Chester L. Stocks, M. D., of Bushong, prominent in his community as a physician and as a successful business man, began his independent career in that place fifteen years ago, and through his professional ability and shrewd business discernment, has in that comparatively short period attained a most creditable financial success. Dr. Stocks was born Dec. 8, 1867, at Nashua, Iowa. His father, George W. Stocks, was born at Sheridan's Shore, Pa., Sept. 20, 1837, to parents that were natives of England and who had immigrated to the United States in 1835. George W. Stocks was a farmer up to the time of the Civil war. In 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company I, Third Iowa infantry. This regiment saw hard and active service throughout the war and participated in some of the hardest fought battles of that conflict. At Shiloh it was under terrific fire and after the other troops were cut off and the enemy had turned the flanks of the Iowa brigade on the first day, the Third Iowa cut its way through the enemy's lines. It was engaged in the sieges of Corinth and of Vicksburg and bore a gallant part in the assault on Jackson, Miss. Up to to the time of the last named engagement George W. Stocks had been wounded five times and at Jackson on July 12, 1863, he received his sixth and severest wound, losing his left leg. Being disabled for further military service, he was mustered out and received his honorable discharge. After the war he engaged in the drug business at Chickasaw, Iowa, where he remained until 1867, when he removed to Nashua, Iowa, and resided there until his death, Jan. 22, 1908. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Grand Army of the Republic. On June 20, 1864, he weded Celia I. Wells, who was born May 14, 1842, in New York. Four sons were the issue of their marriage: Arthur G., born Sept. 22, 1865; Chester L., the second in order of birth; Thomas E., born April 15, 1871; and Charles B., born June 20, 1874.

Dr. Stocks completed a high school education at Nashua, Iowa. Then for five years he clerked in drug stores at Nashua and Denison, becoming a registered pharmacist. Upon deciding to take up the profession of medicine, he entered the University Medical College at Kansas City, Mo., at which institution he graduated in 1896. That same year he located at Bushong, Kan. and in the fifteen years that have passed since then he has built up a large and remunerative practice. He also conducts a drug store there, is vice-president of the Bushong State Bank and was postmaster at Bushong, for ten years prior to November, 1910, when he resigned. Dr. Stocks began without capital save a strong will and an energetic and industrious nature and after equipping himself with a thorough and practical education for the profession of his choice he set about proving his merits. His large practice and the property he has acquired are proofs of his success. He is a member of Lyon county Medical Society, Kansas State Medical Society and American Medical Association. Fraternally he is a Knight Templar Mason. On March 22, 1897, Dr. Stocks was united in marriage to Miss Lena M. Wieland, of Denison, Iowa. Mrs. Stocks was born in Germany May 23, 1868, to parents that also were natives of the Fatherland. Two children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Stocks—Pauline, born Dec. 3, 1907; Leslie, born Oct. 4, 1899, who died Oct. 9, 1899.