LUMAN INGERSOL, DR.

INGERSOL, BREWER, PORTER

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 4/19/2021 at 16:12:49

DR. LUMAN C. INGERSOL, of Keokuk, Iowa, is one of the leading dentists of the Mississippi Valley, and in every respect has mastered the science which admits of so much skill. He is not only highly educated in the profession of dentistry, but has been student of a wide range of subjects, and possesses literary attainments of more than an ordinary degree. In his studies and practice he has taken rank above mere mechanical dentistry, and has made of it an art in seeking to preserve the symmetry of the face and the tones of the voice. He has arrived at his present position by the exercise of his own industry, the circumstances which surrounded his youth compelling him to make his own way in the world.

Dr. Ingersoll was born in Ogden, Monroe Co., N.Y., Sept. 26, 1823, and is the son of Theodore S. and Lydia (Brewer) Ingersoll, natives of Massachusetts. His father in early life was engaged in the shoe business, and subsequently in agricultural pursuits, and during the last thirty years of his life was occupied in the jewelry business at Oberlin and at Elyria, Ohio. He was induced to emigrate to Oberlin in company with a colony which had been formed for the purpose of settling up that section, and was one of the founders of Oberlin College, which has since obtained such a wide reputation as an institution of learning. For the establishment of this, he gave of his means liberally, but in the crisis of 1837 lost the greater part of his property, and his son, our subject, was consequently thrown upon his own resources.

The parental family consisted of six children, five of whom are still living - Harriet N., Timothy D., William B., W. Willshire and the subject of this narrative.

Luman C. Ingersoll was naturally studious and ambitious, and notwithstanding his father's reverse of fortune, determined to pursue his education. After the completion of his primary studies he entered Oberlin College, from which he graduated in 1846. After spending a few years in general educational pursuits, he entered the dental office of his brother at Oberlin, where he remained until 1853, and was then in the employ of Robinson & Ambler, of Cleveland, Ohio, for the space of six months. He then engaged in business for himself in that city, following the practice of his profession there for five years, after which he sold out and came to Keokuk. Of the dentists who were here at the time of his coming, he is the only one remaining, and has closely followed this business, in the meantime securing every valuable work bearing upon the subject, and all the appliances which would assist him to excel. In addition to his extensive reading, he has become the author of many valuable articles pertaining to this branch of surgery, and has recently published a book called "Dental Science, or Dental Materia Medica, Dental Physiology, Dental Pathology and Therapentics."

Dr. Ingersoll is a member of the State Dental Society, and was President for three years. He also belongs to the American Dental Association. He received the degree of Master of Arts from Oberlin College in 1860. In 1882 he was elected Dean of the Dental Department of the State University of Iowa, at Iowa City, which position he still holds. As a citizen he has been actively interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of his community, and has contributed of his time and means to advance its industrial interests. For two years he was President of the Library Association, and he is a Director of the Keokuk Stove Works, which are prominently located on the corner of Twelfth and Johnston streets. He has accumulated considerable property.

Dr. Luman C. Ingersoll and Miss Maria Porter were united in marriage in the State of New York, in April, 1850. Mrs. Ingersoll is a highly accomplished lady and the daughter of Judge T. H. Porter of Cattarangus County, N. Y., who for many years served the State in the Legislative Department, serving also one term in the United States Congress. The Doctor and his lady occupy a beautiful residence at the intersection of Seventh and Orleans streets, which is one of the finest dwellings in this section, with beautifully ornamented grounds and all the appliances of cultivated taste and ample means.

Dr. Ingersoll and his wife are the center of a large circle of friends and acquaintances, who comprise the most highly cultivated people of the Gate City. His long residence here has made his name a familiar one throughout this section, and his genial disposition, kindly manners and straightforward business methods have attained for him a standing second to that of no man in the State. He is a bright example of what a worthy ambition and steady perseverance will accomplish. His worldly possessions have been the legitimate result of honest labor, which has been conducted by more than ordinary intelligence and research. To aid him in going through college he taught and studied at the same time, giving special lessons in those branches in which he was most proficient, He has been paid the high compliment of an invitation to prepare a paper for the Dental and Oral Section of the International Medical Congress which meets at Washington City in September, 1887, and has consented to do so.

Source:
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM OF LEE COUNTY, IOWA
CHICAGO: CHAPMAN BROTHERS, 1887
 

Transcription typed/proofed as article was originally published in 1887