Little Falls weekly transcript. (Little Falls, Morrison Co., Minn.) 1894-19??, 1897-10-29
DIR, THOMAS W. EVANS.

in the discovery of vulcanizcd rubber,
which is now employed for SO many pur-
poscs but which he first made use OF In
tho manufacture of plates for mounting
artificial teeth.
DR.. Evans had practiced several years in
Lancaster, Pa, and had acquired wide
reputation when he was sent for as the
most competent American dentist to take
part in all important consultation to be
held in Paris. With his young vito he
crossed the ocean, little thinking what q
long stay he was to make III the French
capital or what fame and fortune awaited
him. His knowledge and skill were i'm
mediately recognized and in short time
no found himself tho most famous dentist
in Paris.
Among his early clients was Louis Ma
poleon Bonaparte, tho prince president OF
the French republic. The two became in
timntc friends and when the prince became
Napoleon III tho dentist of tho new en-
peror suddenly found himself with a list
of patients which included representatives
of every royal house in Europe. One lam
lily in which he was most welcome was
that of the present king of Denmark, who
was then living in straitened circum-
stances in Halle He was tho special ia
vorito of tho children Of this monarch.
One Of these children is today Princess of
Walcs another the empress of Russia and
a third the king Of Greece.
1t was through tho friendship OF NaPo-
Icon III that DIR. Evans by means of ju-
dicious investments in Paris real estate,
was able to accumulate tho big fortune
which he now possesses. Being u close
friend of so many monarchs DR.. Evans
could hardly escape connection with many
diplomatic incidents of historic interest
1t was he who saved the Empress Eugene
from the Paris mob, taking her in II car
riage from the garden gate Of the palace ut
tho risk Of his own life. 1t was DR.. Evans
too, who induced Louis Napoleon not to
recognize the Confcdcracy during the civil
war. During the Franco Prussian war
he was ono of the few men who could pass
from camp to camp and who enjoyed the
confidence and friendship of the opposing
rulers. He used this influence and privi-
lege to organize Red Cross corps and to
improve the sanitary conditions Of both
camps.
When the Crown Prince Frederick of
Russia was taken to San Reno for the
purpose Of having o dangerous operation
performed by two of the most celebrated
surgeons in Europe, DIR. Evans was asked
to be present as a friend, but it was his
skill which prolonged the life Of tho prince
long enough for him to be made emperor
and gained for the American dentist the
lasting gratitude Of the house Of Hohen-
zollern.
The palatial residence Of DR.. Evans,
situated in the most aristocratio section OF
Paris, Is filed with costly mementos from
his royal friends. He has collection OF
over 200 orders ana medals which he has
received at various times, and they include
insignias Of every rank, from that OF the
Cross Of the French Legion Of Honor, OF
which, he is a grand commander, down to
ono Of the first medals struck of In COM
memoration Of Queen Viotoria's jubilee.
Although he has been resident Of Paris
for moro than half century, Dr.. Evans 10
still loyal American, and In his homo
prominent residents Of the United States
have always been cordially received. BE
has no children, and the recent death of
his wife left him with no immediate fam
lily. A small portion Of his many millions
will be distributed among distant rela-
tives, but the bulk Of his fortune will be
spent In aiding the young men OF his ma
tive land to sec:1:r n higher education than
their own meauS you'd allow
ALFRED r. ROwLEY.