SNOOK, Calvin A., M.D. - 1912 Bio (1848-1906)

SNOOK, FOWLER, ANDERSON, BATTY, FLOOD

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 9/30/2007 at 19:10:27

History of Jefferson County, Iowa -- A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, Vol II, Published 1912, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 264-266

Calvin SNOOK, M.D..

What every man seeks is opportunity to attain success in his chosen field of labor. The purpose of life is to afford opportunities for physical, mental and spiritual development. In these countries, such opportunities lie before every one who is willing to make use of them; they may slip away from the sluggard, and tauntingly play before the dreamer, but they surrender to the individual with high purpose, undaunted courage and indefatigable determination. Such were the qualities which Dr. Calvin SNOOK possessed, and, as a result, he gradually advanced as a practitioner of medicine; winning for himself a creditable position in the ranks of the medical profession, in Iowa. He was born March 15, 1848, in Jefferson county, Iowa, upon a farm north of Farifield, his parents being John and Mary (FOWLER) SNOOK. The father was born and reared in Pennsylvania, and was of English-Dutch descent. [Transcriber's note: 'Dutch' has been scribbled out in the text being transcribed.] His ancestors were natives of England but afterward removed to Holland and came to America prior to the Revolutionary war. The family home was established in New Jersey, and several representatives of the family became soldiers of the American army in the Revolutionary war. It was in the year 1842 that John SNOOK came to Iowa, settling north of Fairfield among the first residents of Jefferson county. In its development in pioneer days, as well as through the period of later progress, he took active and helpful part. With this work of upbuilding, he was closely associated throughout the entire period of his residence here. His farm was a tract of undeveloped land when it came into his possession, but he labored untiringly and persistently to convert it into productive fields. Upon the lands he had won for civilization, Mr. SNOOK made his home until his death. He and his wife were members of the First Presbyterian church of Fairfield, and were among the first four to be taken into the church and he was an elder.

Through the period of his early manhood, Dr. SNOOK remained upon the old home farm, working in the fields through the summer months, and attending the public schools in the winter seasons. Later, higher educational privileges were accorded him and he attended the seminary of Fairfield, which was a private school conducted by Miss Pettigrew, of Pennsylvania. Afterward, he entered the medical college at Keokuk, Iowa, having determined to make the practice of medicine his life work, and was there graduated in the class of 1869, at which time the M. D. degree was conferred upon him. He was also a graduate of the Iowa State Medical College at Iowa City, but, as he was not in good health, on the completion of his medical course, he went to Kansas for a time, living with his uncle, William SNOOK. Afterward, he returned to this state and entered upon the practice of medicine in connection with a partner at Moulton, Iowa. Subsequently, he removed to Perlee, Iowa, a mining town, in which he followed his profession for seven years. In 1879, he was married and removed to Fairfield, where he continued in active practice until his death, which occurred on the 4th of January, 1906. He was regarded as one of the most capable physicians of the city. Having comprehensive knowledge of the principles of medicine, he had the ability to accurately apply his knowledge to the needs of each specific case which came under his care.

On the 16th of January, 1879, Dr. SNOOK was united in marriage to Miss Ella A. ANDERSON, a daughter of Dr. Isaac N. and Hannah (BATTY) ANDERSON. Her father was a physician who was born in Sterling, Kentucky, and came of English and French stock. He represented one of the old and prominent families of Virginia and Mrs. SNOOK was a cousin of Congressman FLOOD. Her mother was born in Jacksonville, Illinois, of English parentage, but was reared in Keokuk, Iowa. Her husband, Dr. ANDERSON, practiced in Keensburg, Illinois, for a long period and there departed this life, in 1863. His widow long survived him and when taken ill was living in Keokuk, Iowa, but was brought to the home of her daughter, Mrs. SNOOK, in Fairfield, here passing away on the 23d of November, 1905. Unto Dr. and Mrs. SNOOK were born four children but the eldest, Hannah D., died when but three months old. Mary Batty, who is a graduate of Parsons College of the class of 1901, is now a teacher in the high school of Keosauqua, Iowa. John Newton, the third child, died June 21, 1910. Esther Shipman, who was graduated from Parsons College with the class of 1911, is now at home with her mother. Mrs. SNOOK still owns and operates a stock farm of three hundred and ten acres, constituting a valuable property in Cedar township. On this farm is a fine mineral well and mineral springs; also an Indian mound which is of historic interest. In addition to this property, Mrs. SNOOK owns a pleasant home in the city of Fairfield. Dr. SNOOK was widely and favorably known not only in his professional relations but in other public connections as well, whereby he contributed to the growth and development of the city. In politics, he was a democrat and for several terms served as a member of the city council of Fairfield, exercising his prerogatives in support of many practical and progressive public measures. For years, he served as a member of the school board and the cause of education ever found in him a warm friend. At one time, he was a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows lodges at Perlee, Iowa. He attended the Presbyterian church at Fairfield, and was a trustee of the church of that denomination at Perlee; and his wife and daughters are members of the Fairfield Presbyterian church. Dr. SNOOK was particularly active in his profession, and spared neither time nor pains to acquaint himself with such knowledge as would prove of actual value and worth in his practice. He was a member of the Tri-State Medical Society, the Iowa State Medical Society and the Jefferson County Medical Society. He was also a local physician for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Medical Association, and served from 1892 until the time of his death. He was likewise a member of the Jefferson county board of pension examiners for years. Dr. SNOOK early grasped the eternal truth that industry wins, and industry became the beacon light of his life. It was this that continually promoted his knowledge of his chose profession, and advanced his ability in practice. Those who met him, professionally and socially, recognized in him most attractive personal qualities and he had a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance.

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