Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2013, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the US Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ ========================================================================= U.S. Data Repository NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. ========================================================================= Formatted by U.S. Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== Biographical History of Cherokee County, Iowa W. S. Dunbar & Co., Chigago - 1889 [page 426] ROYAL L. CLEAVES, Physician and Surgeon at Cherokee, Iowa, is one of the popular and highly respected representatives of the medical profession in Northwestern Iowa. In keeping with the prime object for which this book was published, it is befitting that something more than the professional work that Dr. CLEAVES has accomplished during his twenty years' residence in the county should be known of him. It is a familiar fact to his fellow-citizens that he ranks high in his profession, and he stands out prominently in the commun- ity as a man of great integrity and reliability. His aim in life seems to be to excel in his profession, live honorably, have the respect of his friends and neighbors, and enjoy the true, unalloyed pleasure of being blessing to his family. Somewhat reserved in manner, he attends strictly to his own affairs, aspiring to no pub- licity. To acquaint the general reader with something outside his present self, and his life away from this county, it may be well to outline briefly his earlier career, thus giving a better knowledge of the training which has brought him to his present standing. Dr. CLEAVES was born April 23, 1843, at Bridgeton, Cumberland County, Maine. His parents were BENJAMIN L. and JERUSHA (LEWIS) CLEAVES, who were among the pioneer families of the old Pine State, and were descended from English ancestry. Up to the breaking out of the Rebellion he attended the public schools of his native State, and the Edward Little Institute, Aubuen, Maine. At the age of eighteen years he enlisted, as many brave and patriotic sons of New England did, in the Union Army. His enlistment dates from June 7, 1862. He entered the service of his country as Hospital Steward for the Six- teenth Maine Volunteer Infantry, and was placed in the army of the Potomac, where he remained until he was honorably discharged, June 9, 1865. He then returned to his home in Maine, and in a short time decided to enter the medical profession, and to be well equipped for the work. He entered the medical department of Harvard Univer- sity, from which institution he was graduated in the spring of 1869, having taken a very complete course. Soon after leaving college he caught the Western fever, and not unlike many another ambitious New Englanders, longed for the newly-developing and ever-changing prairies of the West, and upon that soil he determined to fight the battle of life, and perhaps achieve something for himself not probable in the rocky, coast-bound State in which he had been reared. So during 1869, in company with others from Maine, he came West, and might have been seen peering out from under the white canvas of a genuine prairie schooner as it swayed to and from in its western course from Cedar Rapids to Cherokee County. This was indeed a great change for the young doctor whose professional skill was at that time all untried, and his record of success or failure yet unwritten. But as time has proven this middle era of his life was the one leading on to victory. He was the first to enter the medical profession in the town of Cherokee, and be it said that none have succeeded better in the role of physician and surgeon. While he has, through long years of toil and prudence, accumulated considerable property, yet his early exper- ience in the county was anything but pleasing. In 1888 he erected what is styled upon its front, in beautiful block letters, CLEAVES Block, which structure is indeed an ornament to the town and a mon- ument to the good taste and financial success of the builder. He has rooms in this building elegantly fitted up as offices. The secret of his uniform success in life is this: He first selected a calling to which he was especially fitted by nature; next, he had a thorough educational preparation for such profession, and last but not least, he cultivated stability of life by staying in one place and continuing steadfast in one thing. The Doctor's estimable wife is CAROLINE, daughter of NATHAN CHICK, to whom he was married in 1869. Mrs. CLEAVES is also a native of Maine. Four children have been born to bless their home: CARRIE ELLEN, BERTHA, EDWARD and NINA. Dr. CLEAVES is an honorable member of Speculative Lodge, No. 307, A.F. & A.M. He is one of the charter members of the Congregational Church at Cherokee. In politics he is an ardent Republican, always assisting to give the party success, although having no official aspirations himself. Be it said to his credit that those who know most of his life and character esteem him most highly, and pay him greatest com- pliments, both as a physician and surgeon and as a citizen. Many are the homes in Cherokee County that he has cheered by his presence, not alone in his professional rounds, but as a citizen, friend and neighbor. While he has centered his energies in the close application to his pro- fession, yet he finds time to enter with a right hearty good will all laudable public enterprises which have for their object the upbuilding of the county and town. He is liberal in a public sense, and at the same time full of genuine charity for those in poverty and distress. There are not a few within the circle of his practice who have had relief without money and without price. Some of these were home- steaders who have since become well situated and have paid him, but who will never forget the solicitude and kindness displayed by him. No wonder such an one lives environed by a multitude of friends. ===========================================================================