Topliff, C. L., D.D.S. 1862 -
TOPLIFF, REED, TILLOTSON, BEERS, GARDNER
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/6/2015 at 07:49:28
C. L. TOPLIFF, D. D. S.
Dr. C. L. Topliff, who has been successfully engaged in the practice of dentistry at Decorah for the past twenty-three years, has built up and enjoys an extensive and well deserved patronage in this connection. His birth occurred at Waukon, Allamakee county, Iowa, on the 28th of December, 1862, his parents being John and Rachel (Reed) Topliff, who are natives of New Jersey and Ohio respectively. The father took up his abode in this part of the state when it was an Indian reservation, settling in Allamakee county in 1854. Eventually he purchased and improved a farm lying in Winneshiek and Allamakee counties and continued its operation successfully until 1891, when he disposed of the property and took up his abode in Decorah, where he is now living retired. His wife is also living and they make their home on Washington street, Decorah. John Topliff has been a resident of this part of the state for almost six decades and has witnessed the growth and development of the region from pioneer times down to the present.
C. L. Topliff obtained his early education in the district schools of Winneshiek county and subsequently attended the high school at Postville, Allamakee county. After putting aside his text-books he assisted his father in the work of the home farm until he had attained his majority and then came to Decorah, here beginning the study of dentistry in the office of Dr. Kellogg. At the end of a year he entered the Philadelphia Dental College, being graduated from that institution in the spring of 1888. Returning to his native state, he began the practice of dentistry at Postville but after two years came back to Decorah, which city has since remained the scene of his professional labors. During the entire period, covering twenty-three years, he has maintained a handsomely equipped office in the Ben Bear building. The extensive practice accorded him is the best evidence of his skill and ability in the line of his chosen profession.
In June, 1886, Dr. Topliff was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Tillotson, a daughter of Charles and Carrie (Beers) Tillotson. The father, who came to Winneshiek county in an early day, here followed farming for a number of years but was living retired at the time of his demise, which occurred in Decorah. The mother is likewise deceased. Dr. and Mrs. Topliff have three children, namely: Myrtle E., who is twenty-four years of age and the wife of John B. Gardner; Alta G., twenty-one years old, who resides at home; and Lyle R., who is nine years of age. The family reside in a handsome home at No. 601 Center avenue.
In politics Dr. Topliff is a republican, exercising his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of that party. On August 1, 1913, he was appointed by Governor Clark as one of five members of the state board of dental examiners, who examine all dentists who wish to practice in the state of Iowa, this appointment emphasizing his standing in the profession. Both he and his wife were affiliated with the Unity church until the organization disbanded. He is a prominent member of the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has served as deputy district grand master of this district, while in the present year he acts as district deputy grand patriarch. He is likewise chairman of the mileage and per diem committee of the grand lodge of Iowa and a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Modern Woodmen of America. A man of genial, cordial nature, he has gained the good-will and friendship of all with whom he has been associated in professional, fraternal and social relations.
Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark Publishing Company 1913
Phelps Cemetery gravestone
Winneshiek Biographies maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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