Statewide County OhArchives News.....Tid-Bits - Part 114B:  Dentistry in the Western Reserve, Physicians and Dentists May 20, 2008
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Historical Collections Of Ohio, And Then They Went West, Know Your Ohio May 10, 2008 May 20, 2008

Contributed for use in ar
USGenWeb Archives
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May 20,2008.
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Historical Collections of Ohio
And Then They Went West
Know Your Ohio
Tid-Bits --- Part 114 B
Dentistry in the Western Reserve
Physicians and Dentists
 
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Part 114 B.
 
 
 
Cleveland in 1826 was described as a pretty place on a high bluff and composed
of some fifty houses, with about five hundred inhabitants.
 
On August 1,1835, the following notice appeared in "The Cleveland Herald";
 
" Doctors Ware and Bradley have formed a connection in the practice of Operative
Dental Surgery, Diseases of the Eye and Ear and Practice of Medicine."
 
 
The population of Cleveland in 1835 was 5080. At this time there were probably
not more than 500 dentists in America. Dr Ware advertised in the "Whig" on
November 4,1835;
 
" Just received 500 of Dr.Ambler's D.C. Ambler, New York, (1828) premium
incorruptible Teeth, suitable for inserting on pivot or gold mountings. Also a
large assortment of Tooth Brushes together with a good article of Tooth Powder,
prepared by the subscriber J.S. Ware, Surgeon Dentist, office Superior Street."
 
 
This same advertisement appeared on April 13, 1836, and also in the "Daily
Gazette", May 25,1836. Dr. Ware's 
practice in Cleveland was comparitively short for he left Cleveland for Detroit,
Michigan, in 1836, where he practiced until 1845. The following is a notice
declaring Dr.Wade's termination of practice in Cleveland and announcing Dr.
Farnsworth.
 
 
Gazette
Feb 7, 1836 
 
" Dr. Ware having removed from Cleveland, the practice of Dental Surgery will be
continued by Dr. J.H. Farnsworth who respectively tenders his services to the
citizens of Cleveland and its vicinity. Having fitted a room in the Franklin
Buildings, No.6, and provided a large supply of Incorruptible Teeth, customers
can be supplied from one to an entire set, exactly to correspond with the living
teeth, set after the latest and most modern principles of Dental Mechanism, Dr.
Farnsworth will make Cleveland his permanent residence, therefore, is prepared
to warrant his operations, and in doing so, offers the public an opportunity to
avoid imposition, and the injurious results which so frequently attend and
follow the practice of itinerant dentists. All operations on the teeth, gums,
and mouth will be performed with the least possible pain, and correct
professional skill. The only reference which Dr. Farnsworth deems necessary is
his own work. Irregularities of the teeth in children prevented and remedied in
adults. Chlorine Wash, Tooth Powders and Brushes a superior article for sale.
Country dentists supplied with incorruptible silicious Teeth by the hundred."
 
                                        J.H. Farnsworth, Dentist.
 
 
Four months after Dr. Wade made his announcement of beginning practice in
Cleveland another itinerant surgeon-dentist appears on the scene. This was
Dr.E.N. Manning from Rochester, New York. His announcemant 
appeared in the "Whig" on October 20,28, and November 4,1835.
 
 
" Dr. E.N. Manning, Surgeon Dentist from the city of Rochester, N.Y., will
remain a short time at the Franklin House, where he will be ready to attend to
all who may need any operation on their teeth. Having a good supply of durable
composition teeth as not to be detected, natural teeth, pure Gold Foil for
filling decaying etc., etc., together with skill and experience, in the
practice; Dr. Manning can assure all who favor him, of receiving perfect
satisfaction. [ N.B. -- References can be made to Mr.Amos Tuffts, Col. Samuel
Stone from Rochester, Mr. Daniel Collins from Bradsport and other gentlemen from
Monroe County, New York.]"
 
