Stephen D. Lyles, M.D. of Texas County, Missouri

Stephen D. Lyles, M. D., one of the leading practitioners of Texas County, was born in Monroe County, Ill., October 25, 1858, and is the son of Alfred Newton and Mary (Walker) Lyles, natives of North Carolina. The father died in Illinois in 1863, and the mother in Missouri in 1870. He was a Methodist Episcopal minister, was also engaged in farming, and at one time was a circuit rider. After the death of her husband Mrs. Mary Lyles moved with her family to Greene County, Mo., where she died. After the death of his father Stephen D. Lyles as obliged to make his own living. He came to Licking, lived with Lot Smalley four years and attended school there. He then lived with Dr. George M. Orr and studied medicine under him. In 1880 and 1881 he attended lectures at Keokuk, Iowa, and immediately afterward came to Houston, where he began practicing. September 10, 1884, he married Miss Frances M. Mitchell, daughter of P. D. Mitchell, of Texas County. This union resulted in the birth of two children, Mary and Josephine. In April, 1887, Dr. Lyles opened a drug store at Houston, and has been quite successful in this business. He is examining surgeon of Texas County and has been connected with the post-office at Licking for several years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a Republican in politics.