THEODORE SMITH RUST, D. D. S.

     Dr. Theodore Smith Rust, a dentist of Meriden, has won an enviable position in professional circles and personally is held in high esteem. One factor in his success has been his mechanical ability, as dentistry, unlike other professions, requires such skill. He has carried his interest in mechanical affairs, however, beyond the practice of his profession and has devoted a large part of his spare time to work in a fully equipped machine shop, which he has installed in the basement of his home. He was born in Northampton, Massachusetts, April 14, 1844, a son of Daniel Rust, whose father was Jonathan Rust. The family has been represented in New England for many generations and representatives of the name played well their part in advancing the interests of their respective communities. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Ann Haskell and was descended from a family long resident of Peru, Massachusetts.
    In 1862 Dr. Rust came to Meriden and for two years worked for John Thomas, a contractor, during which time he also helped his brother in his dental office, and there he learned the profession. In October, 1864, he opened an office of his own and has since practiced with gratifying success, having built up a large and representative practice. He has kept in touch with the change of methods that the years have brought about and his work has always given satisfaction.
     Dr. Rust was married in June, 1864, to Miss Fannie Marinda Colton, by whom he has two children: Theodora Frances, who was eduacted in Meriden and passed away in 1915; and Ann Marinda, whose birth occurred September 5, 1872. Mrs. Rust is a highly educated woman, having been a student in Smith College, in the Yale Art School and other art schools of New York city, and her gracious personality has won her many warm friends.
    Rust is a republican but has never cared to hold office. Fraternally be belongs to the Masonic blue lodge and Royal Arch chapter and to the Knights of Pythias, and the teachings of these orders find exemplification in his life. He attends the Congregational church and belongs to the Wheel Club, of which he is an enthusiastic member, while along strictly professional lines he is identified with the Connecticut and New England Dental Societies. For four years he was a member of the state board of dental examiners and is recognized by his colleagues as an able representative of the profession. For more than a half century he has resided in Meriden and during that entire time he has been recognized as a public-spirited citizen.

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