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Purmort Coat of Arms {see page 8)
P U R M O R T
GENEALOGY
Consisting of Nineteen Generations
nine in England :: ten in America
REV. CHARLES H. PURMORT, D.D.
Des Moines y loiua.
Published by
THE HOMESTEAD COMPANY
DES MOINES, IOWA
1907
i • • • •
fc. • • •• •
^ • »• •*
AUG 1 1 1908
The Boston Historical Society placed on this pillar on School street, in front of
the City Hall, Boston, the bronze tablet seen on next page.
On this Spot stood the
FiRST HOUSE
Erected FOR THE Use OF THE
BOSTON PUBLIC LATIN SCHOOL
This School has been constantlv
Maintained since il was Established
by the following Vote of the Town:
OtaCeneraiflkettn^ t^on PulAk fhti'ce
it am agreed upon that our Brother
PHILEMON PORMORT
shdl be enttrnted to become
Schoolmaster fbr t/ie teacda^
and nurturif^ of Cbildm m(h as
. April 13 1635 ^
MEMORIAL OP THE BOSTON LATIN SCHOOL AND OF PHILEMON PURMORT,
THE FIRST MASTER.
Preface
The design of this book is to give living Purmorts and their
progeny a history of our name and family, so far as the Author
has been able to procure it. Not for revenue or honor, but for
the recreation and pleasure derived, has this investigation into
ancient and modem records and personal histories been made.
It has taken over twenty-five years of intermittent effort to
gather this material for the Purmort Genealogy. No pretense
is made to literary excellence or complete historical accuracy, but
many facts are presented regarding the family that have greatly
interested the Author and may likewise interest some of his
Uncles and Aunts and numerous Cousins. If the living members
of the family should not appreciate the effort to place in book form
our history, the Author is glad to know the dead cannot complain
and he bespeaks the charity of the generations still unborn.
No special notoriety is claimed for the Purmort family in
America, other than that our very first ancestor, Philemon Pur-
mort, belonged to English Aristocracy, figured conspicously dur-
ing "Pilgrim Father Days" and was great Boston's First School
Master.
We have been a family of neither law-makers or law-brakers,
nor of Presidents or millionaires. We have marvelously escaped
all these calamities during our long citizenship in America. One
fact is very prominent in our history, we have surely been notor-
iously fortunate in that we have so often married into greatness.
We have added, through these past generations, much pqre blood
to the veins of many of the very best and most noted families of
America. Ours is only the story of a plain, modest, and what we
6 The Purmorts in America
are proud to claim, an honest common-sensed folk. We are only
one among the many families of characteristic American life.
I feel I must oifer an apology to the noted Genealc^sts of
our times for this my venture upon their territory. I am not
competing for honors, nor am I a rival in any sense. This is my
first and last effort at book making. I 'have not been able person-
ally to make investigations, but have done nearly all this work
throug'h correspondence. I have been greatly pleased and encour-
aged by the courtesy of noted Genealogists and book makers with
\A4iom I have corresponded. I have prepared the book for our
family tables instead of for library shelves. If time and means
permitted I would gladly spend several years more and give per-
sonal research through the genealogical libraries of our cities
before venturing into print. As all this is impossible I have
reluctantly consented to issue my book now. It is my earnest hope
that some future Purmort scholar, using my material as a basis,
may continue and complete as it should be done, a Purmort
Genealogy worthy a place on the library shelf. I am surprised
at the fact that old English Records appear so much more com-
plete in Genealogy than our American; and again that it is far
easier to learn about the dead than the living. There seems to be
a senseless prejudice against genealogies in this busy, bustling
age. We are surely in no danger in this country of Ancestral
Worship, but we are in danger of losing valuable records of the
past relating to our make up as a people and a nation, all because
we are neglecting genealogies.
Having collected many facts concerning our ancestors,
merely at first for the love of it, and now fearing lest no one else
v/ill ever take the pains to collect this material and compile it in
book form, I am induced to publish the book. I feel it is very
proper for all families with Pilgrim and Colonial Ancestry, to
And in England 7
preserve for future information their records. I have not been
able to complete definitely the entire line of our ancestors in
America ; yet I am confident I have it nearly complete and correct.
The. wireless telegraph furnishes me with a good illustration
regarding our connections. It is discovered, when an instrument
correctly charged and adjusted is set up on one ^hore, and another
similarly adjusted is placed on the opposite shore, that connections
are somehow made through the intervening space, and that instru-
ment responds to instrument so that communications are carried
on correctly by parties managing the work. Thus it is that I
have in two instances made connections of our Ancestors in this
Geneatrfogy, from the middle to the latter part of the Seventeenth
Century. With these, or this one exception, for it all pertains to
one man, viz., Josep'h Purmort, I have a clear and complete line
for the ten generations in America and the nine generations in
Old England.
I must not fail to mention with many thanks and with due
credit, the names of Mrs. Henry C. Purmort of Chicago, and of
Mrs. Frances Willard Purmort of Boston, for their assistance
given me in this collecting work. Without their timely aid I
could not have succeeded in this effort.
As I know better than anyone else the incompleteness of this
GenegiMogy, I shall consider it a great favor to receive personally
all just criticisms and corrections anyone may make. I will espe-
cially appreciate any new information anyone may send to me. If
some individuals and some families have received more attention
and space in the book than others, it is only because such material
was furnished by some, while others did not provide it.
Wishing all amateur Genealogists as much pleasure as I
have derived in making this book, and extending my hand to all
8 The Purmorts in America
cousins whether Purmorts or some other name, and trusting the
family may receive pleasure and profit from my work, I remain.
Sincerely,
Charles H. Purmort.
In the "Visitation of Lincolnshire" in 1562- 1564 the Pormort
Coat of Arms is thus given :
Argent, on Chevron between three leopards' faces.
Sable, as many mullets of the field.
The draft of this Coat of Arms was made August 31st, 1906,
by Charles T. Spohr of Chicago, Assistant in the Newbury
Library.
Coat of Arms
The following description or interpretation is given of this
design in Burke's General Armory, 1883, page 815:
Argent, w'hite or silver. Represented in engraving by sil-
ver space, or white, signifies peace and sincerity.
Chevron, the darker space in which are seen the stars, the
roof like drawing signifies Protection. This was
granted in Arms as a reward to one who has
achieved some notable enterprise. It is supposed
to represent the roof tree of a house and has some-
times been given to those who have built cirurches
or fortresses or who have accomplished some work
of faithful service.
Leopard, represent a valiant warrior who enterprises haz-
ardous things by force and courage. Leopards'
heads or faces are generally found borne by British
heraldry.
Richard I. carried two leopards. This "leopards'
faces" is said to have been conferred by Edward
III during his wars with France as a reward to
And in England
some of his leaders who served under him in his
victorious campaign. The idea of the device being,
that the lion of the English Army is swallowing the
Lily of the French coat.
Mullet, is a star of five points. A falling star, not falling
from an high estate, but to denote some Divine
quality bestowed from above, whereby men shine in
virtue, learning, and works of piety, like bright
stars on earth. If the star is pierced by a hole,
then it means a spur or horseman. A silver star
means an esquire. A gold star, knighthood. It
was required that Pedigrees be first lodged in Col-
lege of Heralds, London, England, before Coat of
Arms was granted. The Helmet that surmounts
the device signifies a warrior. The old English
records that give this Coat of Arms and the pedi-
gree of the family always spell the name Pormort,
so this is given with the Coat as appropriate to it,
although Purmort is now the adopted form.
lo The Purmorts in America
The Purmort Name
Purmort is not a common name, though the family has been
in America since the year 1634. Great variety is found in the
spelling of this name in the early New England records.
The following have been discovered :
Pormort, Pormortte, Permont, Pormet, Pormert, Pormont,
Postmont, Purmot, Pormont, Purmont, Purmount, Pormout, Por-
ment, Pormon, Purmutt, Ponsmort, Purmort.
The orthography of family names in early New Elngland
records is a matter of some surprise to modem Americans, who
have been taught to expect exact precision from that quarter. It
appears to have been a mark of aristocracy or of literary prom-
inence to attach to a name this variety of spelling in those early
times. More than twenty ways for spelling the common name
of Sargent have been found. If this was truly a mark of any
note, then the above list proves that the name Purmort had its
due share of notoriety.
There is a tradition in the family that during Huguenot times
in France in the Sixteenth Century, a man of God escaped a
terrible death by persecution, and made his way to England, com-
ing up as it were, through death, he received the name Purmort,
which signifies through death. But traditions are often only
imaginary, 'mere by products of real history, and cannot always
be relied upon as true. It is an easy, and to some a pleasant
pastime, to imagine a thing as true, and then fit up a romance or
tragedy to match it, and work it into a name. Without doubt the
name Purmort is French in its origin, and the history of the family
And in England ii
shows them to be Protestants of the Calvanistic type, and as such
they may claim relationship to the French Huguenots as well as
to tiie English Puritans of later times.
Our first Ancestor on New England's shore was Philemon
Portmort, or as he once signed his own name to a New England
document of importance, Philemon Port Mortte. We can readily
see in this etymology, Port, meaning Gate, and Mort, signifying
death, that the name would be interpreted Gate of Death, and that
Purmort, an abreviated form of the name, could be translated
Through Death.
In these days when it is the craze or fad to seek relationship
and association with the good, the great and the heroic of the past,
it will no doubt be flattering to the vanity of all who bear this
name to decide as settled, our Huguenot Ancestry, and to rest in
the security of ancient noble blood. It may, therefore, be at the
risk of losing some popularity with the family, should the writer
cast some doubt upon this assumed glory.
A more careful study of this French name shows that Pur
was formerly Pour which means, for, or, on account of, or, be-
cause of, given as a reason. It must be recalled that the early
Puritans usually gave serious names to their children in order to
remind them of their soul life and responsibility. This name Pur-
mort could be well used for this purpose, a name to remind the
living of their doom. You are mortal and must die. Though now
living, you are doomed to death. Pour mort signifying "for
death."
Now since the history of our family in England shows that
we are more English than French, it follows that we were more
Puritan than Huguenot, before reaching America, and the infer-
ence follows that this last rendering of the name is more plaus-
ible than the former. But again as a religious family in America,
12 The Purmorts in America
we may still be highly gratified to have our name thus associated
with these deep and eternal matters of the soul, and we may not
care one whit whether we hail from Huguenot or Puritan, just
so we come from good devout religious stock.
Again the Author may jeopardize his good reputation by
molesting these pious reflections and holy ambitions^ by suggest-
ing in their stead the rollicking, rowdy associations of Old Eng-
lish life of the 15th and i6th Centuries. But since the name has
been subjected to investigation it must pass through the diction-
aries, even though they do land us as a name, among the uncir-
cumsized Philistines.
The name Purmort may have reference to a hunting scene.
"A la morte" signifies a hunting phrase and may mean "in at the
death." A coming in at the death or a shout "To death," the
victor of the chase. This coming in at the death was the great
ambition of each hunter, for the first in received the first honors.
If this interpretation of our name is correct, then our old English
Ancestors must have belonged to the "sporty" class, and the great
love of hunting seen so frequently in many members of the fam-
ily, must be a matter of strong heredity.
Then once more, should any member of the family aspire
to even more heroic history, he may be gratified in the
fact that our name conveys also the military idea and char-
acter. Porte Mortte in modem French means Harbinger or
Carrier of death news. One used in old military days
and methods to bear tidings of battle. Our Coat of Arms,
given and explained on another page, belonging to the early
English Purmorts, would indicate that this meaning of our name
has the precedence over all the others. As our name can be
traced back, back, back to the 15th, 14th, and near the 13th Cen-
tury, it would not require a very great leap of the imagination to
And in England 13
connect the first Punuort Ancestor with the Norman Conquest of
1066, hailing from France and bringing with him the heroic
chivalry of that far distant day, and the heraldry of those bloody
times, and mingling afterwards with the Brittans, becoming a
factor in gospel conquests that brought in a better civilization on
old Brittanica's Shore.
Philemon Portmort
Philemon Portmort was the first of our name on American
soil. He came early in the year 1634 with wife and two children
at least, from Alford, Lincolnshire, England, where records show
the Purmort family lived for ten generations.
On page 32 of Charles H. Bell's history of the town of
Exeter, N. H., is found the following: "Philemon Pormort was
married in Alford, Lincolnshire, England, October 11, 1627, to
Susan, daughter of William Bellingham. They emigfrated to New
England, probably with one child or more and were admitted to
the Boston Church, August, 1634."
In Wenitworth Vol. i, page yy^ is found the following:
"The Alford England Records note baptisms as follows :
"Elizabeth Pormort, Feb. 20, 1628- 1629. She married
Nathaniel Adams of Boston, November 25, 1652."
"Martha Pormort, Nov. 24, 1633."
In this record we see that this Elizabeth, first daughter of
Philemon, married into the noted Adams family of New England.
No record is found of her offspring.
In "The Genealogist" (an English Magazine) Vol. 4 (1880)
page 266, and Vol. 6 (1882) page 276 we find "The Visitation"
pedigree of the Purmorts in 1562- 1564. These Lincolnshire Pur-
14 The Purmorts in America
morts must have been people of consequence to have their names
and family records in ''The Visitations."
It appears these Visitation Records or Pedigrees were ordered
by the English Courts in those early centuries for the purpose of
securing and preserving the correct record and history of prom-
inent families in the realm. All eminent genealogists of today
recognize these records as correct and as eminent authority.
The following is the Visitation Pedigree of the Purmorts for
nine generations :
1. Robert (i) Pormort of Saltfleetby, Lincolnshire, Eng-
land, Gilbert ist Son, died without issue.
2. John (2) second son of Robert (i).
3. William (3) of John (2) of Robert (i).
4. Lawrence (4) of William (3) and another son of Wil-
Kam was Thomas (4).
5. William (5) of Lawrence (4), etc.
Married daughter of Sir John Swillington this
name spelled Swithington in pedigree given in Vol.
4 of The Genealogist.
6. George (6) of William (5), etc., of Keddington. Had
lands in Saltfleetby, Kirmington and Grimoldby. A will
dated Sept. 7, proved December 5, 1541. He married
the daughter and co-heir of Scramblesby called
Elizabeth, in her husband's will. She had been previously
married. Their children —
George (7) ist Son and Mayor of Grimsby 156 — .
Christopher (7) and 2d Son, Mayor of Grimsby
1578.
Gregory (7) 3rd Son, died 1584.
Anna (7) married Nicholas Ustow.
And in England 15
Gregory (7) of George (6), etc. Under age in 1541.
Married Elizabeth daughter of William Whitehead of
Stanford. Child, Thomas (8).
Thomas (8) of Gregory (7), etc., of Grimsby. Will
dated on board the Redde Dragon March 26, 1603,
proved October 27, 1603. Married Dorothy daughter of
Dawson at Grimsby, Nov. 4, 1591. She was his
executrix in 1603. Their children :
Phineas (9) ist Son.
Philemon (9) 2nd Son, 1603, both under age.
Vincent (9) died in infancy.
Philemon (9) of Thomas (8), etc. Under age in 1603.
Married Susan daughter of William Bellingham of
Alford, October 11, 1627. Children:
John (10) baptized at Alford, Feb. 20, 1628.
Martha ( 10) baptized at Alford, Nov. 24, 1633.
Descendants of George (7) Pormort, Son of George (6).
George (7) married ist Elizabeth daughter of
Philip Bleasby of Bleasby, married 2nd
Scamblesby. Children :
Lyon (8)
Thomas (8)
George (8)
Thomas (8) (again)
William (8) married Anna Messenger, Feb.
12, 1 58 1. A son George died young.
Anna (8)
Margret (8)
Lyon (8) Son of George (7). Married
Sutton of Utterby, died not later than 161 5. Chil-
dren:
i6 The Purmorts in America
Christopher (9) born Grimsby 1585. Married
Carrington 161 1, daughter Mary baptized
1618.
Richard (9) baptized Aug. 13, 1592.
William (9) baptized October 14, 1593. Mar-
ried Anna Meddeton 1619, a daughter Dor-
othy died young.
Theodore (9)
George (9) buried at Grimsby, Aug. 22, 1596.
Susan (9)
Elizabeth (9)
The list of these Old England Purmorts runs as
follows :
Robert (i)
John (2)
William (3)
Lawrence (4)
William (5)
George (6)
1
George (7) Married Bleasby George (7) or Gregory (7)
1st, Scamblesby 2d. Married Whitehead.
Lyon (8) Married Sutton. Thomas (8) of Grimsby.
Theodore (9) Son and heir Philemon (9) living and un-
apparent of Lyon (8) der age 1603. Married
and living in 1592. Susan BelHngham 1627.
There is also found in Vol. 53 of the New England Historical
and Genealogical Register on Page 71 the following:
"George Pormort and Anna Lucke were married at St. Giles
Cambridge, May 13, 1619."
And in England 17
In the Genealogist Vol. 5 (1881) Page 313 under Booth
pedigree occurs the following ; "William Booth of Wootton mar-
ried Anna, daughter of George Pormort of Gainsby. Their chil-
dren were living and also the parents in 1592." Again in the
Genealogist Vol. 3, Page 371, under name of Craythorne in
"Visitation" of Lincolnshire occurs the marriage of Sir B. C. of
Marche Cappe in Yorkshire to Margret daughter of Por-
mort. Their grandson was John Crethome of Salesby in Lincoln-
shire, 1562. In the Genealogist Vol. 11 (1894) New Series on
page 17, is a pedigree which mentions Mable Pormort whose
children married as follows :
Isabella married John de Arkesworthy.
Joan married Henry Bang.
Julian married Henry Puteford.
Cecely married . She had a daughter Matilda who
married Robert Scofter.
Clarence married John Mosfen.
Emma married William White.
Also this pedigree is found in the Plea Rolls de Banco Mich.
33 E. 3 in 363 Devonshire :
"John de Peremort A. D. 1296 Oct 24. 23d Edw. I made oath
at the Inquisition of Lands, etc., of Henry TEstormi at Rushuc,
(Rushcock) Worcestershire, England." This is taken from a
book published in 1896 called "County Records" by A. D. Weld
French. These old English records give a very clear and direct
line of the Purmorts in and around Alford, Lincolnsfhire, Eng-
land, through the nine generations and they run back in time to
the last part of the 13th Century in the stiring events of King
Edward I. Very few American families can show up such a pedi-
gree running so far back in English history.
i8 The Purmorts in America
It is seen that Philemon Portmort or Pormont was in the
ninth generation in the English line and that he was under age
in the year 1603 and that he married Susan Bellingham in 1627.
