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Dilly Nelson Pattison, M.D.

One of the most conspicuous physicians and surgeons of the younger generation of professional men in Fayette county is Dr. Dilly Nelson Pattison, one of those estimable characters whose integrity and strong personality must force them into an admirable notoriety, which their modesty never seeks, who command the respect of their contemporaries and leave the impress of their personalities upon the period in which they live, he being one of a trio of eminent medical men of this old and influential family, one of the best known and most highly respected in the county.

Doctor Pattison is the second son of the late Dr. Israel Pattison and a brother of Dr. John F. Pattison, whose sketches appear on other pages of this work. He was born in Oelwein, Iowa, January 16, 1876, and his boyhood was spent in this city, where he attended the public schools. After leaving school he took a competitive examination for admission to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, and, upon the recommendation of Congressman Thomas UPDEGRAF, was appointed as a cadet. While a student of the navy department he received instruction and training for both land and naval service and was given a long cruise on a training ship, during which time he saw land but once in three months. After leaving Annapolis he completed a course in medicine and surgery at the University of Iowa. There he was taught by able instructors, men eminent in their profession for the branches which they taught, and being an ardent student, his progress was rapid and he made a splendid record, receiving his diploma in 1897. Immediately thereafter he entered upon the practice of medicine and surgery in Oelwein with his father and he met with instantaneous success. For over twelve years he was surgeon for the Chicago Great Western Railroad Company at Oelwein, rendering them entire satisfaction at all times.

About 1900 he and his father and Dr. John F. Pattison, his brother, established a hospital in Oelwein for the treatment of emergency cases, which has been an institution of great benefit and has been popular and widely known, having been well patronized from the start, answering well the purpose for which it was intended, there being no other in or near Oelwein. Doctor Pattison is especially skilled in surgery and holds high rank with the best in this part of the state.

In politics Doctor Pattison is a Republican and he takes a patriotic interest in public affairs of Oelwein, in which city he has very ably served as councilman and also as city physician. He is also well known in fraternal circles, being a member of the Modern Woodmen, and of the Masons, in which he has taken all the degrees up to and including the thirty-second degree, and he is also a member of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; he belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of which he is past exalted ruler—in fact he is known throughout the state in fraternal circles and has long been influential in them.

In December, 1904, Doctor Pattison was united in marriage with Emma SCHUKNECHT, of Waverly, Iowa, where her family have long been very favorably known. This union has been graced by the birth of two children, Dorothy Alice and Arthur Coleman. Doctor Pattison and wife are members of the Episcopal church, of which they are faithful attendants and liberal supporters.