Stafford, Richard Henry, M.D.

MICHELL, HUTTON, PALMER

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 12/9/2009 at 13:46:00

Dr. Richard H. Stafford, a pioneer physician of Sumner, enjoys a liberal and lucrative practice which is accorded him in recognition of his pronounced skill in the field of his chosen profession. His birth occurred in Galena, Illinois, on the 22 of December, 1859, his parents being John and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Stafford, who were natives of Ireland and England respectively. The father now lives retired at Stockton, Illinois, but the mother passed away five years ago. T.J. Stafford, a brother of our suject, is a graduate of Rush Medical College of Chicago and is now a practicing physician of Stockton.

Richard H. Stafford spent the first eleven years of his life in Galena and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Elizabeth, Illinois. When a young man of eighteen he entered the State Normal School at Bloomington and following his graduation from that institution, taught school for three years, while subsequently he spent four or five years in St. Louis. He then read medicine for one year under the direction of Dr. William Hutton, of Elizabeth, Illinois, who had received his training in the Department of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. To further prepare himself for his chosen profession he next pursued a four years course of study in Rush Medical College of Chicago and subsequently located for practice at Sumner, Iowa, where he has remained continuously since, enjoying a large and lucrative patronage. He had been a registered pharmacist prior to becoming a physician and in June, 1889, secured a clerkship in the drug store of Wilson & Wright at Sumner, remaining in their employ for three months. He has done post-graduate work in Chicago and New York and has alway been excellently qualified for the discharge of important professional duties. Dr. Stafford belongs to the Bremer County Medical Society, the Iowa State Medical Society, the American Medical Association, the Cedar Valley Medical society and the Austin Flint Medical Society, which two have since been consolidated.

As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Dr. Stafford chose Miss Florence Palmer, a native of Iowa, by whom he has one child, Howard. He is a worthy examplar of the Masonic fraterity, exemplifying its teachings in his professional and social intercourse. He has cooperated in many movements for the general good, has cast his influence on the side of improvement and has advocated high ideals of manhood and citizenship as well as professional service.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914