Holtsclaw, Z. T., M.D.

HOLTSCLAW, ESGET

Posted By: Roseanna Zehner
Date: 7/22/2006 at 14:34:20

HOLTSCLAW, Z.T, M.D.

Dr. Holtsclaw came to Lyon County in the spring of 1887 and located in Larchwood, a small town at that time, which had no resident physician, and all medical aid then being sought at either Rock Rapids, Valley Springs or Sioux Falls. A condition of things however which did not long endure, for as soon as the people found they had with them a capable physician, they hastened to give him their patronage, and for a long time he held almost the exclusive practice of this part of the country; in fact so well satisfied were the people that other physicians have found it almost impossible to secure a foothold, and have been compelled to seek a field elsewhere. The Doctor is well up in his profession, a student, reading the best medical journals and other publications, and enjoying a library said to be one of the best in the state. Its works on surgery and diseases are especially modern and up-to-date. He closely notes the newer remedies, and those of reported value are brought into his practice as needed. In fact the city and community can well be proud of having so accomplished and earnest a student and practitioner of medicine with them.

Dr. Holtsclaw studied medicine under the celebrated physicians, Doctors Adair and E.H. Lockwood, both men of a state reputation, and both deeply sensitive as to the responsibility of a medical career. He attended the high school and then took a partial course in the Asbury University, now De Pauw College, and then taught school, saving his money for a course in the medical department of the University, from which he graduated in the class of 1881, after a three years' course. He had begun his studies of medicine in 1872, and in 1875 attended his first lectures at the University. After he had opened his office for practice he had six cases of typhoid fever with which his success was marked. From 1883 to 1887 he practiced in Buena Vista and Newell, Iowa. That year the law requiring physicians to pass the state board was enacted, and Dr. Holtsclaw immediately got his certificate among the very first, and almost immediately removed to Larchwood.

Dr. Holtsclaw belongs to the Iowa State Association of Railway Surgeons, the Sioux Valley Medical Association, and the County Association of Physicians. He is also a member of the local lodge, No. 552, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 539. He was married July 2, 1878 to Miss Sarah D. Esget, by whom he has had two children: Ralph E. and Anna. The Doctor and his family attend the Congregational Church. His parents, Barnett and Julia Ann Holtsclaw, came from Kentucky and Tennessee, respectively. The Doctor is also a member of the County, State and American Medical Associations.

Source: Compendium of History Reminiscence and Biography of Lyon County, Iowa. Published under the Auspices of the Pioneer Association of Lyon County. Geo. Monlun, Pres.; Hon. E. C. Roach Sec’y; and Col. F. M. Thompson, Historian. Geo. A. Ogle & CO., Published, Engravers and Book Manufacturers. Chicago, 1904-1905

Transcribed by Roseanna Zehner, Darlene Jacoby and Diane Johnson