Draft:Etienne Stump
Etienne Stump | |
---|---|
Born | 1880 |
Died | 1951 |
Resting place | Tehran Protestant Cemetery, Tehran, Iran |
Nationality | Swiss |
Occupation(s) | Dentist, Guesthouse Owner |
Spouse(s) | Henriette Bottin Burgess (first wife), Vera Obolensky (second wife) |
Children | Three sons and one daughter |
Etienne Stump (1880–1951) was a Swiss dentist and expatriate who played a key role in the professionalization of modern dentistry in Persia. Born in Reval (modern-day Tallinn, Estonia) during the period of the Russian Empire, Stump worked for the Shah of Persia and trained local dentists. He also facilitated the arrival of other foreign dental professionals, further advancing the field during the early 20th century.
Early life
Etienne Stump was born in 1880 in Reval, part of the Governorate of Estonia in the Russian Empire (modern-day Tallinn, Estonia). At the time, Reval was a prominent port city with a strong Baltic-German influence. Stump was of Swiss descent and pursued a career in dentistry, later becoming associated with Persia’s modernization efforts.
Dentistry in Persia
Stump arrived in Persia during the 1910s or 1920s and became an important figure in its nascent modern dentistry field. He reportedly served as a dentist for the Shah of Persia and was recognized for his expertise and contributions to dental healthcare in Tehran. Stump also played a role in recruiting and training other dental professionals. For example, in 1931, he facilitated the dispatch of Dr. Roehlich, an Austrian-American dentist, to Meshed to provide dental care in the region.[1]
Stump’s efforts coincided with broader reforms in Persian healthcare and education, including the 1921 Medical Practice Law, which mandated licensing for dental practitioners. These changes shifted dental care from traditional methods to modern scientific practices.[2]
Legal dispute in the United States
Before his career in Persia, Stump faced legal challenges in the United States. In 1902, he petitioned the Illinois State Board of Dental Examiners for a license to practice dentistry. The board denied his application, citing concerns about the accreditation of his alma mater, the German-American Dental College. Stump filed a writ of mandamus, but the case was dismissed by Judge Chetlain, who criticized the college’s standards.[3]
Personal life
Stump married twice, first to Henriette Bottin Burgess and later to Vera Obolensky. He had three sons and one daughter. Alongside his dental practice, he operated a guesthouse in Tehran that became a popular destination for Western travelers. Stump was an integral part of Tehran’s expatriate community, known for his hospitality and contributions to modern medical practices.
Death
Etienne Stump passed away in 1951 at the age of 70 or 71. He was buried in the Tehran Protestant Cemetery in the Right Section, Row 8015.[4] His grave remains a point of interest for those studying the lives of European expatriates in Persia.
Legacy
Etienne Stump is remembered for his contributions to the modernization of dentistry in Persia. By training local dentists, facilitating the arrival of other professionals, and introducing advanced techniques, he helped establish a foundation for scientific dental education in the country. His dual role as a dentist and a community figure reflects the significant influence of European professionals during Persia’s modernization in the early 20th century.
References
- ^ "Diary entry discussing Dr. Stump and Dr. Roehlich". Qatar Digital Library.
- ^ "Dentistry in Iran". Encyclopaedia Iranica.
- ^ "The petition of Etienne Stump for a writ of mandamus". PMC.
- ^ "Etienne Stump". Find a Grave.