Vanderburgh County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (5 of 6 so headed), 1889 (part 2 of 2)

Dentistry

Dr. Isaiah Haas, for nearly thirty years past a well-known citizen of Evansville and a leader in the practice of dentistry, was born at Newark, Ohio, February 22d, 1829. His father, Adam Haas, was a Virginian, born December 25, 1798, and in early manhood moved to Newark, where he was married to Miss Christina Le Pert, of New York. From Newark he went to Delaware county, in the same state, and commenced merchandising. In 1845 he removed to Wabash, the county seat of Wabash county, Ind., at which place he continued in business as a merchant until 1S60. Isaiah Haas received a fair education, such as could be obtained in the imperfect schools of that locality and time; and when not at schoob assisted his father in the store, as bookkeeper and salesman. In 1849, when the Morse electric telegraph was being extended westwardly, an office was opened above the store of Adam Haas, and a teacher was sent to instruct a young lawyer of the place how to manipulate the (at that time) wonderful instrument. The pupil failing to comprehend quickl}' and the instructor's time being limited, Isaiah was induced to undertake the work. His consent was reluctantl}' given because of his father's absence, who was then in New York city buying goods. In ten days thereafter he was able to receive and send communications, and for three or four j'ears devoted his entire time to the electric telegraph. During this time Ezra Cornell, of Ithaca, N. Y., the founder of Cornell University, became lessee of nearly a thousand miles of telegraph line running in and through Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. This great length of line with all its offices, men and material, was placed under the supervision of the young operator, with headquarters at La Fayette, Ind. His energetic, able, and successful management caused him to receive many flattering letters from Mr. Cornell. During this time he was married to Miss Adeline McHenr}', of Vincennes, who early fell a victim to consumption. Two children were born to them ; but in three years, all were gone. Before leaving the telegraph his attention was attracted to the profession of dentistr}', the study of which he commenced and prosecuted with vigor, having for his preceptors Prof. A. M. Moore, of La Fayette, Ind., and Prof, Samuel Wardle, of Cincinnati, Ohio, both eminent men in the profession. Prior to coming to Evansville, he spent some seven years in La Fayette, Ind. In 1857 he was married to Miss Sarah K. McHenry, a sister of his first wife. Two years later while on his way south for the purpose of visiting friends, he was unexpectedly detained in this city for two days. Here he met old friends who insisted that he make this place his future home, setting forth the outcome of the city in such glowing terms that a few weeks later he became a permanent resident of Evansville. For seven years, besides his dental work, he assisted Dr. Bray in all his surgical operations, and from that time for.

ward, he has given his undivided attention to the practice of his profession. His reputation and practice increased year by year until the\' were b}- no means confined by the limits of this city. He has won a remarkable success, attaining prominence among the leading dentists in the state. For the good of the profession he has invented numerous articles, among thein artificial palates and noses, but has refused to take out patents to monopolize their use. His high ideal of his profession is equaled only by his achievements. He is the dental father of eighteen dentists, all reputable practitioners, who are scattered throughout the country from New York city to San Francisco. He served as lecturer on dentistry in the Evansville Medical College, when that institution was in existence. Dr. Haas has had a distinguished career in Masonry - as master of Evansville Lodge, No. 64, F. and A. M., for seven years; as officer of the Grand Lodge of the state, one year; as district deputy master, four years; and as lecturer of the district, four years. His knowledge and able exposition of Masonic law and landmarks have distinguished him in the order. Dr. S. B. Lewis, surgeon dentist, was born in Chautauqua county, N. Y., April 3, 1846, and is the second of three children born to John F. and Mary E. (Brigham) Lewis. His parents were natives of New York, the father born in 1816 and the mother in 1818. His father died in 1S78 and his mother is still living at Greenville, Ohio. About 1853 his parents removed from their native state to Clermont countv, Ohio, and twelve years later settled at Green\ille. John F. Lewis was a stock dealer and a prominent man in his locality throughout his long career. Dr. Lewis was reared in Clermont county, and received a fair education in the public schools. He was a mere lad when the civil war broke out, but before its termination he was in the ranks of the federal army as a soldier. He first enlisted in the hundred-day service at Greenville, Ohio, joining Company G, One Hundred and Fifty-second Regiment, O. N. Ct. At the end of his service with the state troops he enlisted, in 1864, for one year in the One Hundred and Eighty-seventh Regiment Ohio Infantry Volunteers as regimental musician, and served faithfully until the expiration of his term of enlistment. After the war, returning to his father's home in Ohio, he began the study of dentistrv, in 1866, having for his preceptor his brother. Dr. Walter F. Lewis. Coming to Evansville, he continued his studies in the office of Dr. Isaiah Haas, the well-known practitioner, and completing his studies he returned, in 1868, to Greenville, Ohio, where he entered upon the practice of his profession. Five years later he came back to this citj' and has since devoted his undivided attention to dentistry, his skillful and satisfactor}' work giving him a valuable reputation and an extensive practice. During his fifteen years' residence in the city he has maintained a high standing as a citizen and has become prominently identified with the secret orders working here. He has attained high rank in the G. A. R. and Royal Arcanum, being at the present time grand orator in the latter. In the I. O. O. F. he has passed through the chairs and has done much to advance the interests of the order. In 1869 he was married to Miss Emma C. Dorman, of Greenville, Ohio, and to them two children - a son and a daughter - have been born.