I quote from "Savage's Genealogical Dictionary of New Eng-
land/* a large work of four great volumes, that gives the names
and lineage of New England's inhabitants for the first century of
our history.
In Vol. Ill, Page 464, "Philemon Portmort of Boston adm.
of the church with wife Susan near the end of August, 1634,
probably brought one child, if not more, was freem. May 6, 1635,
and the first Gram. Schoolmaster. Had Lazarus bom Feb. 28,
1636, baptized March 6, 1636, Ann bom April 5, baptized April
I5> 1638, favored the cause of Wheelwright and followed him to
Exeter and afterwards to Wells, have letters of dism. from our
church January, 1639, but probably came back afterward. Prob-
ably not a few years had Pedaisdli born June 3, 1640. His wife
died December, 1642." By second wife Elizabeth had Martha,
baptized 29, May, but town records say bom i6th June, 1653.
His daughter Elizabeth bom- probably in England married 24th
of November, 1652, Nathaniel Adams, but another pretended
records says Samuel Worden in General, Reg. XI 202. Great
variety is found in the letters or sound of this first schoolmaster's
name, Porment, Pormet, Purmount, etc."
In Boston Town Records, Page 13, we find that Susan, wife
of Philemon Pormort died 29th, loth month 1642. In the New
England Reg. Vol. II, Page 202 are found the following records :
"Philemon Purmort married at Alford, England, nth Oct.
1627 to Susan Belling'ham who was daughter of William Belling-
ham who was buried at Alford, Sept. 2, 1606."
Wife Susan wa^ baptized Sept. i, 1601, died at Boston Oct.
29, 1642.
And in England 19
Children bom in England, viz. :
1. Elizabeth 20tli February 1628-9.
2. Martha 24, Nov. 1633.
Philemon was at Boston late in August, 1634.
3. Lazarus, bom Dec. 28, 1635, and baptized Jan. 6,
1636. See Boston Town Record Page 3.
4. Anna, bom Feb. 5, 1638, baptized Feb. 15, 1638.
5. Pedaiah, son, bom April 3, 1640. Page 10.
6. Borshua, daughter, baptized, ist, church, Boston,
May 4, 1647.
7. (This not quoted from the above) but she is men-
tioned on Page 26.
"Elias" mentioned in Boumes' History of Wells and
Kennebunk as "working a mill at Wells 1680" is
supposed by the Author of this book to have been
a son of Philemon bom perhaps between Pedaiah
and Borshua, as there was between these two, ample
time for another birth.
8. Mary, supposed daughter. See New England Hist,
and Gen. Reg. Vol. 50, Page 488.
9. Martha bom June 16, 1653, daughter by second
wife, Elizabeth. See Boston Town Records, Page
40.
It has been found in some of the early records that one
Joseph Purmort of Great Island may have been a son of this
Philemon. If so, his birth may have occurred between that ,of
Mary and that of Martha, as we find six years between the birth
of Borshua, May 4, 1647, ^tnd that of Martha, June 16, 1653, thus
giving ample time for Mary's birth and still another. But as all
this is mere conjecture it cannot be definitely stated nor fully
relied upon. Yet as it will be observed farther on in the book.
20 The Purmorts in America
that this Josep^h Purmort is somewhat mysterious, this conjecture
is mentioned here ; and it may be a solution to a vital connection
in our American lineage that we shall be forced to adopt, as will
be seen later.
In corroboration of the statement given by Savage already
mentioned, concerning the marriage of Elizabeth, Philemon's first
daughter, there is found in the New England Hist, and Geneal.,
Reg. Vol. II, Page 202, an undated record of the marriage
of Elizabeth, daughter of the late Philemon Pormorte of Boston.
In Vol. 50 of the same the date is given, August, 1656, and this
is evidence that Philemon died before that date, 1656, or the word
late would not preceed his name.
In the records of the first church of Boston, perhaps the
oldest in the county, is found the following :
"The 28th of ye Sixth month 1634 was admitted into the
church Philemon Pormort and Susan, his wife." The Sixth of
ve eleventh month 1638 Philemon Pormort was dismissed with
John Wheelwright and others into ye diurch of Christ at ye Ffalls
of Pasclataqua, if they be rightly gathered and ordered."
"Baptized Lazarus ye sonne of Brother Philemon Pormort
the 13th of ye first month 1636. Anna ye daughter of Brother
Philemon Portmort the 29th of ye same second month, 1638."
It will be observed that the year dates are the same in these
Church records as heretofore given, but the month and the days
differ from the Boston Town Records.
In a book called "The Puritan in England and New Eng-
land" by Ezra Hoyt Byington, D. D., on page 249 is found the
following :
"The annals of the colony are full of references to schools
and school masters. There was a school in Boston five years
?fter the first settlement of w^hich Philemon Pormort was a
And in England 2i
teadier. Daniel Maude was his successor and for his mainten-
ance a contribution of fifty pounds was made by leading citizens."
Savage makes mention of this Daniel Maude as "one who
came in the James from Bristol 1635 in company with Richard
Mather. He was bred at Emanuel Cambridge where he had his
A. B. 1606 and A. M. 1610. Kept the school for some years,
joined the churdh Oct. 1635, freeman 25 May following, yet
without prefix of respect."
This record regarding Daniel Maude in connection with Dr.
Byington's statement that he was assistant and successor to
Philemon in the school, naturally leads to the thought that he and
Philemon were acquainted in the old country and perhaps were
educated together at Cambridge.
The Town Records of Boston contains this record: "The
1 3-2- 163s at a general meeting upon public notice it was gener-
all agreed upon that our brother Philemon Pormort shal lie
entreated to become School Master for the teaching and nurturing
of children with us." (See Winthrop's History of New England,
Vol. Ill, Page 264, New Edition.)
I quote extensively the following from The Young People's
Weekly, June 21st, 1902:
"The Boston Latin School was established in the year 1635
and it was the result of an agreement made among the leading
citizens of Boston led by the first Governor, John Winthrop, and
Gov. John Winthrop was as firm a believer in the necessity and
value of higher education as can be found in our land even in the
present day. Another far seeing believer in higher education who
had to do with the establishing of the Latin School was the Rev.
John Cotton, who reachedsBoston in the year 1633 f^^m Boston,
Lincolnshire, England, where he had been a preacher of note.
Something of the esteem in which this wise man was held may be
22 The Purmorts in America
known from the fact that Increase Matfier wrote of him : 'Both
Bostons have reasons to honor his memory and New England
most of all which oweth its name and being to him more than to
any other person in the world.' It is certain that John Cotton
was intimately interested in this the first free school in our Coun-
try, for after his death it was found that on certain contingencies
he had left one-half of his estate for the support of the school.
That the people of the little town of Boston took great pride irt
their free school was evidenced by the fact that a number of its
citizens remembered the school in their wills, although none of
them had very much to bestow upon it. From the day of its
opening down to the present time the Boston Latin School has
been one of the most democratic of institutions. There have been
no class distinctions ,no caste lines, the sons of the poorest men
and the sons of the richest have met here on a common level.
They sat side by side on the same forms. No boy was thought
better than his mates unless he excelled his mates in character
and mental power.
"The school has had many illustrious masters, such as Robert
Woodmansy, John Lowell, Samuel Hunt, William Bigelow, one
of whose pupils was Ralph Waldo Emerson. Mr. Benjamin
Apthorp Gould, Mr. Frederick P. Leverett, author of the Latin
Lexicon, bearing his name. Mr. Charles K. Dillaway, Mr. Epes
Sargent Dixwell, Francis Gardner, Mr. Augustus Milton Gay,
Mr. Moses Merrill who held the place for twenty-five years until
his death April 26, 1902. John T. Casey is head master now ; his
predecessor was Robert E. Babson.
"The school has occupied many different buildings in the two
hundred and seventy years of its existence. Some of its sessions
have been held in famous old FanUkHall, others in Fremont
Temple. It now occupies one of the largest school buildings in
the world and about eight hundred boys are in attendance every
And in England 23
day. All of the class rooms and the great public hall are under
one roof. It is an inspiring sight to see all the boys assembled
at the graduation exercises when the annual prizes are awarded
in June. Among the great men who have been pupils of the school
may be named Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Robert Trent
Paine, Harrison Gray Otis, Rali^h Waldo Emerson, Cotton
Mather, Phillip Brooks, Henry Ward Beecher, Samuel Adams
and Wendall Phillips. To this famous Boston Latin School be-
longs the proud distinction of being the oldest educational insti-
tution with a continuous existence in this country.
"One of the graduates of this school once remarked that the
Latin School 'dandled Harvard College on her knees.' Another
has said 'From this establishment, itself the example and seed
com, the whole American system of free education grew.' "
With this history, and these educators, and these testimonials
CO it is surely a great honor to a family to hold as its first Ancestor
? in this country, a man who was chosen as the first master, and
who was with others instrumental in establishing this Boston
Latin School.
The Boston Historical Society several years ago decided to
honor this man and to hold his name in lasting memory by plac-
ing on School Street in front of the City Hall a bronze tablet to
mark the spot where the first school stood, on which is written
the following inscription :
"On this spot stood the First House erected for the use oi
the Boston Public Latin Sdhool. This School has been constantly
maintained since it was established by the following vote of the
Town:
"At a General Meeting upon public notice, it wag agreed
upon that Brother Philemon Pormort shall be entreated to become
24 The Purmorts in America
Scfhool Master for the teaching and nurturing of children with us,
April 13, 1635."
The picture of this Tablet and the present Latin School may
be found elsewhere in this book.
Proceedings of the Littleton Historical Society, No. i 1894-
1895 Littleton, Massachusetts. (Published by the Historical So-
ciety 1896) Page 50 :
'The colony of Massachusetts Bay received its Royal Charter
from Charles the First in 1628, eight years after the landing of
the Pilgrims, and among its early acts was a law making it
obligatory on parents and guardians to educate their children and
apprentices. In the earliest days each family taught its own chil-
dren. The earliest free public school in the colony was in Boston,
in 1635, when it was agreed *^at Brother Philemon Purmont
shall be entreated to become schoolmaster for the teaching and
nurturing of the children among us." The town of Dedham
claims the honor of having established the first free school at
public expense in the colony and in the world in 1644 and has
recently celebrated its 250 anniversary, but it was nine years later
than the above quotation. The Boston Advertiser some two
months ago, speaking of the event says, "For the first time in
the history of the world the people were compelled, by law, to
maintain schools for the education of all the children. Massa-
chusetts therefore has the majestic distinction of originating the
free public school. But the benefits have not been confined to
New England. Out of the little clearings of eastern Massachu-
setts this system of free schools has spread over the broad domain
of the American Union."
"A few years later, 1647, the colony provided for the support
of schools at public expense in reading and writing in all settle-
ments of fifty families or more."
And in England 25
The noted Rev. Phillip Brooks, D. D., who was a son of the
Boston Latin School, in an address on the same in 1885 said after
quoting theTown Record : "Philemon Pormort, the first teacher of
the Latin School is hardly more than a mere s'hadow of a name. It
is not even clear that he ever actually taught the sdKX)l at all."
Yet it can be said that the event of the assembly and the address
of the Doctor was in commemoration of this recorded transaction
of that noted . Boston Town meeting held two hundred and fifty
years before, w«hen Philemon Pormort was elected by common
vote of the people as the teacher. The Doctor continues in the
address: "A few years later with Mr. Wheelwright, after the
Hutchinson excitement he (Pormort) disappears in the northern
woods and is one of the founders of Exeter in New Hampshire.
There are rumors that he came back to Boston and died here,
but it is all very uncertain."
All this only confirms the certainty of the existence of a
Philemon Pormort and that he was a man of prominence and
activity and that he entered largely into the various transactions
of those early times. It appears that Rev. John Wheelwright
was banished from Massadhusetts on account of his religious be-
liefs, which he had imbibed in part from Mrs. Anna Hutchinson.
The principle tenets of the Ann Hutchinson doctrine were:
1. That a believer is more than a creature.
2. That Sanctification does not evidence justification,
3. That a saving faith does not depend on good works or a
virtuous life.
This was called the Antinomian Heresy and it led to very
serious controversies which aifected the early New England
Qiurch.
Buck states in his Theological Dictionary that the Anti-
nomians took their origin from John Agricola about the year 1538.
26 The Purmorts in America
The sect sprang up in England during the protectorate of Crom-
well. They claim that the law is of no use or obligation under the
gospel dispensation ; that good works do not promote our salva-
tion or ill ones hinder it ; that Christians are freed from the obli-
gation of keeping the law. It is a perversion of the doctrines of
Justification by Faith.
Wheelright, its chief expounder next to Ann Hutchinson,
was a Cambridge man, where he took his degree in 1618. He
came from Alfred, Lincolnshire, England, the home of Philemon
Pormort. He married into the Hutchinson family. These facts
no doubt led both Wheelright and Pormort to sympathize with
and adopt the Ann Hutchinson belief. Wheelright later in life
repented and was restored in the favor of the old Church people,
but no such record is found regarding Philemon. Wheelright
being banished took up his abode at Wells, New Hampshire,
where he preached and soon organized a church of his own faith
and in the list of names of the members that of Philemon Pormort
appears.
A commission was sent from Boston to Wells to investigate
this new church and to secure the signatures of the members to a
recantation and to submission to the Mother Church. Philemon's
name is not found among those who submitted.
Dr. Brooks continues in his address on the Latin School :
"Dim half-discerned Philemon Pormort with the very spell-
ing of his name disputed, with his face looking out upon us from
the mist, or rather with the mist shaping itself for a moment into a
face which we may call his, merely serves to give a sort of human
reality to that which would otherwise be wholly vague."
If the noted Doctor means by this to emphasize the fact of
the early history of the Boston Latin School as enveloped in mist,
not only as connected with Pormort, but also with his immediate
And in England 2,y
successors, Maude, Woodbridge, Woodmansey and the Singling
Thompson, then no arguments need be offered; but if these
remarks are designed to single out and cast a doubt as to the
personality and the reality of Philemon Pormort, and to his posi-
tion as Boston's First School Master, then surely a defense can
and should be made.
1st. As to the spelling of the name. All who have referred
to the public documents of those days of 1635 ^md
later, have noticed over and over that the orthography
of the same name was not uniform. On a marriage
certificate the same name has been found to be spelled
in three different ways. This name Pormort is not a
noted exception to be singled out and emphasized. Then
this name being French and quite uncommon is found
in many forms, but the common name Philemon is
always found connected with it, and this surely indi-
vidualizes it and fixes it as more certain and sure than
"dim'' and "half discerned" would indicate.
2nd. As to the personality of this man there are abundant
evidences found in the court records and village histor-
ies of those early times. The following are a few of the
many examples :
(i) That he was a well bred man and held in high
esteem by the very best people of Boston at that
time is established by the fact that he was selected
by popular vote to become the School Master, as
seen in the record of that Town Meeting before
quoted and now engraved on the Tablet with his
name that marks the spot of the first school build-
ing.
(2) That he held the position of School Master for
28 The Purmorts in America
three years and was held in high esteem by his
contemporaries, we can determine by the record
found in the New England Hist, and Gen.
Reg. Vol. VII Page 228, viz.: From the will
of Isack Grosse of Boston, brewer, May 29, 1649,
after legacies to wife and family, gives to "Mr.
John Cotton, teacher of the Church of Boston,
iio, and to Mr. Philemon Pormort of Wells £10."
In a codicil he adds : "This is my further will,
if my estate shall not extend to make good the
bequests above sayed, that they be abated accord-
ing to their several portions save only Mr. Cotton
and Mr. Pormort.*'
(3) It is found he owned considerable pr<:4)erty. In
Drake's History of Boston, Page 235, Philemon
Portmort had his lot at Muddy River bounded
Jan. 8, 1638. Ag^in on Page 791 Philemon Por-
mort a witness to sale of real estate. Again on
page 230 Mr. Philemon Pormort, the first School
Master of Boston accompanied Wheelright to Ex-
eter 1638. In the Boston Town Records we find
the following: "Great allotment" was made to
Philemon the 14th of the loth month 1635.
"Philemon Pormort thirtie acres ; bounded on the
northeast with John Cranwell, on the Southeast
with Mr. Thomas Leveritt and by a piece of
ground lying between him and Mr. John Cotton,
on ye Northwest with Newtowne."
(4) In Edward E. Bourne's History of Wells and
Kennebunk, Page 27, is found the following:
"Philemon Pormort was a man of some intellect-
And in England 29
ual culture. He was made freeman of Boston in
1635 and was a member of the Boston Church.
Probably he was a firm disciple of Wheelright as
he followed him to Exeter having been advised
to depart on pain of imprisonment, although pre-
vious to that he was entreated to become School
Master in Boston for the teaching and nurturing
of children. He was one of the combination at
Exeter and had 14 acres of land assigned him
there. He came with Wheelright to Wells and
took an active part in the affairs of the Church,
but dissensions sprung up and his theological
views not corresponding with those of the ruling
powers in Massachusetts, he lost favor and was
denied the privilege of Church Communion. He
continued several years to make his home here,
but what became of him we cannot tell. Por-
morte we suppose, wrote the original deed by
w'hich the Indian title to Nampscosoke came into
the hands of the English, October 18, 1649. ^^^
instrument was sealed, signed and delivered in his
presence."
On page 41 of this history is found the fol-
lowing :
"Purmorte we think must have left the place
at the time when the commission (which was from
Boston) were in Wells. He did not sign the sub-
mission and no one living in Wells could have
avoided doing so without subjecting himself to
persecution." This would indicate that he was
no coward, but one who had his convictions and
30 The Purmorts in America
stood by them even in face of great danger. The
commission sent out from Boston reported "That
Pormortte with another, Wardell by name had
become disgusted with the state of affairs in the
Church and therefore chose to withdraw." (This
was in the year 1650) and he removed elsewhere,
but no record tells just where. There is also
found in this History of Wells and Kennebunk
that in 1680 Elias Pormortt and Lazrus Por-
mortt, sons of Philemon, worked in the Monsam
Mills. These records are sufficient proofs for
the actual existence of Philemon Pormort. No
doubt but that he returned later to Boston as otfier
records indicate, but it can be surmised that he
did so very quietly, on account of these church
troubles. It is thought by the Author of this
book that these Church dissensions and the ban
upon Philemon because he would not submit to
the Boston commission sent to the Wells Church
to secure their recantation, must have weig'hed
heavily upon himself and family, and that this is
the prominent reason why the family seem to
have dropped out of sight for a time and now
causes so much difficulty in making the exact con-
nection in the following generation.
