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Dr. Michael L. Shine, deceased, was for twenty seven years a leading physician and surgeon of Winthrop, Iowa,
and was always forgetful of self in his care for his patients. This characteristic eventually cost him his life
as his death was occasioned by blood poisoning contracted while attending a patient. He was born in Kentucky on
the 29th of September, 1856, a son of Patrick and Sarah Shine, both natives of Ireland. Upon coming to the United
States they resided in Kentucky for several months but in 1857 removed to this county and located upon a farm in
Westburg township. The mother died when the subject of this review was but five years of age and he was only fifteen
or sixteen years old when his father also passed away. Of the children born to that union only one, John Shine,
of Texas, survives.
As Michael L. Shine was the oldest son the care of the family devolved upon him following the death of his father,
and although he was but a boy he bravely shouldered the burden and, engaging in farming, earned enough not only
to care for himself but to provide for the support of the lounger children as well. He had completed the course
offered in the country schools but was not satisfied as he desired to become a physician and when he reached his
majority he decided to work with that end in view. He was compelled to depend entirely upon his own resources but
he had a strong physique and a resolute determination to succeed. He entered Tilford Academy at Vinton, Iowa, and
worked his way through, being graduated with the class of 1882. He subsequently entered the College of Medicine
of the University of Iowa at Iowa City, but owing to lack of funds was unable to complete the course. He walked
from his home in Quasqueton to Winthrop rather than pay money for a conveyance although it was bitterly cold and
began the practice of medicine in Winthrop, but the state legislature soon afterward passed a law requiring a diploma
from an accredited medical school before one could be licensed to practice. He then returned to the State University
and completed his medical course, receiving the degree of M. D. from that institution in 1887. He again located
for practice in Winthrop and from that time until his death was accorded the respect and confidence of the community.
He soon gained a large and representative practice and was very successful in curing or, if that were impossible,
checking disease. He was more than a physician to his patients as he took a personal interest in their recovery
and his cheerful personality inspired confidence in an ultimate cure. Those to whom he ministered thought of him
as a friend and felt sincere sorrow when they heard of his untimely demise. He passed away on the 2d of March,
1911.
Dr. Shine was married on the 24th of September, 1884, to Miss Mary Williams, who was born in Quasqueton, a daughter
of Cornelius and Susan (Kirk) Williams, natives of New York state and Ohio respectively and among the pioneers
of Buchanan county. By their marriage Dr. and Mrs. Shine became the parents of four children: Ben Richard and Dan
W., twins, born June 17, 1885, the former of whom is a farmer and the latter a graduate of the medical department
of the University of Iowa with the class of 1914 and now located for the practice of his profession at Farley,
Iowa; and Byron Lewis and Kirk Neal, at home.
Dr. Shine was a democrat in his political belief. He was a director of the Winthrop Telephone Company and his influenced
was always used to secure a normal steady growth for that concern. His fraternal relations were with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and the Masons. He was a member of the Buchanan County Medical Association, the Iowa State
Medical Association and the National Association of Railway Surgeons and found these professional organizations
of much value. He was active in local political affairs, serving for six years as mayor of the town, for a number
of years as a member of the city council, at the time of his death was president of the school board. He had a
large private practice and was also surgeon for the Illinois Central Railroad and his days were busy ones. Nevertheless
he could always be counted upon to aid in the furtherance of any movement that sought the public welfare and his
unselfish spirit won him a warm place in the regard of many.
From:
History of Bachanan County, Iowa
And its People
By Harry Church and Katharyn J. Chappell
Vol II
The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Chicago 1914
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