Person Page - 308

     Geraldine Purdy was born on 6 December 1900 at Red Wing, Goodhue Co., Minnesota.^2,3 She was the daughter of William Hopkins Purdy and Anna Christiansen. Geraldine Purdy married Herman John Merz, son of Joseph Merz and Sophia Guyer, on 2 September 1925 at Salem, Marion Co., Oregon.³ Geraldine Purdy died on 8 January 1987 at Campbell, Santa Clara Co., California, at age 86.³ She was buried at Fir Grove Cemetery, Ada, Lane Co., Oregon.⁴

Miss Purdy Married At Home

One of the prettiest of the late summer weddings was that of Miss Geraldine Purdy and Herman J. Merz which took place on Wednesday at four o’clock, at the home of the bride’s parents near Salem.

Preceding the ceremony out of doors Miss Frances Purdy played as a violin solo "Ave Maria" followed by "Because" by Miss Ruth Bedford. Lohengrin’s wedding march was then played by Mrs. Curtis Gardner of Portland. The impressive ring ceremony was used. Reverend Thomas Achescon officiating.

The bride was attractive in a gown of white georgette and crepe satin and she carried a shower bouquet of Cecil Brunner roses. Miss Ruth Purdy as maid of honor, wore peach georgette and carried a bouquet of sweet peas in pastel shades.

A reception followed with refreshments served at tables attractively decorated in bright colored flowers, Mrs. Curtis Gardner, Miss Agnee Du Rette and Miss Dorothy Taylor assisted.

Out of town guests Included Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Gardner, of Portland, Mr. and Mrs. E. J. McNellan of Portland, Mr. and Mrs. DuRette, Miss Agnee DuRette, Cecil DuRette of Gervals, Mrs. Emma Brink of Fargo, Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Baker, Mrs. S. Talbot, Miss Blanche Small and C. Small of Turner, Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Boxrud, Miss Ruth Bedford, Miss Dorothy Taylor, Mrs. Rea Benson and Miss Lydia Christiansen of Salem.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Purdy, a graduate of the Oregon normal and has been principal of the Langlois schools for the past two years. Mr. Merz ls a well-known business man of Curry county. After a motor trip to Yellowstone park, Mr. and Mrs. Merz will be at home at Beaver Lee ranch near Langlois.

The Capital Journal
Sat, Sep 05, 1925-Page 5.⁵

She lived in 1960 at Florence, Lane Co., Oregon. Her Social Security Number was 542-56-2039 issued in Oregon Social Security Death Index (b- 06Dec1900 d-Jan1987).

The following obituary from The Siuslaw News, Florence, Oregon, January 14, 1987, page 2A, column 1.
Geraldine Purdy Merz, long-time resident of the Florence area, died Jan. 8, 1987 in Campbell, Calif. Merz was born on Dec. 6, 1900 in Red Wing, Minn., the daughter of William and Anna Purdy. The Purdy family moved to Woodburn in 1912. She has been a resident of Oregon since that time and married Herman John Merz on Sept. 2, 1925 in Turner. He died on March 12, 1976.
She was active in various community affairs all of her life. She was an active member of the Ada Grange for 50 years. She served her neighbors and community through 4-H, Western Lane Republican Women, Western Lane Hospital Auxiliary, Siuslaw Valley Parks and Recreation District, Siltcoos Home Extension, Florence Friends of the Library, Florence Community Concert Association, A.A.R.P., the Presbyterian Church of Florence and other organizations. Merz attended Willamette University and graduated from Monmouth Normal School in 1921. She taught elementary school in Langlois, Pendleton, Woodburn, and Upper Fiddle Creek School at Ada.
The Merz' move to the Fiddle Creek valley, southeast of Florence in 1927, operating Alderwold Dairy Farm for nearly 30 years. They developed a herd of registered Jersey cattle that won them national recognition. When they retired from the dairy business in 1955, they purchased property in north-central British Columbia. There they developed a beef ranch now owned and operated by their son David.
Survivors include her four children, Bob Merz and his wife Shirley of Florence, Marilyn Adkins of Campbell, Calif., David Merz and his wife Lois of Fort Fraser, British Columbia, Canada and Karen Christensen and her husband Gerald of Saratoga, Calif. Also surviving are her sisters, Ruth Rue of Salem, Frances Everest of Milwaukee, a brother, Kenneth Purdy of Turner and a sister-in-law, Amelia Merz Thorne of Coos Bay. A memorial service was held Monday, Jan. 12, at 1 p.m. at the Florence Christian Church.³

