ARCHIBALD D. PURDY, M. D., was born April 28, 1852, in Hopkins County, Ky. When fourteen years old, with 30 cents, and very scant clothes, and unable to read or write, he left his uncle against the protest of his mother; working by the month and trading, he was enabled to buy 100 acres of land, upon which he moved his mother, brother and sister. At sixteen he went to Charlestown, Hopkins County, and boarded with M. M. Lynch and attended school. Then he clerked for M. M. Lynch eight months, and with his earnings attended school another season; then taught and attended schools alternately for some time then clerked for Lynch two years, and studied during that time. He again taught school in Hopkins County, and read medicine eighteen months. He originated a short system of mathematics which he traveled with and taught eighteen months. In 1882 he graduated from the medical department of the Tennessee University, and in April of the same year came to Kuttawa with just $50, borrowed money, and three other established physicians to compete with. He has now 460 families upon which he attends. He is a member of Suwanee Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Kuttawa. Dr. Purdy is entirely a self-made man and occupies a high social and financial position.
Source: J. H. Battle, W. H. Perrin, & G. C. Kniffin. Kentucky. A History of the State. Louisville, KY, Chicago, IL: Battey, 1885. Page 862.