Charles M. Stemen, M. D., one of the leading surgeons of Kansas City, Kan., and a member of the surgical staff of Bethany Hospital, was born at Van Wert, Ohio, Sept. 11, 1866, a son of Christian and Lydia (Enslen) Stemen. His grandfather, Henry Stemen, was a native of Pennsylvania, who moved to Ohio at an early day and took up land. He lived in Ohio until his death at Elida. Christian Stemen was born in Ohio. His early education was received in the public schools of Kalida and subsequently he entered the Ohio Medical College, where he graduated in 1861. He at once tendered his services to the government and fought throughout the Civil war. After leaving the army Dr. Stemen located at Van Wert and opened an office. In 1876 he removed to Fort Wayne, Ind., and the same year was appointed chief surgeon of the western division of the Pennsylvania railroad, and has held the same position since that time. Dr. C. B. Stemen is an ordained minister of the Methodist church, but devotes his entire time to his large practice. He is a Republican and has always taken an active part in politics. He ran for Congress on the Republican ticket and was defeated by only fifty-four votes. Dr. Charles Stemen's maternal grandfather was a Welshman, who came to America when he was a young man, located in Ohio, took up some unimproved land and became a farmer. Dr. Charles Stemen received his elementary education in the public schools of Fort Wayne and subsequently attended the Methodist college now known as Taylor University, where he received his degree in 1884. After leaving college he taught school for one year and began the study of medicine under his father; then entered the Fort Wayne Medical College, graduating in 1887. He at once came to Kansas City, Kan., and opened an office. He was made the first police surgeon of the city under the Metropolitan law requiring such an office and served in that capacity for thirteen years. Dr. Stemen was chief surgeon of the Elevated Railway Company of Kansas City for some years and is a member of the surgical staff of the Kansas City Western railway and of the Missouri Pacific. He is the surgeon of the Morris Packing Company of Kansas City, Kan., and belongs to the county, state and American medical societies. Dr. Stemen is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being a Knight Templar and Scottish Rite Mason. He also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is past master of the Knights of Pythias. In addition to his city property he owns a fine farm.

In May, 1888, Dr. Stemen married Eva B. Kirtley, the daughter of Washington J. Kirtley of Warsaw, Ind. Mr. Kirtley was a member of the Union army during the Civil war, but now lives with his daughter in Kansas City. One child, a son, has been born to Dr. Stemen and his wife, Ray, who is attending the Kansas State University at Lawrence. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.