     Gilbert Purdy was born on 3 August 1797 at Westchester Station, Cumberland Co., Nova Scotia, Canada.¹ He was the son of Gabriel Purdy and Esther Angevine.¹ Gilbert Purdy married Sarah Knight, daughter of William Knight and Jane (?), on 27 October 1817 at Nova Scotia, Canada.¹ Gilbert Purdy died on 24 May 1884 at Westchester Station, Cumberland Co., Nova Scotia, Canada, at age 86.¹ He was buried at Rose Cemetery, Westchester Station, Cumberland Co., Nova Scotia, Canada.²

     Gilbert Purdy was born in 1750 at Westchester Co., New York.^1,2 He was the son of Samuel Purdy and Winnifred Wright Griffin.¹ Gilbert Purdy was born on 16 December 1750 at Rye, Westchester Co., New York.³ He married Bethia Fisher on 26 March 1781 at Oswego Co., New York.² Gilbert Purdy died on 5 June 1838 at Wallace, Cumberland Co., Nova Scotia, Canada.^1,2,3 He was buried Burial Details Unknown.³

     Girl Purdy was born on 10 April 1902 at Red Wing, Goodhue Co., Minnesota.² She was the daughter of Samuel Haskell Purdy and Anne Marie Ceder. Girl Purdy died on 13 April 1902 at Burnside, Goodhue Co., Minnesota.³ Birth Record had name listed as "Purdy, died", female.

     Gloriana Purdy was born on 31 March 1714 at Rye, Westchester Co., New York.^1,2 She was the daughter of Samuel Purdy and Glorianna Penelope Strang. Gloriana Purdy married George Merritt, son of Samuel Merritt and Elizabeth Underhill, in 1732. Gloriana Purdy died on 13 September 1765 at New York at age 51.^1,3,2 She was buried at Old Town Cemetery, Newburgh, Orange Co., New York.² Her Ancestral File Number is RKMP-ZS.

     Glorianna Purdy was born on 20 July 1757.^1,2 She was the daughter of Jonathan Purdy and Charity Hadden. Glorianna Purdy married Henry Budd. Glorianna Purdy died on 17 March 1842 at age 84.² She was buried at Jonathan Purdy Family Cemetery, White Plains, Westchester Co., New York.²

     Glorianna Purdy was born circa 1747 at Digby, Annapolis Co., Nova Scotia, Canada.¹ She was the daughter of Gabriel Purdy and Bethia Miller. Her Ancestral File Number is RKMQ-60.

     Hannah Purdy was born on 7 March 1724.^1,2 She was the daughter of Jonathan Purdy and Mary Hart. Hannah Purdy married James Kniffen, son of Samuel Kniffen and Rebecca (?), in 1743.³ Hannah Purdy died circa 1789.^1,4

     Harry Lee Purdy was born on 21 September 1945.¹ He was the son of Carroll Eugene Purdy and Priscilla Lincoln Reed. Harry Lee Purdy died on 15 September 2007 at Alexandria, Virginia, at age 61.² He was buried at Fairfax Memorial Park, Braddock, Fairfax Co., Virginia.

     Helen Marie Purdy was born on 22 May 1923.¹ She was the daughter of Ivan Willet Purdy and Dorothy Aurelia Mills. Helen Marie Purdy married Leon Roger Cousland, son of Leon Lyman Cousland and Edith Louise Tharp, on 5 July 1942 at El Dorado, Butler Co., Kansas.¹ Helen Marie Purdy died on 29 July 2009 at Kansas at age 86. She was buried at Restlawn Cemetery, Liberal, Seward Co., Kansas.² Obituary of Helen's mother in 1981 stated where living in 1981. Her Social Security Number was Social Security Death Index lists Helen M. Cousland, born 22 My 1923, died 29 Jul 2009, last residence Seward Co., Kansas. She lived at Liberal, Seward Co., Kansas. She lived in 1960 at 816 S. Pennsylvania, Liberal, Seward Co., Kansas.

