLF, distinguished Iowa surgeon, has attained many honors in the course of his labors and one of the most gratifying to him personally came when he was elected president of the Iowa State Medical Association for the year beginning May, 1930. It was a well deserved professional compliment paid to a man who for thirty-three years has practiced at Waverly and during that time has given a reputation to this Iowa city as a surgical center out of all proportion to its population. Doctor Rohlf was born in Davenport, Iowa, January 5, 1867, son of Amos and Doris (Schroeder) Rohlf. His parents were natives of Germany, and his father was eleven and his mother nine when they were brought to America, their respective families leaving the old country and seeking the new to be rid of some of the oppressive laws and customs there. Amos Rohlf was a shoemaker by trade, but in 1872 located on a farm in Scott County, and after retiring lived at Sheldon, Iowa. He and his wife were devout Lutherans. Doctor Rohlf was one of a family of seven sons and two daughters. His early life was spent on a farm. He had the advantages of the common schools but after that had to work and earn every step of his advancement. He taught school, and the funds that enabled him to go on through high school and college were earned by washing dishes, selling books and for a time he sold surgical instruments to physicians. In 1891 he was graduated M. D. from the University of Iowa, and he began his practice at Hampton, having only thirty-five dollars when he went to the town. He paid a month's board and bought the furniture for his office on credit. He remained at Hampton six years and in 1897 moved to Waverly. He has always been a hard worker, noted for his skill as a surgeon, has been interested in all phases of medical and surgical progress, and his research studies have brought him in contact with renowned surgeons throughout the world. In 1923 he went to South American, under the auspices of the American College of Surgeons. During 1924 he was in Europe. He has visited famous clinics all over the country. During his early years he took special surgical work under Dr. D. W. Middleton, of Davenport, and Dr. W. F. Peck, of Davenport. For twenty-five years his time and abilities have been largely taken up with his work as a surgeon. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and has frequently read papers before professional organizations. Doctor Rohlf had much to do with the building of the Mercy Hospital in Waverly. His associate in practice for a number of years has been Dr. H. W. Rathe. It has been the custom of Doctor Rohlf for many years to celebrate his birthday with what is known as a birthday clinic. The most notable of these came in January, 1930, when about 110 physicians and surgeons gathered at Waverly to attend the Rohlf clinic and birthday celebration. It was an interesting event from many standpoints. The presence of so many able physicians and surgeons not only from Iowa but other states and cities, including Chicago and Rochester, Minnesota, gave to this district of Iowa the benefit of examination and attention from the ablest men in the country and many major operations were successfully performed in the course of the two days. Members of the profession also participated in interesting discussions and the social feature was climaxed by a banquet in the Fortner Hotel. Among other distinguished guests present was Dr. J. H. Peck, whom Doctor Rohlf succeeded as president of the Iowa State Medical Association in May, 1930. Doctor Rohlf during the World war was a member of the local exemption board. He is a Knight Templar Mason and Shriner, member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Phthias and B. P. O. Elks. Doctor Rohlf married Miss Lottie P. Beed, daughter of James and Charlotte Beed, of Hampton, Iowa. Debbie Clough Gerischer Iowa History Project _http://iagenweb.org/history/_ (http://iagenweb.org/history/) Scott County, Iowa _http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/index.htm_ (http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/index.htm) **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1 219957551x1201325337/aol?redir=http:%2F%2Fwww.freecreditreport.com%2Fpm%2Fdefault.aspx%3Fsc%3D668072%26hmpgID %3D62%26bcd%3DfebemailfooterNO62)