M. A. Gupton
M. A. GUPTON, D. D. S. There are many requirements demanded of all professional men and probably more of dental surgeons than in any other line. Sound health is almost a necessity and to this must be added mechanical ability, artistic perceptions, delicacy and sensitiveness of touch, gentleness, tact and patience, all these in addition to technical knowledge that gives skill and a very fair amount also of medical learning. In truth, according to modern investigation and the results of research, the dentist not only makes life comfortable but he prolongs and sometimes saves it. In these days there are few communities in which dentists of skill do not find it possible to command a substantial practice. This is the case with Dr. M. A. Gupton, of Mitchell County, Kansas, who maintains two offices, one at Hill City, where he has practiced for the past fifteen years, and one at Scottsville, where he opened an office in 1913.
M. A. Gupton was born in 1873, in Cloud County, Kansas. His parents were W. H. and Eliza Gupton, who came from Missouri to Kansas in 1871. They experienced many of the hardships of pioneer life of that period in the state. Securing a homestead in Cloud County, the father of Doctor Gupton broke the virgin soil and finally developed a fine farm. In those early times before the railroads he also hauled freight between Solomon and Beloit. He was a hard-working man, honest and reliable. He died in middle life in Western Kansas. He was the father of the following children: Thomas, Owen, Edward, Claud, Pauline, Clement, Volney, Oma, Elmer and M. A. Of these, Thomas, Volney and Oma are deceased.
M. A. Gupton grew up and attended the public schools in Cloud County. Early developing a taste for the dental profession, he entered the office of a first class practitioner and through study and practical experience became thoroughly qualified and in 1901 passed the required examination of the Dental State Board. As indicated by his necessary maintenance of two offices, Doctor Gupton has a large practice, his appoinment book in both cities disclosing the names of many prominent residents of this section.
Doctor Gupton married in 1893 Miss Pearl Parrish, who was born in Beloit, Kansas, and they have one daughter, Maizie. Doctor Gupton belongs to the Masonic fraternity. He takes no very active part in politics, his professional duties preventing even if his inclinations lay in that direction, but his civic interest is not dormant and he heartily co-operates in all movements that in his judgment promise to be beneficial for the public at large.
A Standard History of Kansas and Kansans, written & compiled by William E. Connelley, 1918, transcribed by Seth Godfrey, student from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, October 21, 1999.