     Henrietta Purdy was born on 16 October 1837 at Enfield, Tompkins Co., New York.¹ She was the daughter of David Purdy and Elizabeth Ann Hopkins. Henrietta Purdy married Eron Curry Van Kirk on 5 November 1857 at New York. Henrietta Purdy died on 1 June 1921 at Ithaca, Tompkins Co., New York, at age 83.^1,2 She was buried at sec. g, plot 103-104, grave 4, Ithaca City Cemetery, Ithaca, Tompkins Co., New York.² She lived in 1898 at Ithaca, Tompkins Co., New York. She lived in February 1913 at Ithaca, Tompkins Co., New York.³

     Henry Purdy was born circa 1725 at Rye, Westchester Co., New York.¹ He was the son of Samuel Purdy and Glorianna Penelope Strang. Henry Purdy married Mary V. Foster.² Henry Purdy died circa 1782.^1,2 His Ancestral File Number is RKMQ-M7.

     Henry Purdy was born on 2 January 1789.¹ He was the son of Gabriel Purdy and Esther Angevine.¹ Henry Purdy married Frances Embree, daughter of Joseph Embree and Catherine (?).¹ Henry Purdy died on 20 March 1857 at age 68.¹ Had 11 children.²

     Henry Purdy was born on 7 February 1744 at White Plains, Westchester Co., New York.^1,2,3 He was the son of Samuel Purdy and Winnifred Wright Griffin.¹ Henry Purdy married Tamer Sniffer on 16 February 1773 at New York.⁴ Henry Purdy died on 20 July 1826 at Fort Lawrence, Cumberland Co., Nova Scotia, Canada, at age 82.^1,5,3 He was buried at Fort Lawrence Cemetery, Fort Lawrence, Cumberland Co., Nova Scotia, Canada.³

     Herbert Wilson Purdy was born on 14 April 1884 at Cumberland, Cumberland Co., Nova Scotia, Canada.² He was the son of Charles Adam Burnett Purdy and Susanne P. Stewart.¹ Herbert Wilson Purdy was born circa 1885.¹ He married Marie Ludbrook in 1916 at Antrim Co., Michigan. Herbert Wilson Purdy died on 4 June 1962 at Traverse City, Grand Traverse Co., Michigan, at age 78.² He was buried at Southern Cemetery, Central Lake, Antrim Co., Michigan.²

     Horatio Nelson Purdy was born on 16 September 1845.¹ He was the son of Samuel Flintiff Purdy and Margaret Knight.¹ Horatio Nelson Purdy died on 5 March 1926 at age 80.¹

     Howard Haskel Purdy was born on 30 June 1895.^1,2 He was the son of Samuel Haskell Purdy and Anne Marie Ceder. Howard Haskel Purdy died on 11 December 1912 at Minnesota at age 17.¹ He was buried at Oakwood Cemetery, Red Wing, Goodhue Co., Minnesota.² Goodhue Co Birth records state born 04 Jul 1895. The cause of death was drowned while skating across millpond to school at Lake City, MN. Sister Evelyn, states Howard Haskell born 30Jun1895.

     Isaac Purdy was born on 14 November 1732.^1,2 He was born on 4 November 1732.³ He was the son of Jonathan Purdy and Mary Hart. Isaac Purdy married Sarah Budd. Isaac Purdy married Deborah (?) Isaac Purdy married Mary Haight on 14 February 1812 at Winchester Co., New York. Isaac Purdy died on 18 March 1816 at age 83.^3,1,2 He was buried at Jonathan Purdy Family Cemetery, White Plains, Westchester Co., New York.^1,2

     Ivan Willet Purdy was born on 22 April 1894 at Coffeyville, Montgomery Co., Kansas.¹ He was the son of Myron Sellon Purdy and Carrie Coykendall. Ivan Willet Purdy married Dorothy Aurelia Mills on 20 January 1920 at Coffeyville, Montgomery Co., Kansas. Ivan Willet Purdy died on 20 March 1971 at El Dorado, Butler Co., Kansas, at age 76.² He was buried on 22 March 1971 at Garden A, Lot 147, Space 3, Walnut Valley Memorial Park, El Dorado, Butler Co., Kansas.^3,4 Ivan Willet Purdy was a Printer. He lived in 1962 at El Dorado, Butler Co., Kansas.

