Dr. Charles B. LEWIS, D.D.S., M.D.

LEWIS, BALL, CUMMINGS, BLAKE, BALWIN, ROGERS, EASTMAN

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 4/6/2011 at 22:30:15

Dr. Charles B. Lewis, D.D.S., M.D.

Few people fully realize how necessary to the future welfare and happiness is the continued progress of dentistry. The teeth more often become seriously affected, are more apt to become defective beyond the possibility of successful curative treatment, and are more commonly eliminated by surgery, than is any other portion of the human organism. Therefore it of paramount importance to have men of skill, ability and honor in the profession that each day is rendering so important a service to humanity. Such a man is Dr. Charles B. LEWIS, of Ottumwa, Iowa, who is well versed in the theoretical branch of his learned calling, but possesses manual dexterity as well, has become remarkably proficient in the procedure of repair, restoration and replacement of the teeth, and who is also a graduate physician.

Doctor LEWIS was born at Ottumwa, Iowa, February 6, 1875, a son of Dr, Charles G. and Anna Harrison (BALL) LEWIS. Dr. Charles G. Lewis was born in Ohio, in 1832, and came to Iowa in the early '40s, after which he was graduated from the State Medical College, Keokuk, and continued in the practice of his profession until his death in 1900. When war was declared between the states he enlisted with the Thirtieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, of which he was assistant surgeon and ranking captain. For many years after the close of the war he was examining physician on the local pension board. High in Masonry, he had been advanced in the Consistory to the thirty-second degree. The LEWIS family originated in Virginia, as did the BALL family, and Mrs. Anna Harrison (BALL) LEWIS descended from the same branch of the BALL family as did the mother of George WASHINGTON, a distinction not held by many. Doctor LEWIS of this review had one brother, Fred A., who was born in 1871, and died in 1914. He, too, was a dental surgeon, and for seven years was secretary of the Iowa State Board of Dental Examiners.

In 1893 Dr. Charles B. LEWIS was graduated from the Ottumwa High School; in 1896 he was graduated from the College of Dentistry, Iowa State University; and from the medical department of the same institution in 1899. While in the university he made XI Psi Phi Greek letter fraternity.

Doctor LEWIS was appointed house surgeon in the medical department, and he taught in dental and medical colleges from 1896 to 1901. In the latter year, in conjunction with five other dentists, he organized a corporation under the name of the Des Moines Dental College, of which he was general manager and professor of prosthetic dentistry. Later Doctor LEWIS bought the interests of his associates and became sole owner, but in 1906, sold the college to Drake University, and entered upon a private practice at Ottumwa, where he has since remained, building up a large and valuable practice. On February 18, 1902, Doctor LEWIS was married to Miss Juna CUMMINGS, of Mason City, Iowa, a daughter of Judge A. H. and Idella (BLAKE) CUMMINGS, and a member of one of the old and honored families of Iowa.

For years Doctor LEWIS has been a member of the Wappelo County Medical Society, the Iowa State Dental Society, the American Dental Association; is secretary of the Gorgas Foundation; and is a member of the Kiwanis Club. For two terms he had the honor and distinction of serving as lieutenant governor of the Nebraska-Iowa district of Kiwanis International. He also belongs to the Wapello Club and to the local lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. While in the University of Iowa Doctor LEWIS, in company with Doctors BALWIN, ROGERS and EASTMAN, organized the Triangle Club, which became the leading faculty organization of the university. Doctor and Mrs. LEWIS belong to the First Congregational Church of Ottumwa, of which he has been a trustee, and he is now president of the Men's Club, an organization within the church. Mrs. LEWIS is a member of the Fortnightly Club and other organizations. Dr. LEWIS personally is an example of what a professional man of skill and ability can accomplish, and his standing has been won on his own merits.

SOURCE:
HARLAN, Edgar Rubey, LL.B., A.M. A Narrataive History of The People of Iowa: With Special Treatment of Their Chief Enterprises in Education, Religion, Valor, Industry, Business. . . Vol. III. American Historical Society. 1931.

Transcription by Debbie Clough Gerischer for IAGenWeb's History Project