My Genealogy Hound

Dr. A. L. Purdom seems to have been fitted by nature for the profession of a physician and surgeon, for, in his practice, he has been more than ordinarily successful, and is considered one of the best-read men in this section of the country. He was born in Washington in 1852, to Dr. James A. L. and Julia A. (McAlpine) Purdom, who were married in the State of Alabama, and in 1845 came to Washington, Ark., but a few years later they went to Lewisville, where they remained one year. At the end of that time they returned to Washington, where Dr. Purdom died in 1866, and his widow, in St. Louis, in 1885, while having a surgical operation performed. The father was a successful and life-long physician, being a graduate of the Cincinnati Medical College, and of the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia; was a member of the A. F. & A. M., and was a son of Richard B. Purdom. Dr. A. L. Purdom was the fourth of seven children, and was reared and educated at Washington. In 1870 he began the study of medicine with Dr. W. P. Hart, and, in 1874 and 1875, attended lectures at the Louisville Medical College, of Kentucky. He has since practiced in Hempstead County, and has been at Ozan since 1886, where he has an excellent practice, and is also engaged in mercantile pursuits. He was married in 1877 to Miss M. E., a daughter of R. H. and M. E. Bruce, the former of whom came from North Carolina to Hempstead County in 1848, and soon after went to California. Not being satisfied with his location in this State, however, he returned to Hempstead County, and, in 1852, went back to his native State, and after his marriage, which occurred there, he again came back to Hempstead County. Here he followed the occupation of farming, and died in 1887, having been justice of the peace some years, a soldier in Etter’s battery, of the Confederate States army, and he and wife members of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Purdom was born in this county, and has borne the Doctor three sons and one daughter, the latter being dead. The Doctor owns a nice home and business block in Ozan. He is a Democrat, Tilden receiving his first vote in 1876. His widow is a member of the Baptist Church.