It can be truthfully said that such Church disruptions have
frequently cast shadows over entire families for a generation or
more. It is not our province now to deal with the justice or in-
justice of the case, nor shall we discuss the theological soundness
of Ann Hutchinson, nor shall be pass an opinion on the propriety
c;f Wheelrigtht and Pormort breaking with the Old First Church
And in England 31
of Boston and attempting to establish another faith up in the
woods of New Hampshire in those primitive days of weakness and
a needed time of strong union, nor shall we criticise the rigor of
the established Church in Boston in their dealings with what they
pronounced "dangerous heresies." All these questions have Had
their thorough ventilation, and New England Theology has long
since become elastic enough to tolerate and even venerate many
"Anns" and "Marys" and "Wheelrights and Pormorts."
There has been found in a Boston paper supposed to have
been published about the time the Tablet was placed in front of
the City Hall, the following article, who the Author was is not
known. As it adds another testimonial to the above it is quoted
here :
"The first settlers of Boston deserve great credit for their
early interest in the cause of Education. Less than four years
after the settlement of the town they took steps for the permanent
establishment of schools."
(Then follows the record of that early Town Meeting when
Pormort was chosen as Teacher.) Mr. Pormort accepted the
trust and in doing so established what was probably the first pub-
lic school in the Country, from which sprung Boston's Public
Latin School which is now the oldest educational institution with
a continuous existence in the whole length and breadth of the
United States.
Mr. Pormort was admitted freeman that same year and a
member of the First Church of Boston 1638. He was supported
in his undertakings partly by donations of liberal friends of edu-
cation and partly by an income of a tract of land assigned him at
Muddy River, and better known as Brookline. Nothing whatever
is known of Pormort's capacities as a teacher, but it is presumed
he had some knowledge of Latin. It is known that one of his
32 The Purmorts in America
pupils, Jdtm Hull, knew Latin. Of th^ age of Pormort when he
became the Sdiool Master nothing is known, and we are equally
in the dark concerning his birth place, his character, and his
•cholastic attainments. His connections with the school continued
nearly three years, that is from April, 1635, to the close of the year
1638.
He had attached himself to the cause of Ann Hutdhinson, who
according to John Wintfarop brought with her to the Colony of
Massachusetts Bay "two dangerous errors."
First: That the Person of the Holy Ghost dwells in a justi-
fied person ;
Second : That one sanctification can help evidence to us our
justification.
For thus espousing the cause of Mrs. Hutchinson, Pormort,
with John Wheelright (who was the brother-in-law of Mrs.
Hutdiinson), Richard Mooys, Richard Bulgar, Isaac Grosse,
Christopher Marshall, George Bagter and Thomas and William
Wardall, was dismissed from the First Church and there while in
exile established the Colony of New Hampshire. After remaining
in Exeter for some time, Pormort left and went to Wells, but
before 1642 he in all probability returned to Boston. There is no
record of his death, nor is anything more known of his history
except that he was the father of several children, two of his sons
having the unusual Christian names of "Lazarus and Pedajah.''
Another account of Philemon states that he was in Boston
in 1653 and is supposed to have removed to Portsmouth, as
descendants bearing the name have till lately lived in that vicinity.
Inasmuch as the history of Philemon is so prominently con-
nected with the religious tenets of Ann Hutchinson and Rev. John
Wheelright, the following is quoted from a book entitled "Old
And in England 33
Land Marks and Historic Personages of Boston" by Samuel
Adams Drake.
"Ann Hutchinson (1634) was the leader of the sect of
Antinomians and daughter of Rev. Francis Marbury of London.
Her mother was gjeat aunt of John Dryden the Poet. She was a
woman of consumate ability and address. For a time she had all
Boston by the ears, and even public business halted."
In a book, "Men and Things of Exeter," by Charles Henry
Bell, we find the following:
"Rev. John Wheelright, friend and collie mate of Oliver
Cromwell, came from Belsby, Lincolnshire, England, to Boston,
1636. He was banished from Boston 1637 on account of alleged
Antinomian and fatalistic religious opinions, and in the spring of
1638 established himself, with several persons who were driven
from Massachusetts for the same cause, with a number of his
former friends and parishoners from England, and with others
of whom we have no definite personal knowledge, at the Falls of
Squanscott to which he gave the name of Exeter. He drew up an
instrument for Government and Laws which he called 'A Com-
bination' which was signed by heads of families, thirty four in all."
"The people of New Hampshire remained under the Govern-
ment of Massachusetts till 1680. Then came the eventful period
of the Indian hostilities in which Exeter, being on the frontier
was for a series of years greatly exposed to the incursions of the
Savages. Many of her citizens lost their lives and others carried
into captivity. The little Company that followed John Wheel-
rihgt to the falls of Squamscott 1638 was essentially religious.
Those dismissed from the Church at Boston December 30, 1638."
(Then follows the names given before in which list Wheelright
and Pormort appear.)
34 The Purmorts in America
"A Frontier Family," (by Edmund March Wheelright) ,
Page 7, is found the following :
"In the short notice given him Wheelwright disposed of his
Mt. Wollaton lands at a loss. He left Massachusetts in November
1637, tarried awhile just beyond the "bound house" near Hamp-
ton ; then pushed his way, through the heavy snows of that bitter
winter, to the falls of the Squamscot on the Piscataqua. In the
early spring he was joined by his wife and family, and by Augus-
tine Storre, John Compton, and Nicholas Needham. These
pioneers purchased from the local Sagamores a large tract of land
and founded Exeter. A little later William Wentworth, Edward
Rishworth, Samuel Hutchinson, Edmund Littlefield, Philemon
Pormortt and twenty other heads of families joined the Colony.
All were either Lincolnshire friends of Wheelwright or residents
of Boston and its neighborfiood, who had supported him in his
controversy with the G>lonial heirarchy. The Lincolnshire men
in Exeter Colony were Wentworth, Storre, Helme, Lawson,
Leavitt, Rishworth, Hutchinson, Pormott, Fish, The Wardwells,
and the Littlefields."
It is also stated that the sentence of banishment against John
Wheelright was reversed later. It is found elsewhere that Wheel-
right practically confessed his error and begged pardon for his
course.
As one reads the history of that dissension in the eary church
and its final collapse, he must conclude that the whole thing was
entirely unnecessary ; and had a little more wisdom and toleration
been exercised by those in Authority, as well as the advocates of
this doctrine, the disruption would have been prevented and
those good honest pious men, all practically from the same vicinity
in England, and no doubt old-time friends and brothers in the
Church, would have continued such in the New England they
And in England 35
were settling, until death should claim them' all. As Philemon
Portmort would not submit to the authorities and as Wheelrigfht,
the leader, practically abandoned the cause and as no doubt
hard times befell them and the bitter hostilities of the Indians
broke upon the new settlement, he too became disgusted and
weary, and like others since his day, left the Church and not even
his death has been recorded, nor do we find any definite mention
of his family for a generation or more. Yet Philemon was too
prominent and capable a man in those times to drop entirely out
of sight.
In the various records, mention is made of the birth of his
children up to 1653. Mention is made of the death of his wife,
Susan, in Boston, December 29, 1642. Also mention of his second
marriage. On April 26, 1643, he witnessed to legal document in
Boston. In 1645 he acted as Justice of the Peace in Boston,
hearing a case at law. On January 30, 1647, he witnessed a docu-
ment in Boston. On April 9, 1648, Mr. Pormort held a deed for
some parties. On June 31, 1649, ^^ witnessed again in Court. On
November 24, 1652, his daughter Elizabeth, who was bom in
Old England, February 20, 1628, was married to Nathaniel
Adams of Boston. Then the record g^ven by Charles H. Bell in
his History of the town of Exeter on page 32, that "Philemon
Pormort was in Boston in 1653 and is supposed to have removed
to Great Island or Portsmouth as descendants bearing his name
have till lately lived in the vicinity," brings us directly up to the
record made in 1654, of the birth of Martha, daughter by his
second wife, Elizabeth. We found in the New England Hist, and
Gen. Reg. a date of 1656 given, where the record state, "The late
Philemon Pormort of Boston." So we conclude that this, our
noted ancestor, must have died either in Boston or Portsmouth
about the year 1655. Mention has been made of the marriage of
36 The Purmorts in America
Elizabeth, Philemon's oldest daughter, with one Nathaniel Adams
of Boston.
In 1836 one wix>te of the early New England Adamses as
follows :
"Of this name, fifty-two have been graduates of Harvard,
twenty-three of Yale and at all other New England Colleges
forty-two. One hundred and eleven in all. Of this vast number
there were ministers, eigfhteen of Harvard, six of Yale, and four
of the other colleges, twenty-eight ministers in all."
As this record is considered we say, no wonder the Adams
family have figured so conspicuously in our American history.
Those early New England ancestors were men of brains and edu-
cation and character, men of political acumen and men of relig-
ious power. Their influence is still manifest in our great nation,
and their memory should be more sacredly reverenced by their
posterity.
As the history of the Purmort family takes us back into
early Colonial days, the following fac simile copy of what is
known in New Hamps;hire history as "The Combination" may
be read with interest and it also gives the name of Philemon
Purmort as one of the signers :
Provincial Papers of New Hampshire, Vol. i, pages 131 and 132.
Exeter Combination, 1639.
Copy by the editor from the old records of Exeter, Vol. i, page 7.
Whereas a certain Combination was made by us, the brethren
of the Church of Exeter, with the rest of the inhabitants, bearing
date Mon. 5th d. 4, 1639, wh afterwards upon the instant
request of some of the brethren was altered, & put into such a
forme of wordes, wherin howsoever we dow acknowledge the
King's Majesty our dread Sovereigne & ourselves his subjects;
yet some expressions are contained therein wh may seeme to
And in England 37
admit of sudh a sence as somewhat derogates from that due
Allegiance wh we owe to his Highnesse, quite contrary to our
true intents and meanings: we therefore doe revoke, disannull,
make voyd and frustrate the said latter Ccwnbination, as if it
never had been done, and doe ratify, confirme and establish the
former, wh wee only stand unto as being in force & virtue, the
wh for substance is here set downe in manner and form
following.
Mon., 2d, 2, 1640.
Whereas it hath pleased the lord to move the heart of our
Dread Sovereigne Charles, by the Grace of God, King of England,
Scotland, France & Ireland, to grant license & liberty to sundry
of his subjects to plant themselves in the Western parts of Amer-
ica, wee his loyall subjects, brethren of the Church of Exeter,
situate and lying upon the river piscataquacke wh other inhaW-
tants there considering with ourselves the holy will of God and
our owne necessity, that we should not live whout wholsome
laws & Government amongst us, of wch we are altogether desti-
tute; doe in the name of Christ & in the sight of God combine
ourselves together, to erect & set up amongst us such government
as shall be to our best discerning, agreeable to the will of God,
professing ouselves subjects to our Sovereign Lord, King Charles,
according to the liberty's of our Englisfh Colony of the Massa-
chusetts & binding ourselves solemnly by the Grace & helpe of
Christ & in his name & fear to submit ourselves to such Godly &
Christian laws as are established in the realme of England to
our best knowledge & to all other such laws wch shall upon good
grounds, be made & inacted amongst us according to God,
Tt we may live quietly & peacefully together, in all Godliness
and honesty.
Mon., 5th., 4th, 1639.
38
The Purmorts in America
Joihn Whelewright,
Augustin Storre,
Henry Elkins,
his mark
George X Walton,
Samuel Walker,
Thomas Petit,
Henry Roby,
Willia Wembourn,
his mark
Thomas X Crawley,
Chr. Helme,
his mark
Darby X Ffield,
his mark
his mark
Frances X Matthews,
Edward Rishworth,
Robert X Reid,
Rallf Hall,
his mark
Robert Soward,
Richard Bullgar,
Christopher Lawson,
Thomas Wright,
William Wantworth,
his mark
George X Barlow,
Richard Morris,
Nicholas Needham,
Thomas Willson,
his marie
George X Ruobon,
his mark
William X Coole,
his mark
James X Walles,
Thomas Lewit,
Edward Littlefield,
his mark
John X Crame,
his mark
Godfrie X dearborne,
Philemon Pormort,
Thomas Wardell,
his mark
William X Wardell,
his mark
Robert X Smith.
The foregoing paper seems to be in the handwriting of John
Whelewright, whose name is signed first. — Ed.
First Generation of Purmorts in America
Philemon Purmort, the first of our name in America, was in
the ninth generation of the recorded Purmorts in England. Two
or three of his children who were bom in England belonged to the
tenth generation there. Since they were brought to America and
And in England 39
other brothers and sisters were bom here we shall consider these
diildren as members of the First Generation of Purmorts in
America.
Philemon Purmort, the dates of whose birth and death are
not positively known, was no doubt bom in Alford, Lincolnshire,
England. He was under age in 1603. He was married to Susan
Bellingham at Alford, England, October 11, 1627. She was the
daughter of William Bellingham who was buried at Alford,
September 2, 1606.
Bellingham pedigree from Father to Son.
The Bellingham arms is, Argent, three bugle horns, stringed
gules, garnished or
Crest, a Buck's head oouped.
Bellingham pedigree in direct descent from Father to Son.
1. Sir Robert Bellingham, Bar't. of Bumishead in West-
moreland in time of Henry V and VI. Married Eliza-
beth daughter of Sir Richard Tunstall, Knight, of Thur-
land Castle, Co., Lancaster.
2. Richard Bellingham of Manton Co. Lincoln. 2nd son
of Sir Robert. Married Jane, daughter of John Har-
bert, widow of Robert Morley of Holme. Buried at
Bottsford Co. Lincoln.
3. Thomas Bellingham, Son of Richard. Married ist,
daughter of heiress of John Wacelin. Children include
Richard 4th.
Married 2nd. widow of Hotham.
4. Richard Bellingham son of Thomas, 3rd, died Oct. 5,
1558. Married Jane, daughter of Robert Evers or Eure
of Belton in Isle of Axholme.
5. John Bellingham son of Richard 4th, of Bromby, born
40 The Purmorts in America
1536, died Jan. 26, 16x5-1616. Married Alice, daughter
of Stephen Lxxlington of Scotton.
6. William Bellingham, son of John 5th, bom 1555, was
aged 60 in 1615, died 1620. Married Frances daughter
of Alexander Ancotts of Aisthorp and Anootts.
7. Susanna, daughter of William 6th. Married Philemon
Purmort.
Philemon, with his wife Susan, came to Ameirca in summer,
probably August, 1634. As we have gathered up the various
records from many sources, the following seems to be the correct
line of the births, baptisms, marriages and deaths of their children :
1. Elizabeth, bom in England, Feb. 20, 1628. Married
Nathaniel Adams of Boston, 1652. 24th 9th month by
Richard Bellingham. (See page 38 Boston Town Rec-
ords.) In the researches that have been made, one rec-
ord was found that a son, John, was bom to Philemon
and Susan in England, but this cannot be authenticated,
yet there was time for the birth of another child between
Elizabeth and the next child.
2. Martha, bom in England, Nov. 24, 1633. No record
found regarding her.
3. Lazams, according to Boston Town Records, page 3,
was born in Boston, December 28, 1635, baptized in
First Church, January 6, 1636. No record of his mar-
riage or death can be found.
4. Anna, bom Febmary 5, 1638, baptized, Feb. 16, 1638,
no other record given.
5. Pedaiah, son, bom April 3, 1640. No other record.
6. Borshua, daughter, baptized First Church Boston.
Member of Church at Exeter, May 4, 1647.
7. Elias. No record of his birth or marriage or death, only
And in England 41
mention found of him in Bourne's History of Wells and
Kennebunk. He and Lazarus may have suffered by the
Indians up in the woods of New Hampshire.
8. Mary. Supposed daughter as found in New England
Hist, and Gen. Reg. Vol. 50, page 488.
9. Martha, bom June 16, 1653 by second wife Elizabeth.
Baptized, 1653. No other mention of her.
It has been thought by some that another child named Joseph
was bom to Philemon by his second wife Elizabeth but this is
mere conjecture. Yet it may be possible. If so, to the Author of
this book the puzzle is solved and the line of our ancestry in
America is complete. But this cannot be safely relied upon, and
so the case will be considered farther on in the book that each one
may decide for himself regarding the matter.
Note. — ^Among "Women Admitted" to First Church, De-
cember 25, 1687 is the following : " Purmett, widow."
This may have been Elizabeth, 2nd wife of Philemon or it may
have been Lazarus's wife who was now a widow in 1687 and who
had her home in Boston.
The above is a tolerable imitation of the signature of "the
schoolmaster" to the will of Alexander Bradford of Boston, as
a witness.
Second Generation of Purmorts in America
As we have quite a complete and plausible record of Phile-
mon and his large family of children, one would anticipate a full
and satisfactory record right down through the following genera-
42 The Purmorts in America
tions; that the lineage through the second generation could be
easily traced and that there would be quite a large offspring to
enumerate, but just here is our greatest difficulty and here we
must confess our failure to make satisfactory the complete line of
our American ancestry. For some strange, and it may be added
almost mysterious cause, very few accounts of this rather large
and prominent family can be found tfirough this second genera-
tion. As stated before, it may be that Philemon's church troubles
so dissaffected himself and family that they voluntarily sank into
seclusion.
They may have emigrated, as young people usually do, up
into the north woods, or out into the newer west, as we know from
Bourne's History that Lazarus and Elias did. As in i860 they
were working in the mill of Nicholas Cole or as they were called,
"The Monsam Mills." It is a recorded fact that the Indians
became very hostile during the last half of the 17th century and
that they committed many bloody depredations on the white set-
tlers, murdering and taking captives many frontier men. It may
be surmised that some of Philemon's family thus dropped out of
history.
We have the account of Elizabeth, the oldest daughter, mar-
rying Nathaniel Adams but we have no record of any offspring
from this union.
There are several recorded facts regarding Lazarus, viz:
That he settled in Dover, New Hampshire, where he was taxed
from 1659 to 1668. Dover also barely mentions Elias, son of
Philemon.
In one of the books of the Provincial Court Records of
Exeter, New Hampshire, from 1650 to 1700 the name of Lazarus
Purmort is found in the year 1670. This item is very important
as it is the best clue we find bearing on the Second Generation.
And in England 43
There doubtless are odier records in some of the Old New
Hampshire Histories giving fuller account of this man Lazarus
and even of Elias, but as yet they have not come to the knowl-
edge of the Author of this book. It is judged there must be such
records since Savage in his hook states that he imagines that
this Lazarus was father to Joseph of New Castle, New Hampshire.
