The World’s Tallest Cemetery Obelisk stands here marking the final resting place of Dr. Thomas W. Evans. This is the burial place of a remarkable man. Thomas W. Evans was not just any dentist. He was a confidant to emperors and empresses.
Born in Philadelphia on December 23, 1823, Thomas W. Evans rose to become one of the most celebrated dentists of his time. He was the son of William Evans and Catherine Wiltberger. His journey began right here in Pennsylvania.
Evans gained international recognition for his pioneering work in dentistry. He introduced amalgam fillings. He championed the use of nitrous oxide as an anesthetic. These innovations transformed dental practices.
His skills led him to Europe where he became the court-appointed dental surgeon to Emperor Napoleon III of France. Evans’s life took a dramatic turn when he became entangled in the affairs of the French Imperial Court.
Imagine Paris in turmoil. The Franco-Prussian War is raging. The Second Empire crumbles. Empress Eugenie, Napoleon III’s wife, finds herself in mortal danger. Revolutionaries want her beheaded. Who does she trust? Thomas W. Evans.
Evans risked his own life to help Empress Eugenie escape. He smuggled her out of Paris. He evaded the bloodthirsty Parisian mob. He ensured her safe passage to England. His bravery earned him international acclaim and cemented his place in history.
Beyond his dental practice and daring rescues, Dr. Evans played a significant diplomatic role. Napoleon III sent him on a confidential mission to President Lincoln during the American Civil War. The emperor wanted to know the likely outcome of the war. Evans met with Lincoln and General Grant. He toured battlefields. He assured Napoleon III of the Union’s imminent victory. This influenced France’s neutrality and strengthened ties between France and America.
Dr. Evans received over 200 honors. Among them was the Legion of Honor. He was the first American to receive such an honor. His contributions to dentistry also included vulcanized rubber for dentures. He even developed a treatment for regulating teeth.
Thomas W. Evans died in Paris on November 15, 1897. But his legacy lives on. He chose to be buried here in Philadelphia. His will provided money and land. This led to the founding of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.
Look up at the obelisk. This monument stands as a testament to his extraordinary life. It is a symbol of his achievements. It is a reminder of his bravery. Thomas W. Evans’s story is one of skill, courage, and unwavering dedication. His impact on dentistry and international relations continues to resonate today.