Biography - John H. Shelton, M. D.
JOHN H. SHELTON, M. D. The professional reputation of Dr. Shelton is an
enviable one, and his skill and knowledge are held at their proper
valuation. For many years a student, he has not been content with the wisdom
which won him his diploma, but has read and investigated from time to time
and increased his store of technical knowledge and ability to diagnose and
treat diseases. He is known far and near, respected and loved, and numbered
among the most worthy citizens of Shelby County, who are active in promoting
its prosperity and elevating the status of its citizens.
The birthplace of Dr. Shelton was Owen County, Ky., and his natal day
February 11, 1835. His parents were Austin and Emily (Callender) Shelton,
natives of Virginia, who removed to Kentucky at a very early day. They
located in Owen County where after attaining to a good old age, they passed
from earth. Our subject remained at home during his youth, receiving a
limited education in the district schools and acquiring a thorough and
practical knowledge of agricultural pursuits. Upon arriving at man's estate
he began to operate as a farmer, and continued chiefly thus engaged until
1873. We next find him engaged in the drug business in Owenton, Ky., for
eight years. During that time he read medicine, for which he had a natural
aptitude, and after selling out his interest in the drug business, he
attended medical lectures in the hospital at Louisville, Ky., during the
winter of 1878-79.
In 1879, Dr. Shelton emigrated to Illinois, and coming to Shelby County,
practiced medicine with Dr. G. W. Fringer until the fall of 1881. He then
entered the Medical College at Keokuk, la., where he was graduated in
February. 1882. After receiving the diploma for which he had toiled so
arduously, the Doctor returned to Tower Hill and has since resided here,
with the exception of eight months in Henton, this county. He enjoys an
extensive and lucrative practice, and as a citizen is public-spirited and
interested in everything calculated to elevate the status of the community.
The Doctor has an amiable and active helpmate in his wife, with whom he was
united in marriage May 26, 1856, in Cincinnati, Ohio. The bride bore the
maiden name of Marietta Garnett, and was born and reared in Owen County, Ky.
Her parents, Jamison and Lucinda Garnett, were natives of Kentucky; the
father now lives in Kentucky, and the mother is deceased. Dr. Shelton and
his estimable wife have become the parents of six children, only two of whom
survive: Bettie G., and Nannie C., both of whom are at home. Dr. Shelton has
served the people in various capacities, and has been a member of the
Township Board of Trustees, and also served as School Trustee. He and his
family are highly esteemed and are among the prominent members of society in
Tower Hill.
Extracted 25 Apr 2020 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, pages 674-675.