What became of all the rest of Philemon's family has not
yet appeared in print. We must therefore conclude that :
3. Lazarus, son of Philemon, was married, date and name
of wife unknown, that his son was
10. Joseph of New Castle bom about year 1650.
Remark. — If this Joseph was a son of Philemon as con-
jectured heretofore on another page, then we could proceed with
as clear a lineage as any American family ; but since this is quite
problematic we must suffer the defeat and still hope for future
developments.
Third Generation of Purmorts in America
If this Joseph of New Castle, New Hampshire, was son of
Lazarus as we have taken for granted, then this Joseph No. 10
heads the family for this third generation. If he was Philemon's
son and Lazarus's brother, then he belonged to the Second Gen-
eration and we have up to date but Nine Generations in America
instead of ten as has been claimed. There is no doubt about the
reality of this Joseph for his name appears again and again and
very prominently in the old original Provincial Court Records at
Exeter, New Hampshire, from 1650 to 1700. He is mentioned
in 1663 as witness to some documents. The following is quoted
"In december, 1672 Joseph Purmort, age 22 years gave testimony
in court." From this we gain that he was bom in 1650. In this
44 The Purmorts in America
case Lazarus could not have been his father as Lazarus was bom
in 1635. Either these dates are erroneous or this Joseph was
the son of some older man, and in this case he was without doubt
Philemon's son by Elizabeth, his second wife. As stated on an-
other page, if Joseph was Philemon's son, then the birth date of
1650 of Joseph, would fill up the gap of birth dates of from two to
three years each in Philemon's family.
This Joseph is usually mentioned in the old records as
Joseph of New Castle. In these records is found the following:
"In the 3Sth year of Reign of King Qiarles, 2nd, Joseph
Purmort gave bonds for privilege of keeping tavern and would
have no unlawful games or disorder therein."
"In 1681 Joseph Pormort was fined for keeping a disorderly
house and selling drink."
On April 15, 1683 Joseph Purmort petitioned for a license
to keep a house as formerly, and a license to sell beer, there
being none in that end of the island. He adds "I should not have
desired this of your Honors but that trading is very dead, espe-
cially for those of my calling, and my charge of children great
and no other way to maintain had made nothing by former
license."
Attention is called to his mention of having "charge of chil-
dren" as it surely signifies that he had offspring and this bears
on the history of the next generation.
This history proves there were efforts made in those far back
days to regulate the selling of strong drink, and that license
was granted with bonds given to insure the regulation, but the
same then as now, the business was ruinous to respectability and
good morals, for even a Purmort coming from so noted and pious
a man as Philemon, either as son or grandson, attempting to keep
a respectable house, a tavern, where strong dring was sold, soon
And in England ^ 45
fell into unlawful transactions, violating his bond, and was fined,
and no dotft)t his character and reputation were placed under
great suspicion. At this far off day we recall the record and
publish it with reluctance and shame, and we would point to it
as an example, in the remote past, of a very bad business that has
not lost one whit of its bad odor or ruinous influence in all these
years since, and we give it as a warning %o others in all the
future, "Taste not handle not."
Again we quote from same source. "In 1682 Joseph and
Hanna Purmort of Philadelphia were required to appear at Court
at Portsmouth and give testimony in a case." This Hanna was
Joseph's first wife, her maiden name was Hanna Woody's. Again
"In 1674 Joseph Purmort was a constable and issued papers from
court."
In the county records of Deeds at Exeter, New Hampshire,
it appears that in the year 1705 Joseph Purmort of New Castle,
Saltmaker, purchased land in New Castle. That Joseph Purmort
and his wife Judith Purmort conveyed land in New Castle in 17 10.
This was probably his second wife.
There has been handed down in one branch of the Purmort
family a tradition, though variously stated, yet contained enough
in common to prove it to be the same story. It ran somewhat as
follows: There was a legend handed down by old grand-
fathers that in olden times there was in the family a Purmort
who was a sort of free hooter or lawless character who roved the
high seas and was held in suspicion by the people as one engaged
in the slaveship trade and who also led a sort of piratical life.
That he finally lost his life by violence somewhere on the sea
coast or came to some untimely end.
Thus far in all the researches of the family the nearest
approach to any such a character as this tradition conveys is this
46 The Purmorts in America
"Joseph of New Castle," wiio was a constable at the early age of
21, was connected with the courts at 22, was fined for keeping a
disorderly drinking house, was licensed to keep a tavern but
forced by law to pledge himself to have no unlawful games or
any disorder in his place, who was called all the way from Phila-
delphia to Portsmouth with his wife to give testimony in case
at court the character of which is not mentioned, who was later a
Saltmaker and a speculator in lands. Such was "Joseph of New
Castle." And though a "hustler" and a business fellow yet
suspicion rises against him and we must give him the credit for
the 'Tradition" if any Purmort must bear it.
Either the son or the brother of Lazarus, Who was the son
of Philemon, was this Joseph. He was a citizen of New Castle,
New Hampshire, and became a prominent man of business and of
wealth. Much time and money have been expended to get more
accurate history of this man for our Genealogical connection,
but only the date of his birth by inference, can be learned and that
he was twice married and owned much property in and around
New Castle. No record of his family has been discovered, only
the names of his two wives as they appear on court records in
connection with property transfers. Yet this Joseph stands un-
questionably as the connecting link between Philemon and Laz-
arus and the Purmorts that follow. Both the time and the place
of his exploits in life unmistakably cnnnects him with Philemon's
family and with the Purmorts that follow right on in his vicinity.
This history of Joseph of New Castle is the very best that
can be given, the only record that can be found of the family for
this Third Generation.
In the genealogy of the Cotton family it is found that Judith
daughter of John Cutt, of Portsmouth, married first Joseph Pur-
mort, and afterwards she married Solomon Cotton. This record
And in England 47
does not in any way solve our difficulty, as nothing new is added
from this source, only that Judith, Joseph's second wife, was
married the second time and into the Cotton family.
Fourth Generation of Purmorts in America
11. John (i) Purmort of New Castle, New Hampshire, is
No. II in the list and heads the fourth generation accord-
ing to the records thus far discovered and adopted by the
Author of this book.
With this man the record is clear and complete and no more
confusion is experienced in the line. The records of New Castle,
New Hampshire, give the following very clear and direct account
of this John (i) :
John Purmort born, July 13, 1715, died October 5, 1758.
Married Marc^h 12, 1741, Hannah Sinclair of Strathan
who was bom April 25, 1719, died April 17, 1785.
12. John (2) bom October 11, 1742.
13. Anna bom January 3, 1746.
14. Hannah bom August i, 1747.
15. Joseph bom July 18, 1749, died Mar. 25, 1813.
16. Richard bom Febmary 16, 1751, died February 19, 1828.
17. Abigal born July 16, 1753, died August 7, 1754.
18. Mark bora May 29, 1755, died July 12, 1776.
19. Mary bom March 22, 1758.
It seems very certain that this John ( i ) was a son of Joseph
of New Castle though the record does not so state, all we have
is the inference on another page. If he was a son of Joseph he
must have been the son of his second wife Judith and was begotten
in the 65th year of Joseph's age according to all the dates given.
There is no other Purmort of New Castle mentioned in any record
48 The Purmorts in America
to be John's father but this Joseph. Then it was the custom in
olden times even more than now to keep the same name in the fam-
ily. After naming the first born son John, after himself, he named
his next son Joseph and this is quite significant. Then another
reason for the belief that he was Joseph's son is that the records at
Exeter and New Castle show that this John owned much prop-
erty and the inference is that he inherited it from the wealthy
Joseph. There are no Probate Records as yet discovered by the
writer to show who were Joseph's heirs. Nothing appears till
1759 when John Purmort's inventory of property was returned
as follows :
"John Purmort, Joiner, of Exeter, owned Real estate, wharf
property, and interests in vessels, personal property, etc., and
all was appraised at 10,000 Pounds, about $50,000.00 no small sum
for those times, equal to a million or more in our day. He must
have inherited this vast property from the enterprising Joseph of
New Castle. The question very naturally arises in our minds in
this monetary age, what became of this great fortune, this large
estate assigned to this John (i) of New Castle? None of the
later Purmorts have been noted as immensely wealthy and it seems
that some of the large family of this John (i) would have se-
cured enough of it to be known as rich later on.
An extract written by an old maiden "Aunt Sally" Purmort
of KeesviUe, New York, in 1878 throws some dim light on this
subject. This Aunt Sally was a daughter of a John (3) a grand-
son of this John (i) of New Castle. She wrote, "My father used
to say his grandfather left shares in the Long Wharf in Boston
which only the eldest son could claim, as the title was under the
King, also undeeded land in the town of Brow, New Hampshire.
His brother wished him to claim this great property but he could
never find the time. He did not like 'to leave a good business
And in England 49
for an uncertainty'." The Author has thought that perhaps owing
to the Revolutionary War, and its consequences, following on
about this time of the death of John' ( i) may have in some manner
involved the title to some of this property by which it was lost to
the Purmort family.
Joseph's first wife, Hannah Woodsy or Woodhouse, accord-
ing to Boston records, was heiress to vast property in Boston;
but it is not the purpose of this genealogy to go searching for
lost inheritances, nor to inspire a hope in any Purmort for some
great fortune yet to come. Like wise old Deacon John Purmort
of Keesville, New York, let no one take the time to leave a good
business to go down to Boston Town to hunt for hidden wealth.
It is too late in the day.
Fifth Generation of Purmorts in America
12. John (2) Purmort son of John (i) bom October 11,
1742, probably at New Castle, New Hampshire, died
April 7, 1786.
Susanah his wife bom 1739 and died at West
Enfield, New Hamps=hire, March 21, 1819, in her 8oth
year. Their children's names and births as follows:
20. Mary bora March 25, 1765, died July 24, 1835.
21. John (3) born May 25, 1774, died October 2, .
22. Joshua born Febmary 7, 1776, d .
23. Mark born May 4,1778.
24. Nathaniel born May i, 1780.
25. Richard bom July 8, 1872.
26. Thomas bom Febmary, 1785, no farther record of him.
15. Joseph Purmort, son of John (i) born July 18, 1749, on
Friday, died March 25, 1813. Married Mercy Dolloff
50 The Purmorts in America
of Exeter, New Hampshire, Feb. 28, 1775. She was
bom December 6, 1752, on Wednesday, died October
31, 1785, on Sunday. Their children:
27. Miriam bom December 25, 1775, on Monday, died
March 25, i860.
28. Hannah bom May 13, 1777, on Tuesday, died July 7,
1812.
29. Abner D. bom March 13, 1781, on Tuesday, died Jan.
18, 1876.
30. John born October 25, 1784, on Sunday, died Jan. 30,
1862.
It is very probable that this Joseph No. 15 was a soldier in
the Continental Army, as the following entries are found in the
New Hampshire State Papers. But from these entries it appears
there were more than one Joseph Purmort in the Army. If there
were other Josephs than this No. 15 we are not able to settle their
family connections, but must therefore conclude there were several
other Purmort families in those times whose records we have failed
to discover. In New Hampshire State Papers Vol. 15, page 748,
is found the following :
"New Hampshire men in the service of Massachusetts Reg."
Joseph Purmort in Col. Loammis Baldwin's Regiment in Camp
at Seweirs Point, September 26, 1775. One of the 35 names
registered from Exeter."
Again New Hampshire State Papers, Vol. 15, page 285 :
"Joseph Purmort or Pormutt, No. 91 on Muster Roll of that
part of the Regiment of Militia commanded by Nicholas Oilman,
E^squire, who are raised in the State of New Hampshire to re-
inforce the Northern Continental Army, etc." (108 names in all)
per receipt dated September 12, 1777, mustered and paid at
Exeter.
And in England 51
Again in same, page 287:
"Joseph Purmort No. 11 of 52 names of Pay Roll of Capt.
Zebulon Oilman's Co. in Col. Stephen Evan's Regiment marched
and joined the Continental Army at Saratoga, 1777. Joseph
Purmiitt corporal, entry Sept. 8, 1777. Discharged Dec. 15,
1777. Allowed for travel out to Bennington and home to New
Windsor. Pay Roll certified, etc., Jan. 14, 1778. This may have
been one and the same Joseph, who having had a taste of Army
life in 1775 re-inlisted again in 1777 and still again, and this
time having had experience, became a corporal. The dates would
allow this view.
We are led again to conclude that there were other families
of this name from the following entries found in Recorded Mar-
riage Intentions at Boston.
Jdhn Piemont and Harriet Trimble, Feb. 15, 1760.
John Piemont and Hannah Crosby, Oct. 20, 1762.
J<>hn Rabananah Piermount and Joanne Rust, May 14, 1761.
Under Census heads at Boston we find :
John Permont, Boston, 2 males, i male under 16 and 5
females in family in 1790..
Aug. ID, 1788, Publication of Marriage intentions, Robert
Otis of Lebanan and Polly Purmot of Enfield. This Polly must
have been Mary, first child and only daughter of John (2). She
was bom March 25, 1765, and was 23 years old at the above date.
16. Richard Purmort, son of John (i) born Feb. 6, 1751,
died Feb. 19, 1828, and now rests in the cemetery at
Enfield, N. H.
There is found in the New Hampshire State Papers, Vol. 15,
page 164, the following record. "Richard Purmort was drawn
(drafted) May 27, 1776. Entered service July 20, 1777, dis-
charged September 20, 1777. Private in Capt. Ebenezer Web-
52 The Purmorts in America
ster's Company, in Col. Thomas Stickney's Regiment, in Gen.
Stark's Brigade, which Company was raised out of the Regiment
of New Hampshire Militia in July, 1777, which Company joind
the Northern Continental Army at Stillwater. He was allowed
traveling money from Salisbury, see Pay Roll of November 15,
1777"
This Richard No. 16, came from Salisbury to Enfield. He
married Hannah Colby of Enfield. They had no children of
their own but took into their home and reared fourteen boys and
two girls. Minor Purmort, the writer's father, made his home
with these kind people for many years. They surely lived for
the good of others, and it is hoped they received their reward on
earth, as they surely will in eternity. Some very good stories
have come down to us regarding this good woman. It is said
she spent much time in spinning and knitting her own yam out
of which she made good warm socks. In the winter time she
would make big "Pork Pies" as she called them, and whenever
weary travelers or tramps would call, she would always feed
them the Pie and then present them with a pair of her warm
socks. Her sure cure for a bad cold was a quart or more of
hard cider and red pepper pods. Swigging a big dose of this
she would take to her spinning wheel and make it hum and hum,
until she could work up a good sweat, and thus she not only cured
the bad cold but also did a good half day's work and saved a doc-
tor bill besides. Quite a good old fashioned "strike" against the
doctors, one would say.
Richard was persuaded to join the Shakers at Enfield, and
he lived with them until the death of Ann Lee, the founder. He
soon afterwards lost faith in their belief and left them to buy a
farm of his own where he lived till his death. He left to his
widow, his farm which was cared for by those whom she had
And in England 53
befriended, until 1838, the time of her death. One, who thus
befriended her was Blake Purmort No. 65. He carried on her
farm operations very successfully for several years.
18. Mark Purmort, son of John (i) bom May 29, 1755,
died July 12, 1776.
The Following record is found in the New Hampshire State
Papers, Vol. 14, pages 113, 147 and 195. "Mark Purmort of
Kingston, Rockingham County, New Hampshire, age 20, in 1775.
A joiner by trade becamie a member of Capt. Philip Tilton's
Gwnpany, of Col. Enock Poor's Regiment, May 26, 1775. Name
on list June 12, 1775, on Pay Roll August i, 1775, on Receipt
Oct II, 1775.
We find no record of the marriages of the daughters of John
(i), Anna, Hannah and Mary, Abigal died w'hen eleven years old.
This completes the record of all the Purmorts we can find in
this Fifth Generation. That there were others we may safely
conclude, but no definite records regarding them have come to
the knowledge of the Author of this book.
It will be observed as one scans through this history of the
Purmorts, that a good many have followed the occupation, and
Aall we say the hereditary bent, of the old ancestor Philemon,
of school teaching. Only two ministers of the Gospel, though
nearly all are religious families, the Baptist church predominat-
ing. Only one physician and that a woman. Not a single lawyer,
and shall we say to our credit. Nearly all have been fairly suc-
cessful business men, and a few eminently so. Farming has been
and still is the prevailing occupation of the Purmorts. This we
call creditable, surely happy and peaceful.
The poet Horace has put into the mouth of a pinched old
money-lender these words regarding the farmer:
54 The Purmorts in America
''Happy the man, in business schemes unskilled.
Who, living simply like our sires of old,
Tills the few acres which his father tilled.
Vexed by no thoughts of usury or gold."
Sixth Generation of Purmorts in America
As many of the Purmorts in this sixth generation and the
seventh that follows were bom, lived and died in and about
Jay, Essex County, N. Y., it is thought proper to place in
connection with our history the following historical sketch of
Jay, N. Y.:
History of Essex County, New York
By li. P. Smith, page 454.
Jay was separated from the original town of Willsborough
January 16, 1798, and received its name from Governor John Jay.
At first it embraced, besides its present territory, parts of Keene,
Wilmington, and Elizabethtown. The following is the notice of
application by the inhabitants of Jay (or Mallory's Bush as it was
then called) to be set oif in a town by themselves :
"Notice is hereby given that the inhabitants of Mallory's
Bush, in the town of Willsborough, northwest district having
called a meeting and unanimously agreed to make application to
the town of Willsborough to be set oif and to be incorporated
into a town by themselves and have chosen John Cochran, Jr., to
attend the annual meeting at Willsborough to do said business of
the application. The boundaries of said town so to be set oif
are as follows : Beginning where the military line intercepts the
And in England 55
south of Willsborough, then north to the twelve mile tree, then
north 45 degrees, east to the south line of Perue, then west to
the south comer of said Perue or west line of Clinton County,
then south to the northwest comer of Crown Point, then east to
the place of beginning.
Ely Vane, clerk. Dated at Mallory's Bush, the 12 of March,
1797.''
Afterwards in 1822 the town was enlarged by the annexation
of parts of Pern in Clinton County, and Chateaugay in Franklin
County.
20. Mary Purmort ist daug^hter of John (2) heads the list
in this sixth generation. She was bom March 25, 1765,
and died July 24, 1835. She married Mr. Otis of
Lebanon about August 10, 1788. Their children: John,
Joseph and Lorane. Their place of abode has not been
discovered.
21. John (3) son of John (2) born May 25, 1774, in Lowell,
Massachusetts. When ten years old he moved with his
parents to Enfield, New Hampshire. When twenty-one
he married and moved to Jay, New York, Essex County,
where he made his home for half a century. The
country was then new, and in the three towns of Jay,
Willmington and Keene, there were only nine families.
