Dr. Justin T. Tuomy was born in Scio, Washtenaw, Michigan on Nov 30, 1876. He was a graduate of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. His office was in the Mayo Building in Bemidji in June 1902.
Dr. Tuomy was married August 14th, 1907, at Minneapolis to Miss Emma Leyde of Bemidji. After the wedding, Dr. and Mrs. Tuomy went to the Dales of the St. Croix, where they remained until their departure for their home in Bemidji.
“The doctor has practiced his profession of dentistry for several years, and has a very large circle of friends. Mrs. Tuomy, as Miss Leyde, has taught in the public schools of this city during the past three years, during which time she has ever been a popular member of Bemidji’s society people, and is a universal favorite. The Pioneer joins with the friends of the couple in wishing them every happiness in their wedded life.” (Aug 24, 1907)
Dr. Tuomy’s office was located in First National Bank Building, March 1909 and 1910. The Tuomy family, which now consisted of the doctor, his wife Emma, and baby daughter Elizabeth. lived at 119 12th St. at the time of the 1910 census.
Elizabeth Isabel Tuomy was born Feb 3, 1910, and Justin Matthew was born at Bemidji on March 7, 1914.
At the time of World War I Registration, his office was in the Gibbons block in Bemidji. They now lived at 123 12th St. in Bemidji.
In 1919, the family took a trip to the West Coast. Mrs. Tuomy and the children spent the winter in California. Dr. Tuomy returned to Bemidji but made a couple of visits there as well. He sold the family home at 123 12th St., and when the family returned at the end of May 1920, they lodged with the William Clish family at 1001 Minnesota Avenue until their new home was built at 1201 Beltrami Avenue.
Tuomy and Family to Take West Coast Tour: Coming to Bemidji eighteen years, ago, when the city was a speck in the forest, Dr Tuomy is going to take a vacation, something he hasn’t had in the time he has practiced dentistry since locating in Bemidji, and he expects to take an auto trip to the Pacific coast, starting about September 10 or 15. He will be accompanied by his wife and family and visit relatives in the Pacific slope, he returning to Bemidji about the first of October, leaving the family to spend the winter with relatives. Being among the first dentists in Bemidji, Dr Tuomy had an interesting experience and in a coming issue of the American Magazine will appear a story, written by Mrs. Tuomy at the request of the magazine, of his career from the early days to the present. (Bemidji Pioneer, 1919)
Dr. and Mrs. T. Tuomy, daughter, Elizabeth and son, Justin, left yesterday for the west coast by motor. At Jenesee, Idaho, they will visit Dr. Tuomy’s brother, Dr. C. Tuomy and from there will go to California. Mrs. Tuomy and children will spend the winter in the west and Dr. Tuomy will return to the city October 1. (Sept 9, 1919)
Dr. Tuomy has sold his residence at the corner of Beltrami avenue and Twelfth street to Dr John Caldwell of Windelbloom, ND who will occupy his property The deal also included the small house on the rear of the yard facing the avenue, and next spring it is the intention of Dr Tuomy to build a new residence. (Dec 1919).
Dr. Tuomy served as clerk of the Bemidji School Board, 1919, 1920, 1921 and President of the School Board at a tumultuous period in 1922 when they were rebuilding the high school after the fire. He was also Vice President of the Bemidji Trout Club in 1921.
At the time of the 1930 census, the family was living in Chicago. Dr. Tuomy, Emma, daughter Elizabeth and son Justin T. Tuomy.
Mrs. Emma Tuomy died in Bemidji on Feb 4, 1933 and is buried in Greenwood Cemetery.
In 1934, Dr. Tuomy’s office was at 210 ½ Beltrami Avenue. Their residence was at 1316 Beltrami Avenue. Shared with son Justin Tuomy, student; daughter Elizabeth, teacher at French’s Business College.
In 1940, Dr. Tuomy’s office was at 210 ½ Beltrami Avenue, an address which was shared by his son Justin who was a clerk for the WPA and had his office at the same address. Dr. Tuomy lived at 403 Bemidji Avenue, Apt 27, at the Kaplan Apartments. His office was still at 210 ½ in 1942.
Dr. Justin F. Tuomy, was a practicing dentist in Bemidji in 1953 and 1958. His office and residence was at 214 ½ Beltrami Avenue. He was still listed at this address in the 1960 phone book.
Bemidji dentists staged a testimonial dinner in honor of Dr. J. T. Tuomy, who announced his retirement from active practice after 59 years. (June 29, 1960)
Dr J. T. Tuomy pioneer Bemidji dentist, died at a nursing home at Midlothian, Ill on November 2, 1960 at the age of 81. Dr. Tuomy came to Bemidji June 15, 1902 and established offices in the Larson building on 3rd street which was built that year.