Layton, Harry R.

LAYTON, RAYMOND, HURST, POST

Posted By: Mary H. Cochrane, Volunteer
Date: 7/1/2019 at 19:28:26

History of Decatur County Iowa and Its People
Illustrated, Volumne II.
Prof. J. M. Howell and Heman C. Smith
Supervising Editors
The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company. p. 125. Chicago. 1915.

DR. HARRY R. LAYTON

Dr. Harry R. Layton, of Leon, is the dean of the medical profession of Decatur county and has built up a practice that in importance is second to none in this part of the state. Born in Lee county, Iowa, on the 11th of September, 1853, he is a son of Captain J. M. and Cora (Raymond) Layton, natives respectively of Dearborn county, Indiana, and of Connecticut. In 1862 the father went to the defense of the Union, becoming a private in Company E, Nineteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He saw much hard service and his loyalty and bravery won him successive promotions until he became captain of his company, although he was in the army but little more than a year, being mustered out in the fall of 1863, on account of severe wounds which he had received in the battle of Perry Grove, where he was thrice wounded. Upon returning home he engaged in the plastering business, which he followed the remainder of his life. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and took an active interest not only in the affairs of his post but in everything pertaining to the old soldiers. His demise occurred on the 4th of September, 1901, and his wife passed away in 1878. To them were born five children. Charles; Dr. Harry R., of this review; Frank; Elizabeth, who married George Hurst, of Leon; and Margaret, who died at the age of seventeen.

Doctor Layton received his elementary education in the public schools and later attended the Fort Madison Academy. After reading medicine for some time he entered the Keokuk Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1874 with the degree of M. D. On the 4th of May of that year he located at Leon and opened an office for the practice of his profession. During the forty one years that have since elapsed he has continued in practice here and has gained a wide spread reputation as a skillful and conscientious physician and surgeon. He has practiced in Decatur county longer than any other physician in the county and is held in high esteem by his professional brethren as well as by the general public. Hem is a member of the Decatur County Medical Society, of which he has served as secretary and president, and he is also identified with the Iowa State Medical Society.

On the 6th of November, 1877, was solemnized the marriage of Doctor Layton and Miss Martha M. Post, of Decatur county, and they have become the parents of two children: Orr H., who died in infancy; and Raymond G. Doctor Layton gives his political allegiance to the republican party but has never desired to hold office. He is prominent in local Masonic circles, belonging to Tripolis Commandery, K. T., of Leon, of which he has been commander, and being also identified with the Mystic Shrine. He is a faithful and consistent member of the Presbyterian church and is serving on its official board. No movement which has as its aim the upbuilding of Leon and Decatur county appeals to him in vain. Those who know him respect him for what he has achieved not only professionally but also in the service of his community.

NOTE: Dr. Layton died in 1922. Mary Martha (Post) Layton was born in Hebbardsville OH on August 10, 1855, and died on June 15, 1933. They were interred at the Leon Cemetery, Leon IA.

Photographs courtesy of Decatur County Historical Museum, Leon IA
Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, February of 2014