He purchased a farm and devoted himself to agriculture,
enduring all the hardships incident to a new country
and frontier life. After several years of successful
farm life, in 1802, he bought the Falls on the Ausable
River, a beautiful and advantageous hydraulic power, on
which stood a saw mill and where in 1809 ^^ added a
forge. He paid $5,000.00 cash for this mill site and
water power. Afterwards he discovered the title was
56 The Purmorts in America
not good and as the original owner was seeking to
undermine him and secure the property he went to
Montreal and there among lumber men and moneyed
men he raised another $5,000.00. Came home on horse-
back carrying the money in his saddle bags. Though
the original owner did not want to give up the property
he was forced to do so and Mr. Purmort secured it with
a dear title. At this time he also went into mercantile
business and carried on an extensive work in milling,
forging iron and selling merchandise. At the age of
25 he became a Christian and united with the Baptist
Church in Jay. He was always very religious and did
not allow his large business interests to supplant his
church duties. He loved the diurdi and gave much of
his time and means to it. He was very liberal with his
means in the cause of Christ in general. He served the
Church at Jay as Deacon for 20 years, and was known
all through the country as "Deacon John Purmort."
He was very hospitable and his home was open to all.
He was very enterprising and felt a deep interest in all
the benevolent operations of his day, such as ministerial
education, home and foreign missions, and for the poor
enslaved black men. He was a positive man and of
firm decision of character and he never failed to vindi-
cate his opinions whether popular or not. Yet he was
tender and kind and loving. He was a man of great per-
severance and whether in worldly matters or spiritual,
obstacles and perplexities, rather nerved him for more
strenuous effort and this quality gave him great success.
His crowning excellence of character was his piety. He
was a man of daily fervent prayer and this carried him
JOHN (3) PURMORT.
SARAH WALWORTH PURPORT.
And in England 57
through his daily life with joy and good favor with
men. In the family, in the social circle, in the church
and in the world he was the same mild, consistent,
amiable and lovely Christian man. As he lived, so he
died. The God whom he had served in life forsook him
not in death. He died peacefully surrounded by his
family and all the county around felt the loss with keen
sorrow. He had visited some relatives up in Canada
and the fatigue and exposure of the journey were too
much for his weakened condition, for within three weeks
after his return home he passed from earth to his God.
The old stone Baptist Church which he helped build,
where he punctually attended, which he liberally sup-
ported and from which he was buried, still stands as it
has for these past generations, a bethel still, for devout
worshipers of God. On Feb. 12, 1795, in the 21st year
of his age, this John (3) married Sarath Walworth in
the town of Enfield, New Hampshire, a worthy woman
for this good man. From the Genealogy of the Wal--
worths called "The Walworths of America" on page
73 is found the following record: "Sarah Walworth,
3rd daughter of Charles the ist of Canaan and grand
daughter of William of Noank was born October 30,
1774. She married John Purmort of Enfield, New
Hampshire. She died April, 1858, at the age of 83."
Their children :
31. John (4) Purmort son of John (3) born May 26, 1796,
died Keeseville, N. Y., July 16, 1877.
32. Rosamond born December 9, 1797, died 1879.
33. Nathaniel bom May 11, 1799, died April 6, 1885.
34. Polly bom Feb. 17, 1801, died Aug. 31, 1822.
S8 The Purmorts in America
35. Philura bom January 9, 1803, died September 19, 1884,
at Bennington, Vt
36. Infant son born April 28, 1804, died 1804.
37. James Harvey bom August 14, 1805, died July 11,
1859. Bachelor.
38. Sarah bom August 3, 1807, died 1887, at Detroit, Mich.
39. Phineas bom August 28, 1809, d^^ J^^y 4> ^815. Jay.
40. Infant son bom January 12, 181 1, died 181 1.
41. George Arnold bom October 4, 1812, died Feb. 12, 1887.
42. Harriet H. bom August 3, 1814, died 1866.
43. Adoniram J. bom May 6, 1817, died 1854.
A descendant of this Deacon Purmort and now a business
man of position writes thus regarding him : "Deacon John Pur-
mort, the father of the Purmort Works and Falls at Jay, Essex
County, New York, and which was continued under the name of
J. H. Purmort & Co., was a remarkable man and his wife was as
remarkable a woman. As a business man he was far seeing,
building up a property of cast-iron, forges making pig iron,
which had a market in Boston, saw mill, flour and grist mills,
carding factories, machine shops, paint and cooper and coffin
factories, wagon works and a general merchandise store. He
also ran in connection with this large factory business two large
farms where he made charcoal. All the machinery was propelled
by water power and this required a great dam built across the
river. Besides this he practically built the stone Baptist Church
that still stands and is occupied. All this worked out of the wil-
derness was his business project and attainment. He had eleven
grown children, six boys all tall, 6 feet to 6 feet 2 inches and the
five girls were equally large and well built. A fine family, greatly
respected by all who knew them." Another makes mention of
him as "A large nice looking old gentleman with sandy hair.'*
.^.■'/>
A'-^'^.^: '^yn^A^"^'
And in England 59
22. Joshua Purmort of John (2) bom February 7, 1776, in
Lowell, Massachusetts, died at Kempville, Canada, of
diabetes about the year 1843. He moved to Enfield,
New Hampshire 1784, married at Enfield Feb. 9, 1796,
Eunice Walworth who was bom at Caanan, New Hamp-
shire, July 25, 1773. She died at Kepmville, Canada,
. of Colera Morbus, six weeks before the death of her
husban in her 70th year. In the "Walworths of Amer-
ica," page 73, is found the following entry :
"Eunice Walworth second daughter of Charles ist of
Canaan and grand daughter of William of Noank."
The Walworths have been a noted family in the Em-
pire State in past history. Chancellor Walworth is
noted in juris prudence and his works are found on
the shelves of every prominent and well booked lawyer
of the country. The following is the outline of the de-
scendants of the Walworths down to these sisters, Sarah
and Eunice who married the Purmort brothers John
and Joshua.
1. Wil'liam Walworth of Fisher's Island came from neigh-
borhood of London to New London colony in 1689.
Married Seaton English woman who was born
1669.
2. William Walworth of Noank, eldest son of William of
Fisher's Island bom June, 1694, died May 17, 1774,
married January 16, 1720 Mary Avery.
3. Charles Walworth son of William of Noank bom 1745
married Lucy Harris. He was in the Revolutionary
Army and the inscription on his tomb gives him the
title of Captain. He was a very strong religious char-
acter. He had three sons and four daughters. Sarah
6o The Purmorts in America
Walworth Purmort and Eunice Walworth Purmort
were his daughters and from them came the Walworth
blood that now flows in the veins of these two branches
of the Purmort family. Bodi of these wcxnen were
strong in character and were especially religious and
gave this training to their families. A story is told of
Eunice that gives one trait of her character. It appeared
that many articles were disappearing from the cellar
such as meal, vegetables, etc. A watch was set for the
thief but failed for weeks. One night the good woman
Eunice heard the prowler at work in the cellar. She
quietly awakened her husband Joshua who slept soundly
by her side. He arose hurriedly and started for his
gun, for he was a resolute man and meant serious
business. As Eunice laid in the bed waiting results, she
thought the whole matter through and well knowing
her husband's determination and that he might soon
become a murderer, idie screamed out at the top of her
shrill voice, "Run thief run Joshua is going to shoot you.
Run thief run." It may not be necessary to say the
thief took the hint and also took to his heels and Joshua
escaped from becoming a murderer.
The following letter was received from the War
Department at Washington, D. C, under date April
9, 1898.
"The records of this office show that one Joshua
Purmort served as private in Capt. Daniel Blish's Com-
pany in Sandard's battalion of New York Militia, War
1812. His name appears on the roll for the period from
August I to 3, 1813, without remark relative to his
service. The records also show that one Joshua Pur-
And in England 6i
mort served as a private in Capt. Blish's Company of
Sanford's unregimented battalion of New York Militia
War of 1812. His name appears on the roll for the
period from September 2 to 13, 1814, which bears the
remarks 'Commencement of service Sept. 2, 1814/ Ex-
piration of service Sept. 14, 1814. Term of Service
thirteen days, resident 30 miles from place of discharge.
By authority of the Secretary of War, F. C. Ams-
worth. Col. U. S. Army."
Joshua with his wife Eunice settled on the Old York
State farm not far from Jay (about two miles), when it
was still a wilderness, and he developed it from its wild
condition up to good improvement. There were many
wild animals in the country in that day coming down
from the mountains. One day when his little girl Lucy
was with him out in the clearing playing a short dis-
tance from her father, he beard her shout out in child-
ish glee, "I do see a doggie, I do see a doggie." On
looking up Joshua saw a large timber wolf near the
child and about to spring upon her. He was not slow
with ax in hand to rescue his child. Joshua was a great
hunter and brought home much game for his table.
This trait in his character may in part account for the
great love of a gun and a good hunting dog, found in
so many of his progeny still. It is said of Joshua that
he had a remarkable voice for which he was famous in
his day. In winter time when out chopping or hunting,
should he chance to run across a moose track in the
deep snow he would raise his voice and give his call
and soon the neighbors for miles around would gather
for the round up, and very seldom would the game escape
62 The Purmorts in America
them. All these experiences of early frontier life served
to break the mcxiotony and give excitement to tlie neigh-
bors and friends in those early times. The Bo3aitons
and Blishes and others were their neighbors and friends
and many were the grand old hunts and Ic^ raising^
and military drills they had together. A letter has been
received from one of the Sarah Walworth branch say-
ing: "I was surprised to learn that your Grandmother
Eunice was a Walworth, a sister of my Grandmother
Sarah. I have heard father say that Grandfather went
to Jay from Enfield, New Hampshire, and built a log
house on what we called the 'Matthew's Farm' about
two miles below the village and that grandmother and
her sister went there on horseback later in the fall and
that they gathered moss to diink the cracks between
the logs before they went to bed the first night. I
presume that sister was your grandmother, Eunice."
Joshua and Eunice built a log house and raised their
family in it to manhood and womanhood.
The children of Joshua and Eunice Purmort were tfie
following :
44. Lucy born Nov. 15, 1797, died August 15, 1827.
45. Minor bom Sept. 30, 1799, died Oct. 17, 1854.
46. Algetha bom Feb. 20, 1806.
47. Charles bom April 21, 1803.
48. Lewis bom May 28, 1805, unmarried, died 1881, Ashley,
Ohio.
49. Susanah bom April 16, 1807, unmarried.
50. Eunice bom June, 1809, unmarried.
23. Mark Purmort, son of John (2) bom May 4, 1778,
died at Enfield, New Hampshire, August 2, 1835. He
And in England 63
married Abigail Dole of Enfield,^ the date not known.
He came from Enfield with his brother Nathaniel in
1782 and the brothers bought farms adjoining. After
the death of his father John he took the care of his
mother Susanah who lived some thirty years longer to
the ripe age of 80.
Their children:
51. Mary bom August 2, 1802, died August 23, 1802.
52. Joseph born September 6, 1803, died Feb. 9, 1836.
53. Dunham bom March 11, 1805, died October 25, 1828.
54. Richard bom November 8, 1806, died August 9, 1828.
55. Nathaniel bom March 26, 1808.
56. Susannah bom March 2, 1812, died Jan. 11, 1831, un-
married.
57. Mark bom Feb. 4, 1818, died April 18, 1878.
24. Nathaniel Purmort bom May i, 1780. He lived and
died at Enfield, December 20, 1854. He married Phebe
Dole who died at Lebanon, New Hampshire, 1883. He
was a man very highly esteemed in his community, a
successful famier and fully acquainted with the affairs
of his day. He was a faithful and active member of
the Free Will Baptist Church. A man of medium height,
thick, heavy set, when walking he usually carried his
hands behind his back. His farm joined his brother
Mark's. They had married sisters and must have lived
happy and peaceful lives with their growing families.
Such a picture of life is surely ideal. But age, re-
movals, deaths, will surely in time break up the hap-
piest home life earth can produce, and history can only
chronicle the events, and leave the philosopher to his
speculations, but the Christian with his faith can stand
64 The Purmorts in America
serenely by and say, all is well for God is working out
His Eternal purposes.
The Children of Nathaniel and Phobe :
58. John bom April 10, 1806, died December, 1869.
59. Hiram bom June 20, 1809, died July 4, 1873.
60. Disa L. bom December 23, 1813, died April 5, 1891.
61. Almira bom Nov. i, 181 5, died Nov. 2, 1878.
62. Joseph Hazen bom October 9, 1819, died July 25, 1880.
25. Richard Purmort bom July 8, 1782. He was a very
la]:;ge and fine looking man. It has not been ascertained
whom and when and where he married. He at one time
lived on a farm near Plainfield, New Hampshire. After-
wards in 1826 he settled in Depyster, Lawrence County,
New York. His family.
63. Hymen F. bora 1806, died 1876.
64. Blake P. bom 1811, died unmarried at Depyster, New
York, April 26, 1878.
65. Hannah.
66. Aunela.
67. Albina.
2T. Miriam Purmort bom on Monday, December 25, 1775,
died March 25, i860. Married Mr. Hancock. There is
no farther record of her family known to the Author.
29. Abner D. Purmort bom on Tuesday, March 13, 1781,
died January 18, 1876, age 95. He with his brother
John moved from New Hampshire to Georgia, Vermont,
in an early day and took up land and redeemed it.
They were among the first settlers at Georgia. There
were only two or three homes there w^hen they came.
Here they both entered the new land, improved their
farms, built their homes, raised their families and here
And in England 65
tfiey died. Abner D/s first wife was Cynthia Blake of
Fairfax, Vermont. She was bom March 12, 1786, and
died December 8, 1810. Their children:
68. Mercy D. bom Feb. 19, 1808, died July 6, 1824.
69. Hannah S. bom Dec. 6, 1809, died December 9, 1888.
Abner D.'s second wife, Susanna Peck, bom July 6,
1787, died May 2, 1827, married 181 1. Their children:
70. Rachel bom May 20, 1812, died Sept. 11, 1814.
71. Joseph bom July 15, 1815, died Nov. 18, 1888.
J2. Cynthia M. bom Sept 11, 1817, died 1889.
73. Sarah E. bom November 6, 1819, died February 12,
1858, Abner D.'s third wife Amanda D. Foster of
Swanton. She died 1869. They were married 1836.
No children from this marriage. Mrs. Amanda B.
Traux of St. Albans, Vermont, writes regarding Abner
D., her grandfather, "That he was a very intelligent and
interesting old gentleman. He was very loyal to the
Purmort name and g^atly feared lest the family would
mn out and the name be lost. It is too bad you could
not have known him as he was very much interested in
family history. He used to try and interest me when
a child, with the importance of keeping correct records.
His mind was clear and he remembered everything that
had interested him in the past. He wa» quite bald but
what hair he had was white as snow." Henry C. Pur-
mort of Chicago, who knew him very well writes thus
about him: "Abner D. and Joseph Purmort's stock
farm was near East Georgia, Vermont. He, Abner D.,
lived to be 96 years old. A very fine man every way,
tall, blue eyes, highly respected by everyone. He thor-
ouglily understood his business. Had 600 acres, 2,800
66 The Purmorts in America
sheep, no head of Cattle, 7 cows, 5 horses, a good yoke
of oxen. Some of his lambs would sell for $250.00 each.
That was in i860. He then cultivated only ten acres.
The rest of the farm was in grass. His second wife
was a good Methodist. He was a Baptist." At this
time his son Joseph was general manager of the farm.
30. John Purmort bora October 24, 1784, at Exeter, New
Hampshire, died January 30, 1862. He married January
21, 1810, first wife Susan Pettengill. She was born
May 20, 1790, died March 20, 1813. This John son of
Joseph No. 15, son of John (i) brother of Abner D.
came to Georgia in an early day and had his farm and
home just across the street from his brother. One has
written about him as follows : "He was the kindest of
fathers and best of friends. Rather peculiar in some
of his ways. He never hired a man but he paid him at
the end of the day's work. No man ever held a note
against him. Kind and good to the poor, the sick and
the afflicted. He was an enlisted soldier in the war of
1812. Everyone called him "Uncle John." Children
of John and Susan, his first wife :
74. Polly B. bora June 12, 1812.
John married second wife April 27, 1814. Ruth Phil-
lips, who was born April 27, 1791, died May 29, i860.
Children by Ruth, the second wife.
75. Almira H. born in Georgia, Vermont on the old farm
April 7, 1815.
76. Christopher (i) L. D. born June 11, 181 7, died March
4, 1817.
77. Charlotte B. bora April 24, 1818, died Feb. 17, 1825.
78. Emily born March 6, 1822, died March 27, 1823.
Anp in England 67
79. Sophronia E. bom August 2, 1820.
80. Chhristq)her L. D. (2) bom April 20, 1824.
81. John Y. bom September 22, 1826, died November, 24,
1879.
82. Lewis H. bom Feb. 5, 1828, died March 4, 1829.
83. Abner D. (2) bom January 24, 1830.
84. Mark E. bom November 30, 1832, died unmarried at
Anoka, Minn., 1889.
Seventh Generation of Purmorts in America
31. John (4) Purmort son of John (3) son of John (2)
son of John (i) heads the Seventh Generation of Pur-
morts in America. He was bom at Enfield, New Hamp-
sfhire, March 26, 1796. When he was bom someone re-
marked that he should be called "JOHN" and that he
would then be the "Sixth John" in the Purmort family
bearing the name as the oldest son. This was a mistake
as he is the fourth in direct line. But counting other
lines the remark that he was the Sixth was correct.
He was bom at Enfield, New Hampshire, and came,
when quite young, with his parents to Jay, New York.
The first home was at "Adgate Falls" now Ausable
Chasm. Attracted by the water privilege at Jay, his
father moved to that place, purchased the site and com-
menced the making of iron in 1809 and so the Purmort
forge hammer was the first to be heard resounding
among the hills at Jay. Many other enterprises were
added to this Iron Industry, such as grist and lumber
milling, carding factory, machine shops, paint, coopering
and coffin shops, wagon making, a general merchandise
68 The Purmorts in America
store and two large farms for raising grain and making
diarcoal. All these business operations were carried on
with varied success for a half century under the firm
names of "J<^hn Purmort," "J<*^ Purmort & Sons," and
"J. H. Purmort & Co."
