E H Melott M D

MELOTT

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/11/2009 at 16:36:43

E H Melott M D, Among the enterprising and progressive citizen of Ogden is numbered Dr Melott, whos activity in business and fidelity in office has made him one of the famous men of this portion of the state. He has recently completed a two years’ term as mayor of the city and in addition to the practice of his profession he is half owner of the Ogden Telephone Company. The Doctor was born in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania on April 2, 1849, and was the only child born of the union of Daniel and Esther (Hoch) Melott. The mother had five children by a subsequent marriage, three sons and two daughters all of who are deceased. The Doctor’s father was also a native of Pennsylvania and of French descent. By occupation he was a cattle dealer, and in politics was a Whig. He died in 1857 when about 45 years of age. On the maternal side Dr Melott’s ancestors came originally from Germany. His grandfather Colonel Daniel Hoch, served with distinction as an office in the War of 1812 and also in the Mexican war. He was a large landholder ad miller and was a man of considerable prominence in his time. His daughter, the mother of Doctor Melott died when about 72 years of age.
After attending the common schools near his boyhood home, Dr Melott became a student tin the Pennsylvania State Normal School, in which he was graduated in the class of 1865. He then determined to make the practice of medicine his life work and began studying under Professor Austin Flint. When he had acquired considerable knowledge of the principles of the medical science, he entered the Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York n the fall of 18678, and on the completion of his course he practiced for two years at Fleetwood, Pennsylvania after which he came to Ogden, Iowa in 1872. Here he has practice continuously since, and has bee accorded a large patronage by reason of his superior knowledge and skill in the line of his chosen work. Mr Melott realized fully the heavy responsibility which rests upon the physician and through continued reading and study he has kept abreast of the times on all that pertains to his profession in order that he should be well qualified to perform the important work connected with the restoration of health and the prolongation of life. In 1877 the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Ida Mullen and unto them were born six children but Florence, Ray, Leslie, Elsie and an infant are al deceased. Esma is the only surviving child and she is at home with her parents. Mrs Melott is a most estimable lady having a large circle of friends here .In 1876 the Doctor joined the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has since held all the offices of his lodge. He has represented his lodge in the grand lodge of the state an din 1880 was made district grand master for central Iowa. He is also a member of the Tribe of Improved Order of Red Men at Ogden.
In his political views Dr Melott is independent voting for the candidate whom he things best qualified for office. His fellow citizens recognizing his worth and ability have frequently called him to offices of public trust. He has served for six years as a member of the town council, three years as township trustee and for two years has filled the office of chief executive of the town, his administration being on e highly commendable because of its progressive and practical nature. For seventeen years he has served as secretary of the Ogden school board and is still the incumbent in that office. His entire life has been one of unusual activity and industry. He has attended to a large practice in the line of his profession and has a deserved reputation for liberality in attending the deserving poor when in need and medical assistance, few of whom were ever presented with a bill for services. At the same tie he has found opportunity to aid in the promotion of the welfare and improvement of the town in which he makes his home. His methods have always been in keeping with the highest principles of honor and fair dealing and with a conscientious regard for the rights of others. He is generous to a economy and business tact he has accumulated a competence that is ample to eliminate the cares form his declining years.

1902 Boone County History Book