Lassenger, Dr. Ernest J.

LASSENGER, MELLISON, TIBBETTS

Posted By: Volunteer - Debbie Gerischer
Date: 6/22/2007 at 09:37:33

A Narrative History
of
The People of Iowa
with
SPECIAL TREATMENT OF THEIR CHIEF ENTERPRISES IN
EDUCATION, RELIGION, VALOR, INDUSTRY,
BUSINESS, ETC.
by
EDGAR RUBEY HARLAN, LL. B., A. M.
Curator of the
Historical, Memorial and Art Department of Iowa
Volume IV
THE AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Inc.
Chicago and New York
1931

DR. ERNEST J. LASSENGER is a competent physician and surgeon, practicing at New London in Henry County. He brought to the work of his profession a sturdy self-reliance and an experience of doing for himself and making his own way while completing his education, and these qualities have had much to do with his professional success.

Doctor Lessenger was born in McPherson, Kansas, June 9, 1886, and was three years of age when his parents, John Harrison and Sarah (Mellison) Lessenger, came to Iowa and settled near Mount Pleasant in Henry County. His parents are still living at Mount Pleasant. Doctor Lessenger was one of a large family of thirteen children, nine of whom are living.

During his boyhood days he lived on the farm, shared in its work, attended country schools, and after his public school work he was dependent on his own exertions to get his higher education. while attending Howe's Academy at Mount Pleasant he worked as a janitor. He was graduated in the Latin preparatory course in 1910 and in the same year entered Drake University at Des Moines, where he also was employed as a janitor and at other jobs to pay expenses. he graduated M. D. in 1913 and stood second in the examination before the state board of medical examiners. After graduating Doctor Lessenger located at New London, and has enjoyed a steadily growing patronage as a physician and surgeon in that community. He is a member of the Henry County, Iowa State, Southeastern Iowa, Des Moines Valley and Tri-State Medical Associations and was honored with the office of president of the county society in 1926. He served on the city council in 1926-1930.

Doctor Lessenger is a York Rite Mason and Shriner, member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Woodmen of the World, is a charger member of the New London Country Club. His hobbies are hunting, fishing and trap shooting. Doctor Lessenger married, September 18, 1912, Miss Florence Tibbetts, of Burlington, Iowa. They have two children, Mary Jane, born in November, 1914, and Junior Ernest, born in July, 1920.