CHAPTER LIV.
IDA GRAY, D. D. S.
((A PRACTICAL, DENTIST).
As a library deprived of some one of its necessary books, or a machine without one of the component parts, or a chemical laboratory that is void of a most important reagent, is incomplete and, therefore, inadequate to fully fulfill the ends of its existence, so a nation without a full system of government, or a navy without a cannon, or a race of people who have not the diversified acquired facilities essential to achieve greatness, must strive in vain to become great. The Afro-American, like all other races, the conditions being the same, is affected similarly by his environments. He now enters every avenue into which his brethren have been going. In this spirit of push and pluck our present subject affords a living example. Dr. Ida Gray, a practical as well as a scientific dentist, was born in Clarksville, Tenn., March, 1867.
Her parents subsequently moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where this very excellent young lady has since lived and where she now has an office and is regarded as a first-class dentist. She serves a large number of the best colored and white citizens of her city. So far as we are able to find out Miss Gray is the only female Afro-American dentist at the time of this writing. Her example is indeed one of great importance to our young women, who may take notice and find 2. field that is not only useful and already ripe for the harvest, but in which they, as laborers, may reap a rich and an abundant crop.
Ringwood’s Afro-American Journal of Fashion, July, 1892, makes the following very pleasant statement concerning this professional lady:
The accompanying portrait is of Dr. Ida Gray, the only Afro-American lady dentist. Miss Gray resides in Cincinnati, and was one of the very many who received their educational start in Gaines High School. On leaving this school she entered the dental department of the University of Michigan, from which she graduated in 1890. On returning to her home she opened a very cosy office on Ninth street, and has, in these two years, built up a large practice, having as many white as colored patients.
Miss Gray is a very refined little lady, of whom the editor of the Planet says: "Her blushing, winning way makes you feel like finding an extra tooth anyway to allow her to pull."
As a result of strict attention to business and the thoroughness of her work she is kept constantly busy. Ciucinnatians are proud of their Afro-American lady dentist, and she in every respect proves herself worthy of their confidence and admiration.