Representative Stephen Prentice Yeomans View All Years

STEPHEN P. YEOMANS was born at German Flats, N. Y., January 23, 1822; he died at the Soldiers’ Home, Marshalltown, Iowa, September 8, 1903. He came to Iowa in 1837, settling near Mt. Pleasant, Henry county, where he labored on a farm in summer, and taught school in winter, during three years. He then studied medicine, graduating at Rush Medical College, Chicago, in 1854. He also graduated from the Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, in 1871. After acquiring his profession he practiced medicine at Agency City and Sheridan, Lucas county, Iowa. In 1853 he was elected to the Iowa house of representatives by the district composed of Lucas, Wayne, Decatur and Clarke counties. At the opening of the United States land office in Sioux City, he was appointed register by President Pierce, and was re-appointed by President Buchanan. He held that office six years. During the civil war he was appointed assistant surgeon of the Seventh Iowa Cavalry, remaining with that regiment until after the war closed. He was not mustered out of the service until May 17, 1866, his discharge dating from Ft. Leavenworth, Kan. He then settled at Clinton, where he practiced his profession until 1879, when he removed to Charles City, which for many years was his home, though he spent a number of years at Osage, Mitchell county, serving in both places as a member of the board of United States pension examiners. He was also a trustee of the Iowa State Agricultural College for six years. Dr. Yeomans was a prominent member of the Iowa Department of the G. A. R., and also of the Pioneer Law Makers’ Association of Iowa. He was an excellent Christian gentleman, who possessed an admirable faculty of making friends. As has been seen, he had resided in many localities in Iowa, in all of which he is remembered with great kindness. He was an eloquent speaker, and a clear and able writer. No man received a heartier welcome at the biennial reunions of the Pioneer Law Makers’ Association. The Historical Department possesses a tasteful memorial of Dr. Yeomans. A few years before his death he deposited with the curator his commission as “Second Lieutenant, Company —, in the 3d Brigade of the 1st Division of Militia of the Territory of Iowa, with rank from July 24, 1840. “The company letter is covered by a blot and indistinguishable. This is signed by “Robert Lucas, Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Militia of said Territory.” It bears this attestation: “By the Governor’s command, Ver Planck Van Antwerp, Adjutant-General.” It is accompanied by a signed photograph of the handsome old doctor and a letter in which he briefly sketches the principal events in his long and busy life.