Because of rheumatism in his old age John Pur-
Purmort, Senior, was incapacitated for business, and the
firm, under the name of "J<^hn Purmort & Sons" was
largely managed for the time by this John (4) Junior,
who developed an aptness for business and strict integ-
rity which characterized him through life. No motive
of "policy" influenced him. The answer to all matters
in questions was: "Is it right." Perhaps the good
noble character of this man, as wfeU as that of his several
brothers whose history will follow this, may be ac-
counted for in part by the consistent exjunple of his
father as the following clipping will show :
"An incident is related of his father. Deacon Pur-
mort, which shows the character of th^e man, and
with him of the son. In the early years of the
century the use of ardent spirits as a beverage was
universal. The demands of society required it to be
on the side board and table, and guests were expect-
ed to us it at will. The Purmorts were no excep-
tion to the rule. It was on the side board, and in
the store, and sold as freely as anything else. At
that time the Baptist (Thurch in Jay, then its lead-
ing religious society, was torn by dissensions. The
pastor was accused of 'getting drunk.' The church
was divided, and could not decide the question. A
council was called to advise in the matter. Among
And in England 69
the delegates was Rev. Cyrus GMnstock. As usual
the delegates were the guests of Dea, Purmort,
when at dinner aiq)eared the inevitable 'decanter.'
Rev. Comstock said, 'is this consistent? We are
here to try a brother for drunkenness, and using
spirits ourselves.' The result was the banishing of
the liquor from that house and the dumping of the
stock in the store into the gutter."
When only eighteen years of age he was in the battle
of Plattsburg and all through his life he took a lively
interest in national affairs. In the year 1852 he severed
his connection with the "John Purmort & Sons" firm, to
make his home with bis daughter, Mrs. N. C. Boynton,
removing with her to Keeseville in 1862 w^here he died
in 1877. The following obituary was published at the
time by The Essex Q>unty Republican:
Obituary
John Purmort, who died July 16, 1877, in the 82nd year of
his age was bom in New Hampshire and was the eldest of thir-
teen children. His father was one of the early pioneers of Essex
county, and brougbt the deceased to Jay whene a mere child.
When but eighteen he responded to his country's call and was
present with his father at tfie battle of Plattsburg, Sept. 11, 1814.
When about twenty years of age, he united with the Baptist
Church in Jay.
He was one of a long list of noble names cannected with its
early history. For sixty years he was a most consistent Christian.
He served his generations by the will of God, and has fallen asleep
in Christ. His whole life has been marked with firmness, kind-
70 The Purmorts in America
ness and Qiristian integrity. He was possessed of a strong mind
and noUe lusnly qualities, always faithful to bis convictions of
rigiit, of truth, and of duty. In his family, the social circle, the
place of business, or in the sanctuary, he was the same true man.
Uprightness, mercy, simplicity, consdentiousness and unswerving
fidelity were among his marked characteristics.
He was a man who ever felt a deep interest in his country's
welfare and few men were better informed upon all great ques-
tions of national interest than he. He was a good neighbor, a
true friend, a kind brother, and a loving father. He was rooted
and grounded in the great principle of the Gospel ; like the sturdy
oak, he was steadfast and immovable. Being dead he yet speaks.
As he neared the close of life he became a great sufferer, and
longed to depart and be with Christ. His memory is full of frag-
rance as it is written, "The memory of the righteous is blessed."
He retained the full vigor of his faculties, and his genial, cheerful
nature to the last. He finished his course with joy, and has
entered upon his reward.
"Life's labor done, as sinks the clay.
Light from its load the spirit Hies,
While earth and heaven combine to say,
'How blessed the righteous when he dies'."
It should be mentioned in regard to this great manufacturing
firm carried on so many years by tfie Purmorts at Jay, that they
sold their iron and many other products in Boston, Troy and New
York, and during these years made large sums of money ; but in
the year 1856, September, there came a great freshet ; the heavy
rains caused the state dam several miles above Jay to give way
and the waters came rushing down the Ausable River, filling the
banks and the valley, sweeping everything before them. The
torrent swept out all the factories save one mill, destroying past
JOHN (4) PURMORT.
1\ J^^H
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And in England 71
all recovery over $47,000.00 worth of machinery besides the valu-
able buildings. The firm never survived this great calamity. The
water power was sold out and the Purmort brothers moved else-
where.
Mrs. Sarah W. Newell, of Bridgeport, Vt., daughter of
Nathaniel Purmort No. 33, writes the following :
"The principal cause of the great destruction of life and prop-
erty during the freshet of 1856 was the giving way of the state
dam at the head of the Ausable River during a heavy rain storm,
which washed out all the dams below, completely destroying the
flourishing business of the firm of J. H. Purmort & Co., consisting
of clothing and carding works, saw mill, wheelwright and black-
smith shop, four fire forges, 300 tons of separated ore, coal house
filled with coal, tannery, store with about $10,000 worth of goods,
grist mill (opposite side of the river) damaged to the extent of
$100,000. Nine (9) lives lost between Keen and Ausable Forks."
This John (4) Purmort No. 31, married Sept. Lois
Stone of Jay. She was bom 1796 and died August 31, 1857.
Their children:
85. Malvina bom 1821, and died in Oakland, Calif., age 81.
86. John (s) bom Nov. 10, 1833, died at Jay Oct. 18, 1850.
87. Ely Stone bom at Jay and died at Black Rock, N. Y.
88. Harriet bom Feb. 3, 1832, now, 1907, lives at Keeseville,
New York..
89. Olive W. bom April 15, 1833.
90. Rosamond, bom , lives at Los Angeles, Calif., 1907.
32. Rosamond Purmort bom at Jay Dec. 9, 1797, died in
Iowa, 1879. Married Joel Peck, a Baptist minister, Dec.
12, 1822. Their children:
James H. Peck, of Stronghurst, 111.
Judson Phineas Peck.
7^ The Purmorts in America
John W. Peck, a dentist at Canton, 111. A Deacon
in Baptist Giurch.
Mary Peck married Earl Boynton. Lives in Iowa.
33. Nathaniel Purmort bom May 11, 1799, died April 6,
1885. This man was the farmer of the Purmort Firm.
He attended also to the coal pits where charcoal was
made for the forges. He was a great worker and made
his department move on with great energy. When
young and working the farms he was a great joker and
loved fun, always stirring up the boys. When he had
gone too far with his j<dces, as often occurred, he would
make it all right with maple sugar and a lively ride on a
buckboard behind his bob-tailed horse. He had a jack
on the farm that had a wonderful bray, and this greatly
amused him. He would frequently get some one of his
nephews on this jack and then start him off with the
crack of his whip. Soon the old fellow would buck and
off would go Mr. Boy with a thump over the animal's
head, only to pick himself up and hear the roar of
laughter from "Uncle Nat." A grandson, N. H. Pur-
mort of St. Louis, Missouri, writes regarding him : "I
remember Grandfather as a man of sterling integrity,
loved and respected by all who knew him. He was a
man of but few words but very sincere and earnest in
all his expressions.
Nathaniel united with the Baptist Church February 14,
1833. As a Christian, faithful, consistent, living faith-
fully in the fulfillment of his church vows. Energy,
thoroughness and perseverence were noted characteris-
tics. Actively engaged in successful business with his
brothers (Arnold and Harvey), firm of J. H. Purmort
NATHANIEL PURMORT, SON OP JOHN (3) PURMORT.
PARMELIA HARWOOD PURMORT.
And in England 73
& Co. on the Ausable River, till the year 1856 when by a
freshet the works were totally or nearly destroyed. In
1858 removed with his family to Scotland county,
Missouri, residing on a farm till 1862 when the
excitement and peril incident to the Civil War
compelled him to return East. In Willeborough,
N. Y., he superintended the rebuilding of the
iron works of Homan & Belden Nobles. At the close
of the war in September, 1865, returned to Missouri.
His wife died December 24th of t)rphoid fever the same
year. All who knew her testify to her unselfish, sympa-
thetic, benevolent Christian character. Active in church
work. Present at all the services, if possible, with her
family. Not one allowed to remain at home unless in
case of sickness. A teacher in the Sunday School. As
a mother loving though firm and patient. Never a cross
or impatient word was ever heard from her by one of
her children.
In October, 1828, Nathaniel married Parmelia Harwood
of Bennington, Vermont. She was bom 1807 and died
at Memphis, Missouri, December 24, 1865. The children
of Nathaniel Purmort and Parmelia Harwood Purmort :
91. William Wallace bom Aug. 22, 1830.
92. Louisa born December 11, 1832.
93. Sarah bom Nov. 10, 1834.
94. Lavina bom Sept. 19, 1836.
95. Janette bom Feb. 15, 1841, died unmarried Nov. 10, 1865.
96. Maria born Feb. 4, 1846.
97. Mary born June 19, 1848.
35. Philura Purmort bom January 9, 1803, died September
19, 1884. She was a faithful member of the Baptist
Church. When married she united with the Free Church
74 The Purmorts in America
of Oirist with her husband. She married Sept 21, 1826,
Judge Perez Harwood of Bennington, Vermont. Their
ddldren:
Albert W. Harwood, bom Oct. 4, 1828, died June
24, 1894.
Harriet E. bom July 24, 1830, died Feb. 13, 1848.
Martyn H. bom July 5, 1832, now living in Cali-
fomia.
John P. bom Jan. 18, 1834, now living in Califomia.
Edward bom April 11, 1836, died March 6, 1840.
Frederick bom Feb. 9, 1828, died Dec. 28, 1864.
Lenora bora July 27, 1841, died Jan. 5, 1873.
Edwin bora Jan. 12, 1846, died Dec. 11, 1867.
Philura Purmort was bora in Jay, Essex county, N. Y. She
attended not only the common schools but received, as well, an
academic education. She was married in Jay to Perez Harwood
of Bennington, Vermont, who was not only a large owner of real
estate but was throughout his career prominent in military, politi-
cal and judicial life. Under the old militia system of the state he
rose from the position of drummer boy to that of Major General
and was in command of the state troops at the time of the discon-
tinuance of the law. He was several times elected to the State
Legislature, both as representative and senator. On account of his
long service and his ability, his name was identified with many
important events in the state history. He was in no sense an
autocrat but was a man of the people and was loved and revered
by all.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Harwood was made in Benning-
ton, in which place they always resided. There the bodies of
both were laid to rest, in the old cemetery under the shadow of
the First Church, after they had reached a ripe old age. Philura
PEREZ HARWOOD.
PHILURA PURMORT HARWOOD, WIFE OP JUDGE PEREZ HARWOOD.
And in England 75
Purmort Harwood survived her husband by some years, dying
September 19, 1884, at the age of eighty-one, her husband,
Perez Harwood, having died Feb. 5, 1874, at the age of ^2.
Philura Purmort, wife of Perez Harwood, was of a very
retiring, gentle disposition, and a woman of strong faith. Her
interests were not wide, but were centered in her family and her
Grod. She was a devoted wife and mother and looked well to the
ways of her household. Neatness and daintiness radiated from
her and she always gave forth an atmosphere of comfort and
cheer. Her husband for whom s^he had a deep love and admira-
tion, and six of her children were taken from her by death.
Although three splendid sons had grown to manhood, and one
an attractive boy of six, was snatdhed by an> awful and sudden
death, and her two daughters had developed into beautiful young
women, her faith never faltered but shone bright and clear
through all her sorrow. Her last years were passed in the home
of her second son, H. Martyn Harwood. With hands never idle
she waited serenly "for the blessed light to come" delighting in
the children of her three surviving sons and in her much loved
Bible and books of faith which were always near her.
37. James Harvey Purmort bom August 14, 1805, died
July II, 1859. He never married. The only bachelor
in this family. He was at the head of the Purmort
Firm for many years. A very fine business man. He
was unlike bis brother Nathaniel, as he was quiet and
sedate. He even thought the reading of the New York
Ledger would spoil one of his young nephews. His
sister Sarah spoke up and said, "Harvey, you should
quit smoking before talking that way."
38. Sarah Purmort bom at Jay, August 3, 1807, died at De-
troit, Mich., 1887.
76 The Purmorts in America
Obituary of Miss Sarah Purmort
"Miss Sarah Punnort, daughter of Deacoa John Punnort of
Jay, the last survivor of that targe family, died after a brief ill-
ness at the home of her niece, Mrs. John Mathews, July 17, 1887,
in Detroit, Michigan, aged nearly eighty years. The deceased
was well known in Jay where she lived for more than 60 years.
She was highly esteemed, and deeply loved by all who knew her,
because of her many lovely traits of character. Early in life she
became a Christian and was a devoted, consistent member of the
Baptist Church for over seventy years. In her younger days,
she was unusually active in all Christian work, especially the mis-
sionary cause. Many boxes have been packed by her hands to be
sent to the home and foreign fiedls. Feeble health has long con-
fined her to her home but it can truly be said of her, 'She hath
done what she could.' She always maintained a cheerful spirit,
and had a kind word for every one. She took a deep interest in
all that transpired about her and read extensively until failing
sight prevented her. The tender care that she gave her aged
mother, was richly rewarded by her loving niece, Mrs. Mathews,
who anticipated every want, and ministered to her constantly for
years. After appropriate funeral services at Detroit the remains
were taken by friends to Chicago for interment. Her nephew,
Henry C. Purmort, and a few friends and relatives met and
followed the loving aunt to Oakwood Cemetery. Rev. Jdhn
Mathews conducted brief and suitable services at the grave."
41. George Arnold Purmort bom Oct. 4, 1812, died Febru-
ary 12, 1887. This brother was the machinist of the
large manufacturing establishment at Jay. Milling was
his trade and in this he was an expert for his day. The
following story is told of this man : It seems the large
AUNT SALLIE PURMORT.
GEO. A. PURMORT, SON OP JOHN (3) PURMORT.
And in England ^^
family were all gathered around the table at a fine din-
ner party when venison was the meat for the occasion.
The conversation turned on the hunting and shooting of
deer. Arnold spoke up and said, "Once I shot and hit
three deer at one shot." His mother reproved him say-
ing, "Why, Arnold ! How can you lie so." With sober
face he said, "Well, didn't I hit Harriet and Sally and
Rosamond with one shot?" It was true. By a careless
use of his gun and an accidental discharge, he had shot
the three sisters. Aunt Sally was struck in tiie hand
and she carried the shot there till her death. Harriet
was hit on the head and Rosamond in the leg. But as
nothing very serious came from the accident, and as all
were well, Arnold could joke over it at a dinner party,
and no doubt a hearty family laugh followed the
boy's remark. On October 6, 1840, George Arnold
married Emiline I Booth of Lempster, N. H. She was
bom November 13, 1814, in Lempster and died Febru-
ary 17, 1879. She was a very refined lady, polished and
dignified, accustomed to aristocratic society. Their
children :
98. Lucius A. bom July 19, 1841.
99. An infant son bom October 30, 1844, died 1844.
The following sketch was written by Lucius A., son of
George Amodl:
"George Amold Purmort, son of John and Sarah Wal-
worth Purmort, was born in Jay, N. Y., October 4, 1812.
He was one of a family of thirteen children. John, Jr.,
James Harvey, Nathaniel, George Amold and Adon-
iram were for a number of years in partnership in the
iron and manufacturing business in Jay. In course of
78 The Purmorts in America
time John sold his interest. Adooiram al^ sold out his
interest but a short time before he died. The business
was then conducted by James Harvey, Nathaniel and
George Arnold under the firm name of James H. Pur-
mort & Co.
"In the fall of 1856 the state dam at the head of Ausable
River gave away during a heavy rain storm in the night
and carried away forge, coal houses, saw mill, shops,
tannery, store and contents. Nothing escaped the flood
but the grist mill that was situated on the other side of
the river. There were nine lives lost on the river that
night. In the spring of 1857 James Harvey and George
Arnold built a new forge, store and necessary shops and
carried on the business until the death of Harvey in
1859. George Arnold continued the business until 1867,
when he sold out and moved to Lempster, N. H., to live
with his son, Lucius A. Purmort, where he died Febru-
ary 12, 1887. George Arnold Purmort was a natural
mechanic and had charge of the mechanical part of the
business of the firm. He was married to Emeline I.
Booth, of Lempster, N. H., October 6, 1840, who died
February 17, 1879. They had one son, Lucius A.
Purmort.
42. Harriet H. Purmort born August 3, 1814, died 1866.
On June 23, 1836, she was married to W. H. Buttrick
of Jay. Their children, all bom at Jay :
Anna J., unmarried, died in Chicago, November
25, 1866.
Harriet, married Prof. Isaac Newell, died at Minne-
apolis, Minn., October 21, 1868.
George M., unmarried, died St. Cloud, Minnesota,
s
H
H
P
n
g
o
S
o
p;
REV. JOHN MATHBiWS.
MRS. SARAH BUTTRICK MATHEWS.
And in England 79
January 3, 1868.
Sarah W. born April, 1849, married Rev. John Mat-
thews, a Baptist minister, and they now live at
Detroit, Mich.
Mrs. Sarah Walworth Mathews, daughter of Har-
riet Purmort Buttrick, former wife of Simon L.
Davis, deceased, lumber merchant of Chicago, whose
son, Jesse B. Davis, is assistant principal of De-
troit schools and of marked ability. She is of much
force and strong character. Her Bible readings
have been sent all over Michigan in pamphlet form.
Mr. and Mrs. Mathews have two Children, George
and Alice. Mr. Mathews has preached the Gospel
for nearly fifty years in New York State, San Fran-
cisco and Detroit Mich. He is an orator, and on
public occasions he can deliver addresses that are
of a high order and are popular with the people.
He has had several pastorates in the city of Detroit
and both himself and wife are regarded as earnest
workers for the Master.
Obituary
Miss Harriet Purmort was the daughter of Deacon
John and Sarah Walworth Purmort. She was bom
in Jay, Essex county, N. Y., August 3, 1814, and died
in Chicago, 111., October 20, 1866. Was married in Jay
to the Hon. William H. Buttrick June 23, 1836. Mr.