The following obituary was in The El Dorado Times (KS) newspaper, 20 March 1971, page 7.
Ivan W. Purdy

Ivan W. Purdy, 77, a valued resident of this town for 46 years, died early today at Allen Memorial hospital. For many past years, he had been a sufferer from acute asthma and related affliction, and had required hospital care more than once in recent weeks. He was patient and brave, however, in the face of this ailment. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 22, at 10:30 a.m., in the chapel at the Kirby Funeral home, Rev. W. Frank Aten will officiate. Burial will be at the Walnut Valley Memorial Park.
Ivan Willet Purdy was born April 22, 1894, in Kingfisher, Okla. He was a printer by profession and one of the best advertising and make-up compositors The El Dorado Times ever had it its employ. He came to El Dorado in 1925 to take a position with this newspaper - which he never relinquished until old age and his malady caught up with him. His removal to this town was from Coffeyville, where he had been a star printer for the Coffeyville Journal.
Ivan fitted well into the social life of this community. He was a veteran of World War I, and a most loyal member of Capt. Edgar Dale Post of the American Legion. During the time when the Legion's club house here was built largely by the efforts of its members. Ivan would do a full day's work at The Times and then go to the Legion site for several hours more to toll on the construction job.
He was a bundle of eager energy and his pleasant and attractive ways caused him to make friends all over the community. He and his wife, Dorothy A. Mills, to whom he was married in Coffeyville on January 20, 1920 - were welcome members of a lively young crowd in El Dorado and were affiliated with many friendly circles.
Ivan was not a large man but he was wiry and full of vigor. He worked in the old newspaper office on East Central along with such luminaries as Otto Huttenhoff, O.L. Whitestine, Harmon Lane, Roy Doty, Bland Barnhart, Louis Gorzkiewicz, Bill Moter, Al Hudson and many others. He undertook the typographical education of younger men who served as apprentices. One of the last of these was Cletus Haines, who developed into an excellent craftsman.
The Purdy good nature around the shop was a byword. He was friendly with all members of the various staffs who made up the newspaper's working force - and he always enjoyed the full confidence and regard of the management. He was a member of the International Typographical Union. Mr. Purdy is survived by his wife, Mrs. Dorothy Purdy of the home at 405 North Emportia, and one daughter, Mrs. L. R. Cousland, of Liberal, Kansas, as well as by two grandchildren.³

     Jacob Purdy was born on 15 October 1739 at White Plains, Westchester Co., New York.^2,3 He was born circa 1739.¹ He was the son of Samuel Purdy and Winnifred Wright Griffin.¹ Jacob Purdy married Abigail Smith on 18 October 1762.^1,2 Jacob Purdy died on 28 December 1822 at White Plains, Westchester Co., New York, at age 83.^1,2,4,3 He was buried at Old Presbyterian Cemetery, White Plains, Westchester Co., New York.^1,3

"Revolutionary War Soldier who loaned his House to General George Washington to use as his Headquarters for the Battle of White Plains. One of White Plains' most famous residents, Jacob Purdy joined the Westchester Militia in 1775 and served until the end of the Revolution, and it is his name that the house bears today. It was this simple abode that General George Washington used as his headquarters during the Battle of White Plains in 1776 and again during his second stay for two months in 1778. The Historical Society hosts numerous events at the Purdy House during the year, such as a celebration for Washington's Birthday and an October event commemorating the anniversary of the Battle of White Plains."⁵

