Clarence C. Hetzel, son of Fred G. Hetzel and Belle Boyd

Scott County, Iowa

This is preeminently an age of specialization. Comparatively few men in any profession attempt to cover the entire field of practice but give their attention to a particular line, thus gaining skill and ability therein that could not be acquired if time and energy had to be divided with other interests. Dr. Hetzel has in his practice made a specialty of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat and his broad study and comprehensive understanding have gained for him a skill that is the source of the large practice that is accorded him. He was born in Avoca, Iowa, May 10, 1877. His father, Fred G. Hetzel, was a native of Wheeling, West Virginia, born June 10, 1846. When a boy he came to Davenport with his father, Charles Hetzel, who engaged in farming on Telegraph road, about six miles from the city, and there reared his family. He brought his farm into a good state of cultivation, erected thereon a substantial residence and became one of the prosperous and respected citizens of the community. It was on the old homestead there that Fred G. Hetzel was reared and after attaining his majority he turned his attention to the grain business. In 1871 he removed to Avoca, where he established a hardware store and has since remained a successful merchant in that place. He married Miss Belle Boyd, who was born at Wilton, Iowa, October 30, 1854, and their family numbers five children, three daughters and two sons.

Clarence C. Hetzel, the second in order of birth, pursued his education through successive grades in the Avoca schools until he was graduated from the high school in 1895, while later he entered the Iowa State University and completed the medical course by graduation with the class of 1903. He has further qualified for his chosen profession by study in the polyclinic and in Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was also for one year in the hospital at Iowa City, where he added to his theoretical knowledge the board and valuable experience of hospital practice. He established his office in Davenport in 1904 and makes a specialty of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. In that department he is thoroughly qualified and his reading upon the subject has been extensive, bringing him broad and thorough knowledge. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Otology and Laryngology. He also belongs to the County, State and District Medical Societies.

Dr. Hetzel was married July 27, 1907, to Miss Alta S. Smith, a native of Harlan, Iowa. He belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and in all social relations manifests a genial spirit and unfeigned cordiality. In his practice he holds to a high standard of professional ethics and therefore enjoys the respect of his brethren of the medical fraternity as well as of the general public.

Source: History of Davenport and Scott County by Harry E. Downer; Chicago : S. J. Clarke Pub., 1910 - FHL Film 1425327, 1000019