Buttrick died March 16, 1850, at the age of thirty-six,
leaving her with four children, one son and three daugh-
ters. From the age of seventeen she was a follower of
8() The Purmorts in America
Christ and joined tlie Baptist Church, to which she was
ever loyal. When the war of the Rebellion brdce out,
and the nation was in peril, she showed the same true
love and loyalty to her country. She consented without
a murmur to her only boy, the pride and joy of her heart
to enlist, and the sacrifice was none too great. She had
long before promised her God that she would leave her
father's children with Him, and she never broke her
vow, often saying: "Though He slay me, yet will I
trust Him." At the close of the war, she and her family
moved to Chicago, 111., bidding adieu to her beautiful
country home, the friends of her childhood, and the hills
and mountains with all their hallowed associations, only
to live one short year. She had an ardent temperament
with an unartificial nature. Was interested in all phil-
anthropic work, especially foreign missions. To her
the study of missions was always helpful, inspiring, and
fascinating. She was a firm believer in the efficacy of
prayer. The family altar was never neglected or for-
gotten. Morning and evening she knelt with her chil-
dren, and commended them to the "God of all grace, who
was able to keep them from falling, and present them
faultless before the presence of His glory, with exceed-
ing joy." She had the comfort of knowing that each
child had accepted Christ as their own personal Savior
before death. She died of t)rphoid fever after a brief
illness of two weeks. As the children all stood by her
bedside, one of them said, are you going to leave us
mother; what shall we do? She simply said trust, fully
showing her faith through life.
43. Adoniram Judson Purmort bom May 6, 1817, died
MRS. ADONIRAM J. PURMORT AND SON, HENRY.
And in England 8i
January 30, 1854. This brother was the junior in the
firm of J. H. & A. J. Purmort. He conducted the busi-
ness affairs of tiie company, going to Troy and New
York City and Boston twice each year to buy goods.
He was the wide-awake active business member of the
firm, keeping in toudi with the Iron Industry, Pig
iron and by-products of which they were manufacturers.
They kept a stock of nearly ever3rthing in merchandise.
He maintained a fine home, owned good horses and kept
everything up to date. When Nathaniel was taken sick
with a fever, Adoniram took his place on the farm and
oversaw a gang of about fifty men in covering coal pits.
He worked very hard at this and overfieating his blood
soon sickened from which he never recovered. Blood
poison followed. His suffering was great and lasted
for five years. He died a faithful Christian death. He
was a kind man and was a great lover of his home and
family. The day before his death, and well knowing
that the end was near, he cautioned his wife about the
exposure that might occur at his funeral as it was
winter time. He told her to dress warmly their little
boy Henry, that he might not take cold at the cemetery.
He was as thoughtful in all his plans and arrangements
of life. The life and death of such a parent will always
be remembered and fondly cherished. On January 12,
1845, ^t J^Yf N. Y., he married Amande B. Jordan. She
was bom March 12, 1826, at Jay. She now lives a
widow in New York City. Their children :
100. Henry C. bom Dec. 15, 1845, ^^ J^y-
loi. Infant son, bom Nov., 1847, died 1847.
102. Hartwell born July 2, 1848, died Aug. 15, 1850.
82 The Purmorts in America
Adoniram's Obituary
"Died at Jay, Essex County, New Yoric, January 30, 1854,
Mr. Adoniram J. Purmort, in the 37th year of his age. Mr*
Purmort for a number of years was of the firm of J. H. Purmort
& Company, carrying on extensive business in this community,
and had secured the reputation of an active, efficient and honest
man in all bis business transactions, and a strictly moral, benevo-
ient, and worthy member in the community. His disposition was
mild and peaceable, his urbanity of manners, with an unassuming
and modest deportment, presented him at all times a dutiful and
obedient son, an agreeable companion, a faithful and loving
brother, an affectionate husband, a tender and indulgent father, a
warm and constant friend, endeared to all who knew him and were
capable of appreciating his merits. For some Ihree years Mr.
Purmort was a great sufferer, from the nature of the disease
which in the event terminated his earthly course. He sought
remedies from physicians, from the watering place at Saratoga,
and from the water cure establishments at Brattlebon, Vermont,
and Glenn Haven, New York, but to no lasting good results.
Death had marked him as its victim, though in early life, in the
midst of prospect of usefulness and when most of all it seemed
desirable his continuance should have been prolonged. But al-
though his prospects were thus blasted his sufferings intense,
never was there heard a sigh or murmur to escape his lips. His
last end was peaceful and he was enabled to make expressions of
his confident hope in Jesus Christ, which is most peculiarly con-
soling to the surviving friends. His funeral was attended by a
numerous circle of friends and acquaintances and a sermon suited
to the occasion was preached by Rev. J. W. Sawyer, from
Romans, 8, 18, Tor I reckon that the sufferings of this present
g
o
<
o
o
ADONIRAM J. PURMORT.
And in England 83
time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be
revealed in ns'."
44. Lucy Purmort bom November 15, 1797, died August
15, 1827. She married David Barker but no children
came f rcxii this marriage.
45, Minor Purmort bom September 30, 1799, died October
17, 1854. It appears that during a part of lus minority
he made his home with Richard Purmort No. 16, the
good man, who did so mudi for other people's children.
When he married at the age of 20 he took possession of
the old Jay homestead, buying out the other heirs and
taking in the old folks to give them a home during life.
He t)egan at once to improve the old place. He built
the stone house that still stands firm as the day it
was finished. He quarried out the rock from the moun-
tain side and shot them down an incline and then carted
then to the building spot. He built barns and s'heds
and made new fences till the place was in the very best
shape. Here five of his children were bom, and here
he for twelve years lived in peace and great prosperity.
But reverses came, not of his own mismanagement
(unless endorsing a note for a large sum is misman-
agement), whereby he lost his farm and all tfie im-
provements. It must have been a terrible calamity to
himself, and family of wife and small children and aged
parents, to abandon tfie old home he had worked so long
for, and which they all loved so dearly — for it was a
mountain home, under the look of the old "White Face,"
with bubbling springs and clear brooks, and forest trees.
Here, too were nearly all of his kin, with their large
families and prosperous business life. Here was the
84 The Purmorts in America
dear dd Baptist Church yAiidbi htmself and wife loved
so dearly. But now he must depart, swept of all his
earthly store, and b^^ anew in strange lands. O, no
wonder, that many years afterwards, when burning with
fever and dying, way out on the bare, hot prairies of
Illinois, in his delirium, he would plead for just one cold
drink of water from the coed springs of his old Mountain
Home in nortfiem New York. About the year 1840 he
moved with his family to Kempville, Canada, where he
lived for about twelve years engaged in the tannery
business. Here four more of his children were bom.
In the summer of 1847 ^ moved to Berlin, Delaware
County, Ohio, traveling over the Old Erie Canal and
landing at Newark, Ohio, going overland by team from
there to Berlin. His devoted wife died at Berlin, Feb-
ruary 13, 1850, leaving him a broken hearted and broken
spirited man with a large family of small children, and
small means for their support. He moved to Ashley,
Ohio, and engaged in mercantile business but did not
succeed in it. In the summer of 1854 he moved to Casey,
Henry County, Illinois, taking his family with him.
Here in the autumn after a long summer of great heat
and drouth and crop failure he died, tired of life. He
was always a member of the Baptist Church and died
a faithful Christian. He was very conscientious
and punctilHous about his family worship ; the dear old
Bible he used being still in use by one of his sons.
Minor Purmort married December 27, 1829, Perlena
Nettleton, who was bom in Salisbury or Montpelier,
Vermont, October 19, 1808, and died at Berlin, Dela-
ware County, Ohio, Febmary 13, 1850.
i-.
00 .
K .2
H .
CQJZ
o
And in England 85
Perigree of Perlena Nettlcton Purtnort.
(6) Perlena Nettleton was the ^tfa child of
(5) Jereimafa (3) Nettleton who was bom September 18,
1718, died Sept. 15, 1819, and Lydia LaDoyt, whom he
married April 2, 1795.
Jeremiah (3) was the 4thi diild of
(4) Jeremiah (2) Nettleton bom October 7, 1738, died at
Newport, New York, November 17, 1816, and Love
Buel whom he married November 19, 1760. Jeremiah
(2) was the ist child of
(3) Jeremiah (i) Nettleton bom April 2, 1718, and Debora
Jeremiah (i) was the 2nd child of
(2) Joseph Nettleton bom 1671, died October 20, 1776, and
his wife, Hannah^Bushnell, married February 18, 1712.
Joseph was the 2nd child of
(i) John Nettleton who came to America from England
1665. Savage says in his Genealogical Dictionary:
"This John Nettleton was at Killingworth, Conn., 1663.
His wife was Martha Hull whom' he married August
29, 1669. He died March 18, 1691.
In the "Visitations" made in England in 1584, 1612 and 1665
to ascertain pedigrees, it was found that nine generations of the
Nettleton family resided in Yorkshire, England, previous to 1584
or 1612. The name in Anglo Saxon "Netle'* or English "Nettle."
The growth of this weed has given name to many places as Net-
tlefield, Nettlefold, Nettleship, etc. There are Nettleton Parishes
in Counties Lincoln and Witts, see Lower's Patronymica Britan-
ica, page 236.
Periena Nettleton Purmort was a woman of great mental
ability and force of character. As long as she lived she sustained
the ODurage of her husband Minor, no matter how severe their
86 The Purmorts in America
reverses and trials. Her faliier, Jeremiah,, was killed by a tim-
ber falling on his head, and her mother was left with a lai^ge
family of six girls and two bo}rs, while they were yet small.
The girls picked up what education they could find, as schools
were scarce and expensive at that time. There is no account of
any of them attending school much less a college or academy.
Three or four of the girls began to teach and Perlena came to
Jay, New York, for this purpose when Minor Purmort met her
and they were married. She was a great diurch worker and an
excellent singer. She possessed a strong memory and many
were the old Baptist hymns she sang, remnants of which remain
in her family to this day and are always called for by the younger
generations on Sabbath evenings when in the stillness of the
twilight a worshipful spirit falls upon the group.
The Author of this book cannot allow this opportunity to pass
without paying the following tribute to his Sainted Mother,
whom he never knew to any satisfactory extent :
That she was a remarkable wcMnan I can most assuredly
affirm from what I have heard and observed concerning her.
Being only three years old when she died, I have but one dim
memory of her personally, and this very slight incident is suffi-
cient to give me an idea of her energetic temperament, of her
domestic solicitude, as well as of her gentle and loving interest
in her children. She had long been sick and many of her kind
neighbors and friends called to see her at the old "Mud House"
in Berlin Township, Delaware County, Ohio. Her condition of
failing strength must have been the common an^^iety of all in-
terested in her, and no doubt was the constant heavy cloud that
overhung the home and caused a .depressed feeling among the
older ones of the family ; for I still am able to recall a strange
childish feeling I then experienced, not knowing what it was, but
And in England 87
assumed it must be something regarding Mother, for I can surely
remember, going many times to her bed, that was very high, and
reaching up my hand to feel hers and to ask her some questions
of my childish want
One day my oldest sister, Ellen, who was attending to the
duties of the family had some sad experience with some bread she
was making. She took her trouble to Mother and complained
so sorrowfully about her failure, that Mother at once arose in
her long w^hite robe and went to the kitchen. I can now see
her as I did then, standing at the table examining the dough.
So pleased I was to see her up, that I ran to her shouting, Mother
is getting well. I still see her looking down at me with a smile
saying, "I guess so" or words to that effect. Then as I have
grown older and have talked with the older members of the family
about Mother, I am able to detect the kind of influence she
exerted over them while living. She must have been the strong
factor in the home. Her lessons must 'have been for triith and
right and culture and Christian love.
I have in my possession a letter written to her sister Sarah
in Canada in August, 1847, wh^n I was about six months old. It
is a very long letter and gives full particulars of the journey of
the family from Canada to Delaware County, Ohio. I am able to
see in this letter a strong talent for description, an easy flow of
good language, a keen sense of the mirthful, and the earnest
solicitude of a faithful wife and watchful Mother. She shows
her ambition by mentioning many signs of "respectability" in
the new country, the strange people, the good qualities of her
brother's and sister's families living there, the general thrift of
the people, and above all of the good school house and the church.
I have had several conversations with people, not members
of the family, about my Mother and I have felt higlily gratified
88 The Purmorts in America
to hear them speak of her in terms of highest praise, for several
have remarked to me, "Your Mother was no ordinary woman."
Her brodiers and sisters all had the very highest regard for
her and her ability, and have often mentioned to me that s^he was
a remarkable woman. But I learn from one other source, by no
means the least, concerning her character. It is the 37th Psalm
that was her favorite of the Psalter. A woman of so large a fam-
ily, who had so willingly and patiently s-hared her home with
aged grandparents — for my father's parents lived and died at her
home — who had also taken into her home a brother of her hus-
band's and also two orphan children of another brother, and had
reared them to maturity; who had suffered so many financial
losses — for my fatfier lost much by other men's dishonesty — now
in middle life widi a large and needy family, and with broken
health, could select this Psalm as her favorite, plainly shows that
above all the disappointments of life, she had a strong faith in
God, and a trust in Him, that made her brave in trial, and strong
in adversity. She was a most devout Christian, an earnest mem-
ber of the Baptist Qiurch, and died happy in Christ. I have
always felt that her prayers in my behalf have followed me
through life, and that in answer to them, I was directed into the
Ministry, and have been aided from above in my work through
life. C. H. P.
Note. — It will be observed that most of the New York and
New Hampshire and Massachusetts Purmorts were Baptists ; it
will not be out of place to present in our book the picture of one
of the most noted Baptist divine of his day, Rev. Baron Stow,
D. D., of Boston. He was Perlena Nettleton Purmort's first
cousin. Born at Croydon, N. H., June 16, 1801, graduated at
Columbia College, D. C, 1825. He was pastor for a time at
Portsmouth. N. H., and then at Boston for many years, beginning
REV. EARON STOW. D. D.
And in England 89
with 1832. He was very prominent in all the affairs of his denom-
ination, and was author of many books, among which was a
popular Bapist Hymn Book. He died in Boston December 27,
1869.
Children of Minor Purmort No. 45 and Perlena, his wife:
103. Ellen Perlena bom August 10, 1832, at Jay, N. Y.
104. Minor LaDoyt born April 16, 1834, at Jay.
105. An infant son died at birth.
106. Francis Wayland bom June 20, 1837, at Jay. He was
killed by Gurrillas at close of the War of the Rebellion
in Kentucky. He enlisted first in the 54th Illinois In-
fantry Regiment from Casey, Illinois, at beginning of
the war. He became ist Lieut of Co. E. 3rd Bat. ist
Reg. of Capitol Guard, Ky. (colored) Oct. i, 1864. He
was discharged at Paducah, Kentucky, Febmary 18,
1865, and was preparing to return home to his friends
in Ohio when he was killed July i, 1865. During his
service he had many hand to hand and face to face
encounters with gurrillas in Tennessee and Kentucky,
and some very narrow escapes from death. He was
passing through the country on some business matters
when meeting a band of these desperate men he sprang
into the Tennessee River to swim across but when near
the opposite shore he was hit in the head by a rifle ball
and his body floated down the stream, never to be seen
by friends again. He was a fine appearing man, straight
as an arrow, lithe, quick, daring, venturesome. He died
unmarried.
107. George Walworth bora March 7, 1839. He enlisted in
the 54th Illinois Infantry at opening of the war. Spent
the first year in the malarial regions of Kentucky and
90 The Purmorts in America
Tennessee mardiing and guarding Rebel property. He
took the army fever and soon died in the Army Hos-
pital at Nashville, Tennessee, May 2, 1863. He was a
large fine looking yonug man. Very stnxig physically
and mentally. Had he lived he would have made a
prominent man of business or a scholar. He was un-
married.
108. L. Lonanda bom February 26, 1841, at Kempville, Can-
ada, where she died September 10, 1843.
109. Roxana Love bom April 7, 1843, Kempville, Canada,
no. Sarah Ann bom Febmary 25, 1845, Kempville, Canada.
111. Charles Hiram born March 22, 1847, Kempville, Canada.
112. Esther R. bom July 9, 1849, ^t Berlin Ohio, where she
died Febmary, 1850.
46. Algetha Purmort bom Febmary 20, 1806. She married
Mr. Bissel of Mt. Forrest, Canada. They had a large
family whose names and whereabouts have not been
learned.
47. Charles Purmort bom at Jay, April 21, 1803. Little is
known of this man. He was a very large man and lived
and died at Jay. He married into the noted family of
Sawyer, one of whom. Rev. Dr. Sawyer, was a Baptist
Minister. His wife's name was Eunice Sawyer. Date
of her birth, marriage and death unknown. Both she
and her husband died early and left their children
orphans. Their children :
1 13. Eunice bom 1835, died 1851, unmarried, at Ashley, Ohio,
at the home of her uncle Minor Purmort, who had
g^ven herself and brother a home for many years. She
was a fine girl, strong, well built and healthy, with a
gentle and sweet disposition. She started in at a young
s
tf
GUESS?
NATHANIEL PURMORT, NO. 65.
And in England 91
ladies boarding school at Circleville, Ohio, but soon con-
tracted a severe cold that resulted in quick consumption
which took her away. She was an earnest Chris-
tian and a member of the Baptist C3iurdi.
114. Coanant Sawyer, born April 7, 1833, ^tt Jay, New York,
and died at Boulder, Colo., September 25, 1897.
52. Joseph Purmort, son of -Mark No. 23, was bom Sep-
tember 6, 1803, died February 9, 1836. Nothing has
come to the knowledge of the writer concerning the
diaracter and history of this man. He married Sarah
Mitchell of Enfield. Their children:
115. Disa bom Febmary 22, 1834.
j 55. Nathaniel Purmort bom March 26, 1808. Little has
come down regarding the personality of this Purmort
! other than he secured the old home at Enfield where he
lived and reared his family in the fear and love of the
Lord. His picture presented on another page plainly
reads into his face. Christian character and firmness of
purpose. An old time character, whose influence for
God and native land, will survive in his progeny. He
married October 2, 1834, ist wife, Sarah Colby of Plain-
field, N. H. Their children:
116. Lewis Berry bom at Enfield November 2, 1835.
117. Merrill C. bom June 17, 1837, died unmarried January
25, 1867.
118. Abigal S. bom June 3, 1839.
119. Almira H. bom November 10, 1841, died. Febmary 3,
1871.
Nathaniel married October i, 1845, second wife, Hanns^
T. Crane of Ogden, N. Y. Their Children :
120. Mark H. bom August 30, 1851.
92 The Purmorts in America
'Nathaniel married February, i860, third wife, Clarissa
A. Leavitt of Plainfield. No issue from this marriage.
57. Mark Purmort, son of Mark No. 23, was bom February
4, 1818, died April 18, 1878. The following has been
well written of this man :
"Mr. Purmort was CMie of the leading and influential
citizens of the town where he resided. He had held
various town and county offices and always dis-
charged his duties with credit to himself and satis-
faction to his fellowmen. In 1875 he was elected
one of the commissioners for Grafton Q>unty, his
term expiring a little before he died. He was an
active member of the Democratic party and ever
held the fullest confidence of his friends. He was
faithful to all his trusts and never betrayed the in-
terests committed to his hands. For many years
he was in the mercantile business in Enfield and
was an accommodating neighbor, a kind husband,
an indulgent father, genial friend and a valuable
citizen. He regarded substance more than show in
life and esteemed the solid virtues far above any
empty professions or mere appearances. Indeed
with him, if the head and heart were only right, all
else were of little value. He died from a cancer on
his tongue, ate no food for twenty-eight days."
