STEVER, David H., M.D.

STEVER, PARKS, SHAW

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/28/2007 at 20:55:22

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 226-227

David H. STEVER, M.D., one of the oldest practicing physicians now in Fairfield, Jefferson County, was born near this city, September 16, 1845 (sic - 1844), and is a son of Adam and Elizabeth (PARKS) STEVER. The family is of German origin. The paternal grandparents of our subject were founders of the family in this country. Emigrating from Germany, they settled in Berks County, Pa., where the husband engaged in farming. On that old homestead Adam STEVER was born. In his youth he learned the gunsmith's trade, which he followed during the greater part of his life, though he also carried on farming. In the family is preserved a rifle that he made, a sample of his workmanship. With his parents he removed to Huntingdon County, Pa., where he became acquainted with and wedded Miss PARKS, a native of Maryland, born on the 3d of August, 1803. Her father was of German descent, and her mother of Scotch (sic) origin. In an early day, her family also became residents of Huntingdon County, Pa. In 1844, the Doctor's parents, with the view of bettering their financial condition, came to the West, and selecting Jefferson County, Iowa, as a favorable location, entered land a mile west of Fairfield. Upon that farm, Mr. STEVER resided until his death, which occurred in the month of August, 1858. He was a successful farmer, and succeeded in acquiring four hundred and twenty acres of land which paid to him a golden tribute for the care and labor he bestowed upon it. Politically, he was a Whig, but, though he felt an interest in the success of the party, never aspired to official positions. He was an active worker in the Lutheran Church, as is also his wife, who still survives him. Although she has attained the advanced age of eighty-seven years, she is in full possession of her faculties. Her own family consisted of twelve children, five sons and seven daughters, of whom ten are now living, one son and one daughter having departed this life, and in addition she has tenderly reared ten orphan children. Her motherly heart went out in sympathy to the friendless little ones, and she has made a lasting record as a benefactor. Long after she will have passed away, her memory will be tenderly cherished, and her deeds of kindness held in loving remembrance.

The Doctor was the youngest of the family, and is the only one that was born in Jefferson County. His early life was spent in the usual manner of farmer lads, and after attending the common schools, he pursued a two years' course in Fairfield College, then under the management of Rev. Andrew Axline, an able educator, and preacher. His literary education being completed, he read medicine with Dr. P. N. Woods, of Fairfield for three years, and then took three courses of lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Keokuk, Iowa, graduating from the institution in the Class of '76. Thereupon, he opened an office in Fairfield, and, in contradiction to the old saying that one must leave home in order to make a success in life, he has enjoyed an extensive and lucrative practice since. He has embraced the opportunities offered by the several medical societies, of coming in contact with the ablest minds of the profession, being a member of the Jefferson County, of the Des Moines Valley, and of the State Medical Societies. He does a general practice, but is making a special study of diseases of children. Three students are now reading under his direction.

On the 7th of December, 1879, the Doctor was united in marriage with Miss H. Allie SHAW, daughter of Enos B. SHAW, a prominent farmer of Jefferson County. Mrs. STEVER was born in Iowa County, Iowa, November 11, 1855, and like her husband, is held in high esteem throughout the community. Politically, Dr. STEVER is a Republican, with strong prohibition principles, and is a member of the Lutheran Church.

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