FORDYCE, Dr. Winfield - 1890 Bio (1848-1928)

FORDYCE, NEWBY, FELL

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/5/2007 at 14:07:46

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Page 591

Dr. W. FORDYCE is a prominent physician of Glasgow, Jefferson County, and as a representative citizen of the county deserves mention in this volume. He was born in Lee County, Iowa, in 1848, being the eldest son of Lewis and Mary (NEWBY) FORDYCE. His father is a native of Illinois, born in Wabash County, about the year 1820. In 1837, when a youth of seventeen years, he accompanied his parents to Van Buren County, Iowa, but in Lee County married Miss NEWBY, a native of Indiana, and located in that neighborhood. Both parents are still living, their home being in Des Moines Township, Van Buren County. Mr. FORDYCE has been influential in local political circles, and has twice served as a Representative to the General Assembly, being elected to a seat in the Lower House from Van Buren County in 1852, and from Jefferson County in 1884. At the former election he was a candidate of the Whig party, and is now a stanch Republican in politics.

The Doctor, who is widely known throughout the community, spent the days of his boyhood and youth in Van Buren County, where he acquired a common-school education and was reared to farm life. His tastes, however, lay in another direction, and, tiring of the dull routine of farm life, he determined to engage in the practice of a profession. Having at length determined upon a life work, at the age of twenty-one he began the study of medicine with Dr. J. M. Morris, of Birmingham, Van Buren County, and later attended lectures in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of Keokuk. Having completed his course of study, he made a location in Glasgow, where he has built up an extensive practice. However, he has never abandoned his studies, and like every successful practitioner keeps himself well informed concerning the science, its discoveries and improved methods.

A marriage ceremony performed in 1876 united the destinies of Dr. FORDYCE and Miss Miriam FELL, daughter of David FELL, of Round Prairie Township, and their union has been blessed with three children -- Mary, Elsie and Chester. In his social relations the Doctor is a Mason, holding membership with Glasgow Lodge, No. 60, A. F. & A. M., of which he is now Secretary. He has also held nearly all the other offices in the lodge. In his political affiliations he is a Republican, and one of the acknowledged stalwart supporters of the party principles. His wife, who is a lady of many graces and excellencies of character, is a faithful member of the Methodist Church, and in support of that organization the Doctor is quite liberal, as he is for the advancement of every interest or enterprise which is calculated to benefit and upbuild the community. His practice covers not only Glasgow, but extends over a wide circuit throughout the surrounding country, which liberal patronage is justly deserved.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.