My Genealogy Hound

DR. WILLIAM ALLEN BIVANS was born in Lynchburg, Highland Co., Ohio, March 11, 1833. His father was Andrew Bivans, a native of the State of Maryland, who went to Highland County when a mere lad. Before her marriage his mother bore the name of Ruth Smith; she was born in North Carolina, and was brought to Ohio when only six years of age. Dr. Bivans’ father dying when he was but a year and a half old, he was left to the prudent care of an affectionate mother. With no fortune and dependent on a widowed mother, he early learned the practical value of self-reliance, and that there is no excellence without great labor.” When quite young, he began to teach in the district schools of the country, in which occupation he succeeded to a gratifying degree. He began the study of medicine in the office of the late Dr. W. C. Hall, of Fayetteville, Ohio, and after the usual office pupilage, matriculated in Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio. Completing a regular course, he graduated with honor February 28, 1861. Having learned by his early experience that every moment is a golden opportunity, he lost no time in hunting up an eligible place to begin the practice of his profession. He located at Arnheim, Ohio, August 2, 1861, and after remaining there six months, during which time he acquired considerable practice, he was induced by the solicitation of friends to exchange his location for another in New Hope, Ohio, where he removed in the spring of 1862. Dr. Bivans has been a resident of New Hope for twenty years, and by his demotion to business and fair dealing with every one, has deserved the respect of all who know him, and besides has amassed quite a competence for the support of approaching old age. April 22, 1862, Dr. Bivans was married to Melinda A. Creighead, a daughter of William W. Creighead, deceased. October 4, 1864, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and a little later was commissioned Assistant Surgeon with rank of First Lieutenant. When he had returned home after his discharge from the army at the close of the war, he was honored with the appointment of School Examiner of Brown County, which position he held for six years. For fifteen years as Township Treasurer he has been entrusted with the public funds, and has also served the people for many years in the capacity of School Director. Dr. Bivans completed his education at the old Normal School at Lebanon, now the Normal University. He is a member of the Clermont County Medical Association, and a member of the Brown County Academy of Medicine. The Doctor for many years has been a member of both charitable orders, the Odd Fellows and Freemasons. February 22, 1878, the Doctor’s exemplary wife, after a short illness died, leaving a sorrowing and bereaved family. October 18, 1881, he was married for the second time, to Flora Creighead.