The Elk Reflects: Honoring Two Elk River Doctors

Above: Dr. Duff with his wife, Genevieve, submitted by Jim Davis, of Elkview, WV and Ron Myers of Coco, WV.

DR. W. W. DUFF

Many Elk River families remember Dr. Wirt W. Duff, who practiced medicine in Elkview for 50 years. They also remember “Nurse Phyllis” (Phyllis Ann Boggs Snodgrass of Pinch) who worked for him for many years. Dr. Duff attended West Virginia University and was a graduate of the University of Louisville Medical School. He was a member of the West Virginia and American Medical Associations and practiced medicine in Elkview, Cabin Creek and Charleston. He was born in Mount Tell in Jackson County on October 16, 1902. Dr. Duff and his wife, Genevieve Spencer Duff, resided in Elkview until his death at age 83 on July 28, 1986. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Charleston and had two sons, Robert L. of Poca and the late Wirt Webster Duff, Jr. who died in an automobile accident at age 19. His brothers were Dr. John W. Duff, Jr. and Eugene of Florida, and sisters, Lessie Burdette, Thelma Van Winkle and Delta Smith of Charleston.

Dr. Duff's Jeep

DR. O. M. HARPER

Dr. Harper's office

Dr. O. M. (Orda Milton) Harper’s office was located in the Farmers and Citizens Bank building in Clendenin, WV. In fact, he and his brother, Dr. Clyde A. Harper, both had offices there. Dr. Harper first started his practice in 1931 in Clay, but soon moved to Clendenin. To this day his patients recall the steep stairway leading upstairs to his office and the distinct, poignant aroma of medicine.

There were no appointments in his day, walk-in’s only. Many patients remember sitting on the wooden benches in his waiting room, awaiting their turn to see the doctor and his nurse, “Miss Freda”. It was not uncommon to leave with a packet of little yellow pills or a bottle of nasty cough syrup, coupled with a shot of penicillin.

Dr. Harper and his wife, Ruth, were avid rosarians and received the highest national awards for their magnificent roses. They were both accredited by the American Rose Society as Horticultural Judges and were lifetime members of The Charleston Rose Society.

The Elk River community overwhelmingly would tell you that Dr. Harper treated families, not just patients. His caring heart and medical expertise is well-known on the River. Through generous donations and scholarships from the Dr. O. M. and Ruth A. Harper Family Foundation, Inc., at the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, Dr. Harper and Ruth continue to bless our community.

One of Dr. Harper's receipts