My Genealogy Hound

ALBERT A. POTTERF, M. D., is one of the leading physicians of Center View, and although his residence here has extended over a period of only six years, he numbers his friends by the score, and his ability to conquer disease and restore health to the suffering ones is so well understood in the locality in which he makes his home, as to make lengthy mention of his skill unnecessary. He has conquered many difficulties in attaining his present position, and deserves great credit for his persevering and painstaking efforts.

The subject of this sketch is a native of Ohio, and was born in Eaton, January 13, 1852. He was the eldest of seven children whose parents were William H. and Susan M. (Shideler) Potterf, and the family circle is yet unbroken by the hand of death. William H. Potterf was also born near Eaton, Ohio, in the year 1829, and was reared to the life of an agriculturist, following that calling the greater part of his life in his birthplace. He was a man much beloved for his many noble qualities, and his death was deeply mourned. His good wife, who is a native of Ohio, is still living and makes her home in Ardmore, Ind. T.

Reared to manhood in the old home, A. A. Potterf received the rudiments of his education in the common schools. In 1866 he came with his parents to Missouri, locating in Warrensburg. They remained there but a short time, however, soon locating on a farm about ten miles distant. Here, after one short year, the father died, February 29, 1868, and the management of the farm devolved on the young shoulders of our subject. It was here that he displayed the traits that have since been such a noted factor in his success, and taking hold with a will he succeeded in educating his younger brothers and sisters. Accomplishing this, he turned the management of the home farm over to a younger brother and gave his attention to finishing his own education.

In the year 1884 our subject bought a cattle ranch in Oregon and, after stocking it, gave it into the hands of a brother; about the same time also he purchased a ranch in Kansas and placed another brother in charge; but as cattle declined in value, both ventures proved disastrous. In 1879 he bought the home place and for some six years was engaged in its cultivation, also engaging in stock-raising. For two years prior to leaving the farm, he read medicine, and in 1887 he entered the Missouri Medical College of Homeopathy, graduating from there March 14, 1889. Coming to Center View after his graduation, he began the practice of medicine and has built up one of the best paying practices in this section. He gives special attention to the treatment of cancer and rectal troubles, and that he has been very successful in these lines may be seen from testimonials from some of the best men in the state. He has established offices in Kansas City and St. Louis, and visits many other towns professionally.

September 9, 1883, Miss Fannie L. Murray became the wife of our subject. She is the daughter of David Murray, a prominent pioneer settler of this county. Mrs. Potterf began reading medicine under the tutelage of her husband about three years ago, and in the fall of 1892 she entered the Kansas City Homeopathic College and will graduate from that institution this coming spring. She is a cultured and accomplished lady, and by becoming acquainted with the art of healing will be a very valuable helpmate to her husband.

To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Potterf have been born two daughters. Maggie, the elder daughter, is a bright little maiden of nine years; and Lulu is a sunshiny girl of seven. Politically our subject affiliates with the Democratic party, and religiously is an active member of the Presbyterian Church. He is also identified with the Junior Order of American Mechanics. Benevolent enterprises always receive his support, and no needy person is ever turned from his door.