Local History Index: Business Index
Dental History
Dentists
Compiled and Edited by Michael R. Reilly
Last Revised 01/03/2006
When the first settlers arrived in what was to become the town of Lisbon area in 1837, the closest medical doctor was probably in the small village of Milwaukee, a good day's journey, if you were healthy. The settlers had to rely on what down home medicine they, or they closest neighbors (even Indians) knew, and grew to learn about over time. For dental problems, the settlers pulled their own teeth, applied various herbal remedies, used alcohol, and relied on traveling dentists until one decided to establish a practice within the growing community. Doctors were usually the first with medical experience to arrive in an area, and perhaps with early barbers, also performed dental work.
What follows are those local dental practitioners identified so far, and some history of their existence.
Please send any added information to this website editor.
Keeping the Teeth Clean
Microscophical examinations, says the Scientific American, have been made of the matter deposited on the teeth and gums of more than forty individuals from all classes of society, in every variety of bodily condition, and in nearly every case, animal and vegetable parasites have been found. In fact, the only persons whose mouths were found to be completely free from them, cleansed their teeth four times daily, using soap. One or two of these individuals also passed a thread between the teeth to cleanse them more effectually. In all cases the number of parasites was greater in proportion to the neglect of cleanliness, the effect of the application of various agents was also noticed. Tobacco juice and smoke did not injure their vitality in the least. The same was true of chlorine toothwash, of pulverized bark, of soda, amouia [amonia?], and various other popular detergents. The application of soap, however, appears to destroy them instantly. We may hence infer that this is the best and most proper specific for teeth. In all cases where it has been tried, it has received unqualified commendation. It may also be proper to add that none but the purest white or Castile should be used.
Source: Waukesha Freeman, August 23, 1859, Page 4 of 4.
A Dr. Maloney, is a new dentist in Pewaukee. WF 12/29.1892.
1900 Census Town of Lisbon
Albert Phillips, Aug 1878, 21, Wisconsin, Dentist (First Entry for Dentist)
William Pendergast, July 1873, 26, Wisconsin, Student (Dentist)
The Waukesha Freeman issue of October 19, 1905 says that a Dr. Jones, a Dentist, of Sussex, left Merton for Milwaukee. Further says that Merton is in need of a M.D. [Perhaps there were two doctor Jones in the area, one a dentist, the other a M.D. or that Dr. Jones did both dental and medical work?]
December 31, 1908 - Dr. Coleman, a Milwaukee dentist, will visit Merton each Tuesday.
Dr. L. P. Coleman, d. Sept 30, 1955, age 85,
funeral at Ritter Funeral Home in Milwaukee, Monday, bur. Oct. 3, in
Forest Home Cemetery, where his wife's remains are, d. 1948.
Survived by one son, Delbert, Milwaukee; one daughter, Mrs.
Florence Allen, Sussex; one grandson, Dean Coleman, Chicago; and one
daughter-in-law, and one son-in-law.
Dr. Coleman was born in Decorah, Iowa. He became a dentist
and practiced his profession in Fond du Lac and Milwaukee, before coming to
Sussex in 1927, retiring in 1947. Dr. Coleman was a faithful member of the Sussex
Methodist church, the Rev. Edward Langdon, conducted the funeral services Monday
afternoon.
Dr. Coleman suffered a spell of illness a number of years ago, from which he
never fully recovered. To avoid the cold winter weather here, he spent the
winter months in the south for a number of years. Waukesha
Daily Freeman, Wednesday, October 5, 1955