George W. Fisher, M.D.

FISHER, DES VOIGHES, SWEENEY

Posted By: P. Bergmeier (email)
Date: 12/10/2004 at 21:04:50

George W. Fisher, M.D., a promient physician of La Porte City, Iowa, was born at Three Rivers, St. Joseph County, Michigan, October 21, 1853. He is a son of Jonas and Mary (Fisher) Fisher.

Jonas Fisher was born at Danville, Pennsylvania, March 16, 1784 and was a pioneer settler in Michigan. He settled on rich tracts near a lake that bears his name. His life was that of a farmer and stock raiser. He belonged to a family which was noted for its longevity. His brother, Christopher, lived to the age of 101 years, and his brother, William, was 103 years old at the time of his death, in Pennsylvania. Mr. Fisher had reached the age of 96 years when he died, in 1880, from sunstroke, never having been sick a day in his life. He was a man of commanding appearance, weighing 240 pounds, and attributed his excellent health to abstemious habits, early rising, and hard work. His religious faith made him a willing and consciencious supporter of the church, a kind friend and helpful neighbor. He accumulated a large property, which was left to the surviving members of his family of 13 children.

The mother of Dr. Fisher was born at Williamsport, Pennsylvania, May 25, 1811, and died at White Pigeon, Michigan, in 1895, at the age of 84 years. The four survivors of the family are: William, of Pentwater, Michigan; Oliver, of Big Rapids, Michigan; Jonas W., a successful speculator of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, formerly a physician; and Dr. George W. Jonas Fisher and his wife were consistent members of the Methodist Church.

Dr. Fisher resided in his native county until he completed his high school course at Three Rivers in 1870, and then spent two years at Albion College, Michigan. From childhood he had displayed remarkable musical gifts and through boyhood and young manhood he cultivated this great talent. Previous to beginning the study of medicine in 1875, he spent a year and a half in the study of vocal and instrumental music at Dando Musical Institute at Warren, Ohio. In 1877, Dr. Fisher was graduated at the Chicago Homeopathic College, and remained in Michigan until 1879, when he came first to La Porte City. After two years, he moved to Mendon, Michigan, when he practiced until 1891, when he returned to La Porte City, and has been very firmly established here ever since.

In 1878, Dr. Fisher was married at Mendon, Michigan, to Bell Des Voighes; at her death, she left one son, who died in infancy. In 1892, Dr. Fisher was married to Lida Sweeney, of Larchwood, Iowa. Until his practice prevented, Dr. Fisher devoted much time to music, taking great enjoyment in directing choirs, and in leading bands and orchestras. He possesses a fine tenor voice which he has used on many occasions, to add to the pleasure and profit of charitable entertainments.

Like his father, Dr. Fisher has always supported the Republican party, and during his residence in Michigan held a number of township offices. For several years he served as health officer in La Porte City, but latterly the demands of his practice have made it necessary to decline all such honors. The Doctor belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Brotherhood of American Yeomen.