The White Plains Historical Society - Jacob Purdy House

"The Purdy House was built by Samuel Horton, an early settler, who remained in possession until after 1730, when Samuel Purdy purchased the house and 132 acres.
Title see-sawed from Samuel to his son, Jacob, then back to Samuel, and finally to Jacob about 1785. One explanation might be because two of Samuel's five sons became Loyalists and fled to Canada. Jacob held title until his own death in 1822.
The Purdy family continued in possession until the house was sold to Samuel Mott in 1869.
By the 1960's the house, forgotten and neglected, had become a multi-family dwelling, slated for demolition by the Urban Renewal Agency.
The Battle of White Plains Monument Committee purchased the house in 1963, and repaired and restored old beams and shingles. In 1973, when the house moved to its present site on Park Avenue, the house was deeded to the City of White Plains.
The Jacob Purdy House has been source-documented as General Washington's Headquarters from July 23 to September 16, 1778. Historians also believe it to have been the General's Headquarters before the Chatterton Hill battle of October 28, 1776.
On April 31, 1979, the house was placed upon the National Register of Historic Places."
From It Happened In Old White Plains, 1989, by Renoda Hoffman.⁶


The New York Times
November 2, 1986, Section WC (Westchester), Page 11
By Tessa Melvin     

How many headquarters did General George Washington have on Oct. 28, 1776, during the one-hour Battle of White Plains?

This afternoon, when White Plains officials and historians dedicate the 265-year-old Jacob Purdy house on Park Avenue, they will attach a gleaming bronze plaque to the side of the restored farmhouse that reads: ''Jacob Purdy House. General Washington's Headquarters in 1776/1778. National Register of Historic Places. White Plains Historical Society.'' The words are remarkably similar to those found on another plaque, this one attached by the White Plains Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to a small frame house on Virginia Road in North White Plains. It reads: ''General George Washington occupied this house as his headquarters from Oct. 23 to Nov. 10, 1776, and from July 26 to Sept. 23, 1778.''

But after a nearly century-long battle replete with painstaking research, careful letters and sharp rejoinders concerning which house actually served as the headquarters, the Battle of White Plains Monument Committee and the White Plains Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution appear eager to compromise. The Purdy house and the Washington Headquarters Museum, also known as the Miller house, can peacefully co-exist, the two organizations now agree.

''The battle was very fluid and possibly there were two headquarters,'' said Irving Natter, a White Plains businessman who is president of the Battle of White Plains Monument Committee and of the White Plains Historical Society. ''Washington may well have needed both a forward position and a fall-back position.⁷''

     Jacob Griffin Purdy was born on 26 December 1787.¹ He was the son of Gabriel Purdy and Esther Angevine.¹ Jacob Griffin Purdy married Sarah Purdy, daughter of Jacob Purdy and Abigail Smith, in 1811.¹ Jacob Griffin Purdy died on 28 December 1870 at age 83.¹ Had 11 children, with his first cousin, Sarah Purdy.²

     James Purdy was born circa 1749 at Digby, Annapolis Co., Nova Scotia, Canada.¹ He was the son of Gabriel Purdy and Bethia Miller. His Ancestral File Number is RKMQ-75.

     Jane Giles Purdy was born on 11 December 1840.¹ She was the daughter of Samuel Flintiff Purdy and Margaret Knight.¹

     Jane Smith Purdy was born on 30 April 1820 at Cumberland Co., Nova Scotia, Canada.¹ She was the daughter of Gilbert Purdy and Sarah Knight.¹ Jane Smith Purdy married John Giles on 4 February 1840 at Cumberland Co., Nova Scotia, Canada.¹ Jane Smith Purdy died on 17 August 1897 at Cumberland Co., Nova Scotia, Canada, at age 77.¹

     Janet Ann Purdy was born on 28 August 1938 at Wisconsin.^1,2 She was the daughter of Myron Charles Purdy and Lucille Alice Bullinger. Janet Ann Purdy married John L. Moe on 4 November 1961 at Wisconsin. Janet Ann Purdy died on 30 May 2016 at age 77.² She was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery, La Crosse, La Crosse Co., Wisconsin.² Unmarried as of 1959.

     Jeanne Delores Purdy was born on 9 October 1921 at Red Wing, Goodhue Co., Minnesota.^1,2 She was the daughter of Myron Charles Purdy and Lucille Alice Bullinger. Jeanne Delores Purdy married Roland Joseph Preeshl on 14 September 1940 at La Crosse, La Crosse Co., Wisconsin.^3,1 Jeanne Delores Purdy died on 20 March 2003 at Racine, Racine Co., Wisconsin, at age 81.^3,2 She was buried at Calvary Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum, Racine, Racine Co., Wisconsin.²

RACINE - Mrs. Jeanne Purdy Preeshl, 81, passed away quietly at her home on Thursday morning, March 20, 2003.

