Dr. Z.V. Purdy, Logansport, Indiana, Nearly 104 Years Old

Riverdale, Illinois, 1915

NEARLY 104 YEARS OLD

Still Enjoys a "Shot" and a Chew of Tobacco

Dr. Z. V. Purdy, who resides near Logansport, Ind. returned home Wednesday after a five weeks visit with his son J. Purdy of Harvey. The doctor will be 104 years old if he lives until next March. He was born at Harper's Ferry Virginia, March 5, 1812. He practiced medicine for many years in Kentucky and Indiana before retiring some years ago. He is quite strong for one of his years; his mind is clear and his hearing and eyesight good. The scribe had the pleasure of quite a chat with the old gentleman last Wednesday morning while he was waiting for the Panhandle train at Riverdale. He was accompanied by his sons J. W. of Star City, Ind., and J. Purdy of Harvey. He served nearly six years in the army and carries a silver mounted cane presented to him by Gen. W. T. Sherman at the close of the war.

The doctor takes a little stimulant of whisky toddy about four times a day and always keeps his plug of tobacco handy and uses it frequently. He says he has never taken any great care of his health, but lives "one day like another" and expects to live for many years yet. He is still interested in current events but likes to talk of the old days and can remember dates very clearly.

The scribe has heard and read about people a hundred years old, but this was our first experience to meet and greet a person of that great age. Wonder how many of our subscribers know a man or woman 100 years old. Write us about it if you do.

—The Pointer, Riverdale, Illinois, December 24, 1915, page 1.