Henry Howard Keith
Henry H. Keith was born in Salem, Massachusetts in 1847. After a short time in a machine shop to learn the use of tools, Keith was apprenticed to his uncle, a jeweler in New York. In 1864 Keith moved to Philadelphia and entered the laboratory of Dr. Charles J. Essig. Four years later Essig moved his laboratory to Baltimore, taking Keith with him.
Keith moved to St. Louis in 1871 and opened his own laboratory, working with many prominent dentists of the time. He attended the Missouri Dental College and was graduated in 1873. Keith joined the faculty of his alma mater, serving as demonstrator of Mechanical Dentistry (1875-76) and professor of Mechanical Dentistry (1876-79). Best known for his plate work, Keith also had a large practice in operative dentistry. Additionally Keith was highly regarded by his students and colleagues for his generosity in sharing his knowledge and expertise. Until his death in 1899 Keith was active in both the Missouri State Dental Association and the St. Louis Dental Society.