"About This Blog

Rich Hill is a small town in Bates County, Missouri, known as the "Town That Coal Built." Since 2008, this blog has been digging through old newspapers, county histories, family photos, and community memories to piece together the stories of the people, businesses, churches, and events that shaped Rich Hill — from its coal-mining boom years to the present day. Here you'll find everything from town-defining moments (train depot ambushes, natural gas jubilees, the founding of local churches) to the quieter stories of the people who called Rich Hill home — including a few who went on to leave their mark on the wider world. Have an old photo, a family story, or a correction? I'd love to hear from you — reach out at beardonme@gmail.com

Sunday, March 1, 2009

William Henry Allen III M.D.

I think Dr. Allen was a great doctor. However, I must admit that I am prejudice as he is the doctor that delivered me.

William Henry Allen, III M.D. died at 3:15 a.m. April 11, 1978 after an illness of 5 years. He was born October 27, 1913 in Rich Hill, Mo. he only child of Dr. Claude J. Allen and Faye Harriet Jopling Allen.

Dr. Allen was educated in the Rich Hill School System and graduated from high school in 1932. He received his premedical schooling at central Methodist College, Fayette, Mo. from 1932 to 1935, he entered the university of Arkansas Medical School, Little Rock Arkansas and graduated in 1940.

At this point in Dr. "Bill's" life, he became the fourth and last medical doctor in the Allen family. Preceding him in the medial profession were Dr. William Allen, Dr. William Harry Allen and Dr. Claude J. Allen. All four Allen doctors at different spans in time had served and would continue to minister to the people of Bates and Vernon County for 112 years.

After graduation from medical school, Dr. Allen received his internship at St. Luke's Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri from 1940 to 1941. In 1941 and 1942, he studied surgical residency at Saint Marys Hospital, Tucson, Arizona. His second year of surgical residency was spent at Trinity Lutheran Hospital, Kansas City Missouri. In 1943, Dr. Allen established his private practice in Nevada, as general practitioner and surgeon. He continued his practice until June 1, 1973 when ill heath forced him into a premature retirement.

No comments: