We all know everybody’s favorite huckleberry Doc Holliday was a dentist, but it was a baby girl, born Lucy Beaman Hobbs on March 14, 1833, in Constable, New York, who changed dental history.
At a time when a woman’s chief role was that of wife/mother/homemaker, Lucy’s only other choices were schoolmarm or nurse, proper but “spinsterish” occupations. But even as a little girl, Lucy Beaman Hobbs longed for the unexpected.
However, she caved a little bit, spending ten years in a Michigan classroom. But she always held tight to her dream of pursuing medical science.
Solely on the basis of her gender, the Eclectic College of Medicine in Cincinnati , Ohio
Again due to her gender, she could only pursue her dental studies as a private pupil. Fortunately, the dean of the Ohio College of Dental Surgery also took her under his wing. Later, she apprenticed herself to a graduate of the school. Again denied admission to the dental college --because of her gender -- she started her own practice in Cincinnati in the spring of 1861 when she was 28.
She later moved her practice to Bellevue , Iowa McGregor , Iowa
Interestingly, the Iowa State Dental Society accepted Lucy as a member in July 1865. Affirming that she had proven herself a worthy equal to male colleagues, the Society sent her as a delegate to the American Dental Association convention in Chicago that year. In November 1865, four years into her own dental practice, she was at last admitted to the senior class of the Ohio College of Dental Surgery.
Due to her expertise as well as support from a small but devoted group of admirers, she earned her degree only a few months later, on February 21, 1866 . Thus Lucy Hobbs became the first woman in the U.S. –and likely the world-- to earn a doctorate in dentistry.
While practicing in Chicago , she met Civil War veteran James M. Taylor, and married the railway maintenance worker in April 1867. Under his wife's guidance, James too became a dentist.
Late in 1867, the Doctors Taylor moved to the western town of Lawrence , Kansas , where they soon built a successful practice, focusing on women and children. Most patients referred to the highly-regarded dentist as “Dr Lucy.” After James’ death in 1886, she retired from most of her professional duties. However, she remained active in civic and political causes, most importantly the woman's suffrage movement.
Peers and citizens alike hailed her as a pioneer in opening the doors for more women in dentistry. By 1900, almost one thousand women were taking part in the profession.
During her career in Kansas , Dr. Taylor wrote, "I am a New Yorker by birth, but I love my adopted country -- the West. To it belongs the credit of making it possible for women to be recognized in the dental profession on equal terms with men."
This courageous, determined woman died in Lawrence on October 3, 1910 at the age of 77. In her obituary, she was recognized as "one of the most striking figures of Lawrence [who] occupied a position of honor and ability, and for years she occupied a place high in the ranks of her profession."
I am proud to have all my teeth and to be writing for Prairie Rose Publications.And I'm proud as well to have my latest short story, Her Hurry-up Husband, as part of PRP's latest anthology.
What an interesting woman, and so determined. I am so grateful that women don't have to fight to use their brains any more--in the U.S. any way. I don't like male-bashing either. It would be a great world if men and women were able to have an unlimited future unfettered by gender. I have to hand it to Dr. Lucy, she was one determined woman. Tenacity is something writers know a lot about, so I admire someone who just won't give up.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog, Tanya.
Tanya,
ReplyDeleteYou had my attention at woman dentist. I truly admire these determined women. While women may have done the doctoring,dentistry,without benefit formal education or acknowledgement it is women like Dr. Lucy and Dr, Blackwell who provided other women the role models to pursue their dreams. Thank you for an enlightening post. Doris
Hi Doris, thanks for the kind words. How brave she was and so determined.
DeleteI loved your post. As important as being a wife/mother/homemaker is, I enjoy reading about women who used their intellect and developed their talents to benefit themselves and others, even when their choices were contrary to the socially acceptable opportunities of their time. I am also happy to read of a bit of Lawrence, Kansas history that has nothing to do with the Civil War massacre.
ReplyDeletehi Robyn, I too was intrigued by the Lawrence reference as I had relatives who lived there. Which is why I made sure to include it. It's so hard for me to believe the firmness of male resistance as my father encouraged me to do anything and be anything I wanted. Fortunately times have changed a bit for the better.
DeleteA great post Tanya and a perfect example of doing what you're called to do, despite the obstacles. I love that she was finally accepted into the Iowa Dental Society. I wonder if she was tempted to thumb her nose at them?
ReplyDeleteI'll bet she was sorely tempted. Keeping their cool was certainly a part of these brave women's success. Thanks for the post, Kristy.
DeleteHi Sarah, I just cringe seeing those antique dental instruments, though. Shiver. But how I admire this woman's fortitude. And to teach her husband as well. Women of the past really make me feel like a weenie. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteTanya, Thanks so much for sharing Lucy's story. I always love learning about great historical figures I haven't "met." Lucy's story is just fascinating although I wouldn't have thought so facing a visit to her office with those tools of pain. :)
ReplyDeletehi Kirsten, I so hear ya. I can't even imagine what they're for but like the title, I'm sure it's teeth pulling YIKES. I also l enjoy learning about the strong, determined women who paved the way for the rest of us.
DeleteTanya,
ReplyDeleteI cringe when I see any dental instrument - antique or modern. lol
It would be interesting to read the stats of her patients: were they mostly the emergency (tooth pain) visits or did she also have the 'regular maintenance' patients. I go to the dentist four times a year for cleaning, and I have a lot of anxiety just thinking about walking through the door. Imagine what it was like back in the 'olden' days. 0_o (I don't know if that gives me the willies or the heebie-jeebies.) lol
HI Kaye, I expect if she's famed for pulling teeth, that's probably what she did most of the time. I don't know how far back regular teeth cleaning goes, but I know I never had mine cleaned regularly as a kid...and my uncle was my dentist! I'm like you...I'm religious about getting mine cleaned. Thanks for the post today.
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