Mrs. Preeshl was born in Redwing, Minn. on October 9, 1921 to the late Myron and Lucille Bullinger Purdy and had lived in Racine for over 50 years.
She was united in marriage to Roland J. Preeshl in LaCrosse on September 14, 1940 and has been married for 62 years.
Jeanne was employed at Von Schrader Manufacturing Company for over 30 years retiring in 1985. She was a member of St. Lucy's Catholic Church. She was a joyful person who lived life to the fullest. She loved cooking and listening to audio books.
Jeanne is survived by her husband, Roland; one daughter and son-in-law, Penny (Tom) Bredemeier of Oswego, Ill; five grandsons, Ben Bredemeier, Ryan Desmond, Nick Desmond, Ryan Wilken, and Kevin Wilken; two sisters, Marilyn Carroll and Janet Moe both of LaCrosse; nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.
She was preceded in death by one daughter, Debra Jean Wilken in January of 2000; and one brother, Myron Charles "Pat" Purdy.
Funeral services will be held at St. Lucy's Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, on Monday, March 24, 2003, at 11 am. Entombment will be held at Calvary Cemetery at a later date.
Friends may meet with the family at the church Monday morning from 9 a.m. until time of services.
Memorials to the Badger Association of the Blind have been suggested by the family.
WILSON FUNERAL HOME
1212 Lathrop Avenue634-3361

Racine Journal Times
March 22, 2003.⁴

     Jennie Willets Purdy was born on 11 July 1869 at Burnside, Goodhue Co., Minnesota.^1,2 She was the daughter of David Willets Purdy and Frances Mary Rolfe. Jennie Willets Purdy married Alfred H. Perkins, son of Hartson Ellsworth Perkins and Violet P. Ellsworth, on 24 April 1889 at Burnside, Goodhue Co., Minnesota. Jennie Willets Purdy died on 22 July 1919 at Red Wing, Goodhue Co., Minnesota, at age 50.^1,3 She was buried at Oakwood Cemetery, Red Wing, Goodhue Co., Minnesota.³ She lived in 1910 at 1604 West Sixth St., Red Wing, Goodhue Co., Minnesota. The cause of death was Chronic Dilatation, Chronic Myocarditis and Asthma. Death Record stated that Jennie born 12Jul1869 in MN.

Following from Red Wing Daily Republican Newspaper, 4:4, 22Jul1919.
Mrs. Jennie Perkins, residing at 1004 West Sixth street, passed away at Red Wing Hospital at 1 o'clock this afternoon after a long illness. Death was due to complication of diseases.
The deceased was born in Burnside and was fifty years of age. She had resided in Red Wing the past 15 years. Prior to that the family lived on a farm in Wisconsin. One daughter, Miss Genevieve Perkins and two sons, Harry and Bert Perkins, of this city, are left to mourn her loss. Her husband died thirteen years ago.

     Jill Louisa Purdy is the daughter of Clayton Charles Purdy and Charlotte Macaulay.¹ Jill Louisa Purdy married Kerry Dunbar.

     Job Purdy was born on 18 June 1761 at White Plains, Westchester Co., New York.¹ He was the son of Jonathan Purdy and Charity Hadden. Job Purdy married Phebe Gedney. Job Purdy died on 13 August 1819 at age 58.¹ He was buried at City Cemetery, Ithaca, Tompkins Co., New York.² He was buried at Calvary Methodist Church Cemetery, East Fishkill, Dutchess Co., New York.¹

     John Purdy was born circa 1651.¹ He was born circa 1648 at Fairfield Co., Connecticut.^2,3 He was the son of Francis (1) Purdy and Mary Elizabeth Brundage. John Purdy married Elizabeth Brown, daughter of John Hoit and Mary Elizabeth Brundage.² John Purdy died circa 1678 at Rye, Westchester Co., New York.^4,2,3 He was buried at Milton Cemetery, Rye, Westchester Co., New York.³ His Ancestral File Number is SQ3T-8G.