Dr. Joseph W. SELLARDS, successfully practicing his profession in Clarinda since 1901, his ability being manifest in the capable treatment of various important and intricate cases, was born in Ringgold county, Iowa, April 2, 1875. His parents were David F. and Mary A. (FOSTER) SELLARDS. The father was a physician and banker and began the practice of medicine in Ringgold county after the war. In the period of hostilities, when the north and south were arrayed against each other, fighting for principles in which each firmly believed, Dr. David F. SELLARDS espoused the Union cause and became a captain in the Thirty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He saw arduous service at the front and returned much impaired in health. He then took up preparation for a life work and, determining upon the practice of medicine, he pursued a course in Rush Medical College of Chicago, from which he was graduated in due time. He then entered upon active practice and gave to his fellowmen the benefit of his professional service until his life's labors were ended in death.

Reared in his father's home. Dr. Joseph W. SELLARDS attended the Mount Ayr high school, from which he was graduated in 1894. In 1896 he began the study of medicine, first pursuing a scientific course at Drake University, believing that broad general knowledge was necessary as a foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of professional learning. He next entered the medical department of Drake University and was graduated in 1901. Soon after he began the practice of medicine at Clarinda, Iowa, where he has been in general practice continuously since. He is a member of the Iowa State Medical Society and thus keeps in touch with what the profession is doing as the work of investigation is carried forward and as experiment and experience broaden knowledge. For two terms he served as county physician and is now city health officer. He is also visiting physician of the Clarinda Hospital and enjoys a large private practice.

The 7th of January, 1904, witnessed the celebration of the marriage of Dr. SELLARDS and Miss Lena PLANK of Clarinda, a daughter of John PLANK. They have become the parents of two children: Gladys Fay and Violet. Socially the family is prominent, the hospitality of many of the best homes being freely extended them.

Dr. SELLARDS is interested and active in community affairs and is now serving as president of the Clarinda Military Band, has taken a deep interest in music and is acting as solo cornetist of the band. Fraternally he is associated with the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while his religious faith is evidenced in his membership in the Christian church and his exemplification of its teachings in his life.

From the Twice-A-Week News, 1897: Of the three living children of Dr. D. F. and Mrs. M.A. SELLARDS, Rev. D. F. SELLARDS is a graduate of Drake University, Des Moines and a leader in all good works. He was a delegate to the recent national prohibition convents. J. A. SELLARDS is married and in business for himself. J. W. SELLARDS is at home. Mrs. SELLARDS is a member of the Christian church, the W.C.T.U. and the W.__.C., being an active and valued member of all those organizations.

SOURCE: KERSHAW, W. L. History of Page County Iowa: Also Biographical Sketches of some Prominent Citizens of the County Vol. 11. Pp. 124-25. The S.J. Clarke Publ. Co. Chicago. 1909.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, May of 2009; updated May of 2010