Capable, earnest and conscientious, Dr. Richard R. Canna enjoys an enviable reputation as a physician and surgeon, and for seventeen years has successfully followed his profession in Amsterdam, his native city. He was born April 5, 1882, and his parents, Owen and Catherine (Heffernan) Canna, were natives of Ireland. The father emigrated to the United States in 1860, settling in Amsterdam, and worked for many years as a bricklayer, passing away in this city in 1909.
Richard R. Canna obtained his higher education in Syracuse University, from which he was graduated in 1905, winning the M. D. degree, and afterward served as interne at the King's County Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. He returned to Amsterdam in 1907 and has since engaged in practice in this city. His studio, have been most thorough, bringing him a comprehensive knowledge of the most advanced methods, discoveries and theories of the science of medicine and surgery, and his professional skill is in constant demand. He is a member of the staff of the Amsterdam City Hospital and also of St. Mary's Hospital, while he likewise has a large private practice. Dr. Canna has been called to public office, serving as county physician of Montgomery county from 1908 until 1912, and from 1912 until 1914 was city physician. He made a highly creditable record in those offices, enhancing his professional prestige by able, conscientious work and constant watchfulness of public health conditions.
On June 24, 1911, Dr. Canna was married to Miss Elizabeth Turner, a daughter of John J. Turner of Amsterdam. Dr. and Mrs. Canna have three children: Richard, who was born July 24, 1912; John, born January 14, 1914; and Mary Elizabeth, who was born on October 15, 1918.
Dr. Canna is a republican where national issues are concerned but casts an independent local ballot, and takes the interest of a good citizen in public affairs supporting every measure conducive to the welfare of his city. He is a communicant of the Catholic church and his fraternal relations are with the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Along professional lines he is connected with the Montgomery County and New York State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association. Dr. Canna has made progress his watchword and his pronounced skill is not only demonstrated by his success in practice but is also attested by his professional associates, who entertain for him the highest regard.