 
Although the names of S. Hardyear, Dr. Wade, and Dr. Ware appeared earlier in
Cleveland dental scene than that of Dr. Strickland, they did not remain
permanently S. Hardyear and Dr. Wade were itinerant dentists and Dr. Ware
practiced in Cleveland only a few months, Dr. Strickland was the first
permanently practicing dentist in Cleveland. On November 4, 1835, there appeared
in the " Cleveland Gazette " the following announcement;
 
 
" Dr. B. Strickland, Dentist, and Manufacturer of Incorruptible Teeth,
respectfully informs the citizens of Cleveland and its vicinity, that he is
determined to settle permanently in this village. He now offers his service
to the public in every branch of Dental Surgery. His time will be devoted wholly
for the relief of those suffering from disease or loss of teeth. Having had
several years experience in the practice of his profession, he confidently hopes
to give perfect satisfaction to all who may please to favor him with business.
Office 21 Central Building, corner of Superior and Water Streets."
 
 
DR. Strickland's practice was not confined to the office alone -- as he also
made calls to the homes of individuals, especially ladies, desiring to have
their dental work done at home. These calls were made in the morning and the
afternoon was spent in the office.
 
 
Benjamin Strickland, Cleveland's first dentist, was born near Montpelier,
Vermont, on July 19, 1810. After graduating from an Eastern School with the
degree of Doctor of Medicine and after a time in practice, he came to Cleveland
on the Pioneer Fast Stage Line via Pittsburgh and Wellsville. In 1841, he
married Hannah Walworth, the young daughter of John and Juliana Walworth,
immigrants from Connecticut. Juliana Walworth, the older daughter and sister of
Hannah, married David Long, Cleveland's first physician.
 
Dr. Strickland had his office at Superior and Water Streets for three years, and
then moved it to 107 Superior Street, where he practiced many years. It seems
that at one time he harbored the idea of leaving Cleveland. His reasons are
unknown, however, it must have been a serious reason as it warranted a special
announcement of his decision to stay as was published in the " Herald and
Gazette " December 19 to 29th, 1838;  
 
" Dr. Strickland, having abandoned the idea of removing from Cleveland, will
attend all calls in his profession at his old rooms corner of Water and Superior
Streets."
 
 
In addition to his duties as a dentist, Dr. Benjamin Strickland was a
manufacturer of porcelain teeth. He sold these teeth to other dentists. Later,
in addition to the sale of porcelain teeth, he sold gold and tin foil,
instruments, and other dental supplies. His abilities and professional integrity
was soon recognized and publicly acclaimed by the dental and medical profession.
On December 8, 1837, the following announcement appeared in the " Herald and
Gazette;"
 
 
" Dr. Strickland respectfully informs his friends and the public that he has
removed from the third story to rooms No. 9 and 15 in the second story of the
Central Buildings on the corner of Superior and Water Streets, where he is
prepared to perform all operations on the teeth in a style not surpassed by any
of his profession. His rooms are easy of access and retired and he assures his
friends that no effort shall be wanting on his part which may conduce to render
them pleasant to those who may favor him with a call. As Dr. Strickland intends
making Cleveland his place of permanent residence, he hopes to afford an
opportunity to ladies and gentlemen 
living in the country at a distance to employ an operator who will be
responsible for the manner in which his business is done.
 
The undersigned judging from personal acquaintance with Dr. Strickland, and
acquaintance with his professional business, believe he is thoroughly acquainted
with his profession and as a dentist we confidently recommend him to our friends
and the public. Drs. Long, Hicks, Mills, Johnstone, Brayton, Hewitt, Mendenhall,
Cushing, Terry, Brown, Otis, Underhill, and Inglehart."
 
 
In 1841, Strickland was admitted to the American Society of Dental Surgeons and
in 1843 won national recognition by attaining an honorary degree of Doctor of
Dental Surgery. His career was full of accomplishment, and it was a long one. He
retired in the year of 1875. He was a charter member, organization chairman and
first president of the Northern Ohio Dental Association, which was the second
oldest dental society in America. He played an identical role in organizing the
Forest City Society of Dental Surgeons which eventually became the Cleveland
Dental Society, and he was also chairman of the organization of the Ohio Dental
Society.
 
 
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To be continued in part 114 C.     


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