Dr. Charles E. Pittmax, surgeon dentist and prominent young citizen of Evansville, was born February 17, 1854, ^" Pose}- county, Ind., and is the son of Robert K. and Parthenia (Ross) Pittman. His education was obtained in the public schools of this city, and in January, 1875, ^^ began the study of dentistry under the direction of Dr. I. Haas. After a thorough course of stud}- and practical training he entered upon the active work of his profession, and from the outset established himself firmly in public favor. His popularity and practice rapidly extended themselves because of his personal accomplishments and his conversance with the details of dentistr}-. At the present time he enjo3-s an extensive and lucrative business. His professional work is alwaj's of the highest order. His social achievements have been no less gratifying. As a member of the K. of P. fraternit}- he has won an enviable distinction. He has passed through all the chairs in Orion Lodge, No. 35; is a member of the Grand Lodge of Indiana, having served for two years as grand master at arms of that body; is now district deputy grand chancellor of Orion, St. George and Ben Hur lodges, and is a prominent member of Evansville Division, No. 4, M. R., K. of P. He is a typical knight, being an earnest worker, an ardent lover of the principles, familiar with the work in all its details and a perfect gentleman. The doctor affiliates with the republican party, and has taken a prominent part in organizing and drilling companies for a public parade. The histrionic talent possessed by Dr. Pittman has contributed largely to public entertainment. As a member of the Ideal Opera company - whose presentations of the " Chimes of Normandy," the "Mikado," the "Grand Duchess," and the "Musketeers," have afforded delight to the music-loving portion of the populace - he has always pla3ed a prominent part, winning manv laurels. November 16, 1881, Dr. Pittman was married to Miss Annie Knowles, daughter of Charles and Emil}- Knowles. Mrs. Pittman is a native of Vanderburgh county, and was born June 28, i860.

Dr. Emil Knapp, a well-known young dentist of Evansville, was born at New Albany, Ind., September 24, 1854, ^^^ ^^ ^^^ son of Dr. Charles and Catherine (Tuerkes) Knapp, deceased, both natives of German)^ He was reared in the town of his birth, and in Spencer and Warrick counties, Ind. His education was received in the public schools of the state, and at St. Meinrad's College, in Spencer county. He came to Evansville in 1874, and about a 3'ear later began the study of dentistry in Evansville in the office of Dr. S. B. Lewis, and remained with that gentleman nearly two years. He then took a course of lectures at the Oliio Dental College. Returning to Evansville, he began at once practicing, and has continued up to the present, meeting with success. He is now considered one of the leading dentists of Evansville. He was married May 25, 1876, to Marj' A. Elhs, daughter of Capt. August Ellis, of Evansville, Ind. To this union six children have been born, all of whom survive.