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WILLIAM A. DELZELL, M. D. In a comprehensive work of this kind, dealing with industrial pursuits, sciences, arts and professions, it is only fit and right that that profession on which, in some period or other in our lives (the medical profession) we are all more or less dependent, should be noticed. It is the prerogative of the physician to relieve or alleviate the ailments to which suffering humanity is heir, and as such he deserves the most grateful consideration of all. One of the most promising of the younger physicians and surgeons of Greene county, who, by his own ability, has attained a good foothold in his profession, is Dr. William A. Delzell, of Springfield.
Dr. Delzell was born at Henderson, Missouri, June 4, 1885. He is a son of Dr. William David Delzell, who was born near Rogersville, this state, July4, 1844, his parents having located there in pioneer days. There he grew to maturity, assisted with the general work on the farm and received his education in the public schools of Webster and Greene counties. After finishing his primary education he entered the St. Louis Medical College from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1876. Soon thereafter he returned to his native vicinity where he engaged successfully in the practice of his profession until about 1896, when he retired from practice and removed to his large stock farm near Rogersville, Missouri, and engaged in general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale. He has long been a prominent man in that locality in public affairs, and in 1899 he was elected representative to the state Legislature, serving his constituents in such an able and satisfactory manner that he was elected for a second term in 1901 and again distinguished himself as a member of the lower house. He was given by nature many strong attributes, and he became a splendid example of a successful and influential, self-made man, having forged his way to the front up from the station of a poor farmer boy. His habits were above all idle cavil and he has always been highly esteemed by all who know him. On January 27, 1875, he was united in marriage with Sarah E. Thompson, a daughter of William E. Thompson, a native of Greene county, Missouri, and one of the early settlers here. His death occurred some twelve years ago. A. D. Detzell, the paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a minister in the Presbyterian church, having commenced preaching when eighteen years of age and followed the same the rest of his life. His death occurred at the age of seventy-five years.
Dr. William A. Delzell grew up in his native locality and he received his early education in the public schools and Morrisville College, in Polk county. Desiring to follow in the footsteps of his father in a professional way he entered the University of St. Louis, where he completed his literary course, then was a student in the medical department of that institution, making an excellent record and was graduated therefrom in 1912, taking the full four years course. He then served a year as interne in the St. Francis Hospital in Colorado Springs Colorado, and thereby gained much valuable experience, especially in surgery. He then came to Springfield and opened an office and he has succeeded in establishing an excellent general practice and does a great deal of surgical work, in which he is specializing and for which he seems to be well fitted by both nature and training.
Doctor Delzell was married, January 27, 1914, to Myrtle Bearden, a daughter of R. R. Bearden and wife, of Springfield, where she was reared and educated.
Doctor Delzell is a member of the Greene County Medical Society, the Southwest Missouri Medical Society and the Missouri State Medical Association. Fraternally, he belongs to Lodge No. 5, Free and Accepted Masons. He is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist church. He is a man of industry, worked hard for his professional education and is still working hard in order to further equip himself for life's duties. His personal habits are above criticism. His offices are on the sixth floor of the Landers building.
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