DR SAMUEL MILTON LITTLEFIELD, b 21 Aug 1860

LITTLEFIELD, CARNS

Posted By: Donna Moldt Walker (email)
Date: 6/16/2004 at 22:45:49

Dr. Samuel Milton Littlefield, a talented young physician and surgeon, has, through hard work, careful study, and constant devotion to his calling, already made his way to a position of prominence among the members of the medical profesion in this his native county. He has an extensive practice, not only here, but in various other towns throughout the central part of the county, as his success in the treatment of difficult cases has gained him the confidence of the people, many of whom have known him from childhood, and have watched his career with interest.

Dr. Littlefield comes of a sterling Massachusetts ancestry. His father, Samuel Littlefield, was born in Holliston, Worcester County, that State, Oct. 15, 1821, and his grandfather, Moses Littlefield, was born in the same town in 1789. The latter was a shoemaker by trade, and during the War of 1812 served as Drum-Major. He also engaged in farming in the old Bay State. He was a very skillful musician, and used to give violin lessons in Boston. In 1839 he became a pioneer of Iowa, was one of the early settlers of Perry Township, where he entered land from the Government, and engaged in farming thereon until his death, Feb. 3, 1875, at a ripe old age. His father, Isaac Littlefield, great-grandfather of our subject, was of English descent, but was born in Worcester County, Mass., where he spent his entire life as a farmer.

The father of our subject was an only child, and was reared on a farm, gleaning his education in the district school of his native town. He was eighteen years old, when, in 1839, he accompanied his father to the then Territory of Iowa. The country presented a very wild appearance, as scarcely five years had elapsed since the first furrow had been turned by the white man, and this region was but sparsely settled, giving little or no indication of its present advanced state of civilization. It should be his pride that he has lived to witness the wonderful changes that have been wrought here by the industry, enterprise, and energy of man, and that he has had a hand in bringing it about. He assisted his father in clearing and breaking the soil, and in making his homestead one of the finest farms in the township, and he is still actively carrying on agricultural pursuits, owning and managing a large farm of 320 acres, which is first-class in all its appointments. He is held in honor by the whole community, not only as a pioneer of the county, but for his high personal qualities. He is a man of forethought and great sagacity, independent in his views, especially in regard to politics, although he strongly favors the Democratic party. In his life-work he has had the aid of the best of wives. Her maiden name was Jane Carns, and she was born near Mercer, Mercer Co., Pa., fifty-seven years ago. Her father, Samuel Carns, was also a native of Pennsylvania, and was a farmer by occupation. He finally came to Iowa, and locating in Perry Township, was engaged in farming there until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Littlefield were the parents of four children - Samuel M., Lorenzo, Annie, Hollister, the latter three at home with their parents.

Dr. Littlefield was born in Perry Township, Jackson County, Aug. 21, 1860. He obtained the basis of his education in the public schools of his native township, and remained at home assisting his father in the farm work until he was seventeen years old. At that age he became a student in the scientific department of Lennox Collegiate Institute at Hopkinton, taking a three years course. At the age of twenty he began the study of medicine in Andrew, under the instruction of Dr. W.A. Quigley, was with him a year, and in the fall of 1881 entered Rush Medical College. He applied himself very closely to his studies, and in the three years course distinguished himself for brilliant scholarship in every branch, and was graduated in the spring of 1884 with the highest honors, and every prospect of a bright future before him. He received private instruction in hospital work, in Physical Diagnosis, in Dermatology, and in eye and ear specialty. He commenced the practice of his profession in Howard City, Kan., but after remaining there nine months, he availed himself of a good opening in Andrew, and returning to this city, opened an office on Main Street, in April, 1885, and has been established here ever since. Only thorough training, skill, faithfulness, and continual study of recent medical literature, can account for the universal confidence and high esteem of a wide community, and also of the medical fraternity.

The Doctor is a true gentleman, ever courteous, deferential, obliging, and pleasant, and he is a great social favorite. He has at heart the best interests of his native county, and is active in promoting its moral, social, and educational advancement. He mingles in the public life of Andrew, lending the force of his intellect to the councils of his fellow-citizens, and giving general satisfaction as a member of the Town Board. He is identified with the County Medical Society, as one of its brightest and most thoughtful members. In him the Republican party in this locality finds one of its stanchest and most earnest supporters. He is a member and a trustee of the United Presbyterian Church, and he wields an influence for good in this community.

("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)