He married at Enfield, April 7, 1854, Martha Howard
Packard. She was bom February 19, 1822, died May
26, 1874. Their children:
121. Walter bom April 8, 1846, died November i, 1846.
122. Mary Adelaide bom December 8, 1847, di^ ^t Enfidd
Center, N. H., January 6, 1901.
JOHN PURMORT. NO. 68.
And in England 93
123. Charles Warren bom at Enfield Center, October 22, 1849.
124. Henrietta Francis bom March 2&, 1852.
1^5. Ida Martha bom October 18, 1855.
126. Clara A. bom September 5, 1857, died June 6, 1871, at
Boston.
127. Fred M. born July 14, 1859.
128. Katie bom August 9, 1862, died October 4, 1863.
Mark married second wife, Hattie Durstin, of Canaan,
N. H. No offspring from this marriage.
58. John Purmort, son of Nathaniel, No. 24, was born April
10, 1806, died December, 1869. He married Elizabeth
Fandiam of Enfield. We have no personal history of
the man or his wife. Their children :
129. Polly M. born December 15, 1828.
130. Sarah F. bom June 12, 1831.
131. Lydia S. bom July, 1833, died unmarried 1853.
132. Martin VanBuren born November 2, 1842.
59. Hiram Purmort bom June 20, 1809, ^^^ July 4, 1873.
Married April 27, 1833, Sarah Pettingill of Enfield, N.
H. No personal sketch of the lives and characters of
these have been received. Their children :
133. Nathaniel bom March 9, 1834, died March 28, 1864.
134. Minor T. bom June 27, 1836, died May 26, 1901.
60. Disa L. Purmort bora December '23, 1813, died April
5, 1891. Married March i, 1835, J. B. Sargent of
Enfield. Their children:
Philip bom June 19, 1836.
Phoebe P. bom February 18, 1838.
Clarence B. bom March 2, 1844.
Nathaniel P. bom September 19, 1848.
61. Almira Purmort bom November i, 1815, died Novem-
94 The Purmorts in America
ber 2, 1878. She married E. M. Sargent of Enfield.
Their children : Julia A., Jennie, John H., William M.,
Frank H.
62. Joseph Hazen Purmort bom October 9, 1819, died July
25, 1880. J. H. Purmort, one of the thrifty and substan-
tial farmers of the town of Lebanon, N. H., had been
for a year or two past in imperfect health, the result
of that indefatigable industry and hard work which
characterized the race to which he belonged. He was
a man of solid worth, quiet and unostentatious in his
nature, but clear headed and with a good stock of com-
mon sense; loved by all who came near to him and
thoroughly respected by all who knew him.
He gave largely of his means, especially to the Baptist
Qiurch in the village of which he was one of the early
members and whose interests he held dear. He leaves
a wife and three chiMren.
Me married, November 2, 1843, Marcia E. True of
Plainfield, New Hampshire. She was bom March 2,
1820, and is still living at the ripe age of 87 with her
daughter, Mrs. Hough, at Lebanon, New Hampshire,
and at this age she possesses all her faculties to
a remaricstble degree. She is able to write a steady plain
hand and takes great interest in the Purmort Grenealogy.
She is an earnest Christian and always mentions in her
letters her faith in her God. She is cheerful and resigned
to all of God's providence with herself and the family.
Thejr children.
135. Mary T. bom January 12, 1844, died unmarried March
25, 1863.
136. Ellen M. bom June 28, 1846.
JOSEPH HAZEN PURMORT.
And in England 95
137. Osgood L, born November 23, 1850.
138. Mercia E. bom June 6, 1858, unmarried, living at Leb-
anon, an invalid.
63. Hymen F, Purmort, son of Richard No. 25. He was
bom May 10, 1806 and died 1875. Married ist wife,
Laura Hastings. Their children :
139. Racine bom August 30, 1831, at DePeyster, N. Y., died
January 10, 1884.
140. Sarah lone bom .
Hymen F. married 2nd wife 1863. No children by this
marriage.
65. Hannah Purmort bom . She married Mr. Pen-
nock of Valparaiso, Indiana. No record of this family
has been received.
67. Albina Purmort bom . She wrote a book of
poems called 'The Northern Harp." She was a woman
of many sorrows and a sad heart. She lost many near
relatives whom she loved and cared for through long
sickness. She voiced her sorrows in her poems, yet in
them all there breathes a strong tmst in her God. She
married Mr. Bigelow of Pottsdam, N. Y., an M. E.
Minister. No record of her family can be given by
the writer.
69. Hannah S. Purmort, daughter of Abner D., No. 29,
bom December 6, 1809, died December 9, 1888. She
married first a Mr. Blake, 2nd George Gore. She had
no children.
71. Joseph Purmort, son of Abner D., No. 29. He was bom
July 15, 1815, died Nov. 18, 1888. He was born, lived
and died at Blast Georgia, Vermont. It is said of hun
that he' was six feet two inches tall and well propor-
96 The Purmorts in America
tioned physically. That he was a fine, noble man,
moral and upright in all his transactions with men.
Very prominent and influential in his community. He
was once a member of the Vermnot Legislature. He
was a model farmer and fine stock breeder. He owned
640 acres of good land and was very wealthy. Another
who knew him well has the following to say about this
Joseph. Joseph Purmort, son of Abner Purmort, East
Georgia, Vermont, had all the graces of his father,
except his jokes which were too personal to suit some
peqple. From i860 he had full charge of the farm and
bought stock to ship to Boston the selling market. He
was a proud man and he had everything to make him
so. Fine bringing up, large experience. His fault was,
slow in courting. He might have had his chcnce when
young but waited until about 55 years of age. He
served his country and state and was well thought of as
a business man and judge of horses and stock. On
June I, 1869, he married Eliza Smith of New Haven,
Vermont, who is still living, 1907. They had no children.
72. Cynthia M. Purmort born September 11, 1817, died
1889. She married Willoughby Smith of Monkton, Ver-
mont. Their children : Hannah, who married Mr. Bar-
num, Ira, and Sarah, who married Mr. Wheeler.
73. Sarah E. Purmort born November 6, 1819, died Febru-
ary 12, 1858. She miarried July 13, 1847 Freeborn E.
Bell of St. Albins, Vermont. They had one son and
three daughters, Abner P. who married Eunice Hall of
Swanton. Carrie who married C. H. Blake of Swanton,
another daughter who married S. K. Butterfield.
Amande B. who married, 1876, Leslie B. Truax and they
7^
H
09
O
£
<
<
o
o
o
CQ
And in England 97
now live at St. Albins, Vermont. Tliey have a son, J.
Purmort Truax, and four daughters.
Mrs. Amanda B. Truax has been deeply interested in
the Purmort genealogy and has written the Author many
letters and given him much information regarding her
branch of the family. She merits great credit for this
interest, and surely has the sincere thanks of the Author
of this bodk.
74. Polly B. Purmort, daughter of John No. 30, bom June
12, 1812. She married Hampton Colgrove. She died at
Waucoma, III., 1892. No children.
75. Almira H. Purmort, bom in Georgia, Vermont, April
7, 1815, died December i, 1880. She married 1837
Byron B. Austin. Their family :
Charles bom 1840, died 1873.
Mary bom 1842, died 1897.
Sefrona bom 1845, d^^d 1898.
Adin bom 1847.
Jennie bom 1849.
Amanda bom 1852.
George bom 1856.
Abner bom 1858.
78. Sophronia E. Purmort (wife of Alonzo A. Webster).
Bom at Georgia, Vermont, August 2, 1820, died at
Sutton, Vermont, October 2, 1889. Mrs. Webster was
an earnest Christian worman, held in high esteem by her
neighbors and friends. She lived a quiet but useful life
on a farm with her family, who revere her memory and
are profiting by her noble example, and wise loving coun-
sel, and her sincere prayers.
98 The Purmorts in America
Their diildren :
John Purmort Webster bom at Fairfax, Vermont,
August 8, 1844.
Jason B. Webster bom at Fairfax, Vermont, Sep-
tember II, 1846.
Delucia C. Webster (wife of W. A. Corliss) bora
at Fairfax, Vermont, June 6, 1849, d^^ ^^ Spencer,
Mass., October 8, 1886.
Delilia C. Webster (wife of M. A. Clark) born at
Fairfax, Vermont June 6, 1849, ^^^ ^i^ Lyndonville,
Vermont, September 26, 1890.
80. Christopher L. D. Purmort bora April 20, 1824, died
1899. He married first wife, Caroline Smith. Their
children :
141. Joseph C. born in Georgia, Vermont, i860.
Christopher L. D. Married second wife, Emily Porter.
No family reported from this marrktge.
81. John Y. Purmort born September 22, 1828, died Novem-
ber 24, 1879. He married first wife October 9, 1853,
Qarissa Dee ; she died 1859. Their children :
142. Lottie M. bom February 26, 1855.
143. Clara J. bom December 22, 1859, died Febraary 16, i860.
John Y. married second wife September 18, 1861, Lucia
Gilmore, she died July 8, 1879. Their children :
144. A daughter bora^and died July i, 1866.
145. Annie L. bom August 23, 1869, died September 8, 1870.
83. Abner D. (2) Purmort bom East Georgia, Vermont,
January 24, 1830. Abner D, Purmort was bora in Elast
Georgia, Franklin county, Vermont. He was brought
up on- a farm. He obtained his education at the public
schools at Georgit, Fairfax and Milton in that state,
and taught school for eight sesaons in Vermcmt and
And in England 99
Pennsylvania. He moved to the territory of Minnesota
1856 and took up a preemption claim in Dayton Town-
ship, Hennepin county. He held the township offices of
Chairman of Board of Supervisors, Assessor and Justice
of the Peace, and was Postmaster of Maple Grove for
five years. In 1871 moved to the township of Bethel,
Anoka county, and took up a homestead where he held
the office of Town Clerk for ten years. In 1884 moved
to the city of Anoka where he still resides. He is a
member of the Universalist Church at Anoka. He
served in the 2nd M. D. in the Army of the Rebellion
and was stationed in Arkansas, Duvalls Bluffs. On
April I, 1854, at Clearfield, Pa., he married Ellen Evans
who was bom at Milton, Vermont, April 23, 1833. She
died at Anoka, Minnesota, September 12, 1900. She
was a teacher in the common schools. Their children,
all bom in log house in Hennepin county, Minnesota:
146. John E. bom November 18, 1856.
147. Abner A. bom June 6, 1868.
148. Mark E. bora January 12, 1874. He served in the
Spanish war with the 14th Minnesota Vol. Co. B. sta-
tioned at Chicamauga, Ga. Was brought home sick»
149. Govenor W. bom March 28, 1877.
150. First daughter, Ada L., bom July 15, 1858. Married
March 2^, 1878, Frank Hart.
151. Second daughter, Kate M., bom October 22, 1862.
Married December 30, 1885, H. A. Sharrocks.
152. Third daughter, Lucia E., bom September 6, 1864.
Married July 27, 1888, F. E. Randall. They all live in
Minnesota, mostly in and around Anoka. The father,
Abner D. (2), still lives and is spending the winter of
100 The Purmorts in America
1906-7 in California, Where he has built his own house
all alone, though now yy years old.
•The BeU at Jay
The BeU at J«y, the river's breeze,
To North and South send greeting;
Beneath the Adirondack trees
The Hudson's heart is beating.
Oh, BeUsublimel
In ancient dust
BarUi's arehives rust,
Bnt not thy rhyme!
Thy voice is clear;
I hear it here,
Snbdned by timel
Thy ooonterfeits resemble thee,
As murmurs, in commotion
Upon the tongue-tied midland sea
The speech of unbound oceani
While music fiUs,
And echoes mock
Responsive rock,
While grandeur thriUs,
Thy tone will last;
Thy zone was cast
Between the hillsl
My wish for fame I'U gladly spurn.
As youth's companions meet me;
When I to childhood's home return,
If thy glad welcome greet mel
The slender fronds
Of brake and fern
May shake and turn
At lips of bronze.
Thy chaUenge fling;
Thy welcome ring:
My heart responds! |
frank Daniel Blish
(PubUshed in "The Current," Chicafiro, January 12, 188«)
OLD BAPTIST CHURCH AT JAY, N. Y.
And in England ioi
*In the village of Jay, beyond the An Sable portal of the Adirondacks,
there stands an old Baptist church, built of stone and stirmounted by an
open belfry, where, from huge cross-beams, swings a ponderous bell of rich
and mellow tone. The rivers of these mountians, rising near each other,
find outlets as far apart as Long Island Sound and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Eighth Generation of Purmorts in America
85. Malvina Purmort daughter of John (4) of John (3) of
John (2) of John (i) was bom 1821. She married
F. H. Conro. Their children, Cassius, George, Frederick.
86. John (5) of John (4) of John (3) of John (2) of John
(i) was bom November 10, 1833 and died at Jay Octo-
ber 18, 1850. He married Eliza A. Stales of Jay. She
was bom August 11, 1831 and died July i, 1857. Their
children :
153. An infant son dying in infancy.
87. Ely Stone Purmort, son of John (4) Purmort No. 31,
bom at Jay and died at Black Brook, N. Y., age 52.
He married Mary Ann Parson of Jay. Their children :
154. John R. Bom , died at 11 years of age.
155. Wales Ely born 1849.
156. George Henry bom 1851.
157. Will F. bom .
88. Harriet Purmort, daughter of John and Lois Stone
Purmort, bom Jay, Essex county, N. Y., Febmary 3,
1832. Married June 27th, 1850, to N. C. Boynton of
JayN.Y.
Mrs. Boynton is a Purmort in character as well as name.
She is marked by a high sense of honesty, honor, integ-
102 The Purmorts in America
rity, conscientiousness and moral worth. Righteousness
has been the guiding star of her life. She is a woman in
whom love is king. She has been a devoted wife and
true mother. Her home has been her kingdom. There
she has ruled as queen. The greatest sacrifices for the
citizens of that realm have been gladly made because
love is the breath of her being. She often says: "I
would rather remain at home with my children than at-
tend the finest concert that can be given." Most natur-
ally her husband loved, honored and trusted her, and her
children reverence her. Her noble character, large heart
and sympathetic nature have won for her a host of
friends, and now she is rounding out the years of her
pilgrimage among those who know and prize her worth.
Such wbmen are among heaven's most precious gifts to
the world. Their children :
1. Ella H. Boynton bom at Jay, N. Y., April 23,
1851. Married June 25, 1873, at Keeseville, N. Y.,
to C. S. Taylor. No children.
2. Olive Lois Boynton bom at Jay, N. Y., Decem-
ber 5, 1857. Married November 20, 1882, at Keese-
ville, N. Y., Rev. P. H. Swift, D. D., of Chicago.
Two living children, two deceased.
3. George Melville Boynton bom at Keeseville,
N. Y., June 4, 1863. Married at Boston, Mass., to
Harriet Willard, December 14, 1897. Lawyer in
New York City.
4. Miss Harriet Malvine, now lives in Keesville.
5. Charles Culver.
6. Frederick.
7. Jeanette Grace, died in childhood.
NATHANIEL C. BOYNTON.
HARRIET PURMORT BOYNTON.
And in England 103
Nathaniel Culver Boynton bom in Jay, N. Y., No-
vember 28, 1824. Received a common school edu-
cation, was a merchant and manufacturer in Jay
from 1850 to 1862 when he removed to Keeseville,
N. Y., where he published the Essex County Repub-
lican for six years and until the office was burned.
Afterwards he engaged in mercantile and other
business for many years and is now retired. He
was a member of the Assembly of New York three
terms, being elected first in 1854 and afterwards
in 1882 and 1883. Was a supervisor for Essex
county thirteen years, four fr<wn Jay and nine from
Chesterfield, and was County Clerk of the same
county from January i, 1888, to December 31, 1893.
He died in Chicago, 111., at the home of his daugh-
ter, Mrs. Olive Swift, wife of Rev. P. H. Swift, D.
D., on Thursday morning, February 9, 1903.
89. Olive W. Purmort bom at Jay April 15, 1833. On
October 20, 1854, she married Melville Cox Eams in
Rochester, N. Y. They moved to Chicago, Blue Island,
Illinois, where she died March 5, 1889. Their children :
Melville C. Eames born Milton, Vermont, March
16, 1834. Married Olive Walworth Purmort of
Jay, Essex county, N. Y., at Rochester, N. Y., Oc-
tober 20, 1854. Olive Walworth Purmort was born
April 15, 1833, at Jay, N. Y. (daughter of Deacon
John and Lois Stone Purmort). Their children:
1. Alice Lucina Eames bom Chicago, July 25, 1855.
Married April 24, 1878, to Frank O. Young. Five
children.
2. Eddy Purmort Eames bom Chicago, March 9,
I04 The Purmorts in America
1857, died June i, 1892. Married July i, 1887, to
Isabel E. Pool of Lyon Mass. Two children.
3. John Purmort Eames bom Chicago, September
8, i860. Lives Blue Island, 111.
4. Joseph Purmort Eames bom Chicago January
22, 1863. Married December 13, 1883, to Mary
Cushing Rexford of Blue Island. Five children;
live at Blue Island.
5. Melville Purmort Eames born Chicago, May 14,
1867, died Blue Island, January 14, 1875.
6. Henry Purmort Eames, director pianoforte de-
partment University of Nebraska, Lincoln, bom
Blue Island, 111., September 12, 1871. Married Sep-
tember II, 1895, ^o Clara Boone Hansborough. One
child.
(Clara Boone Hansborough, granddaughter of Dr.
Levi Boone, one of Chicago's mayors at the time
the Emanual Baptist Church burned, he gave
sixty thousand dollars toward the rebuilding of the
church.)
Blue Island, 111., January 10, 1907.
My Dear Daughter Alice : —
Some days since you asked be to write some words that might
be used as a memorial in the "Purmort" book that cousin Mattie
is interested in. In compliance I have written these inadequate
lines which you may use as you like, you may discard them alto-
gether and write your thought or use them in part, just suit your-
self and I am suited.
Olive Walworth Purmort, third daughter of John Purmort
and Lois Stone, was born in Jay, Essex county, New York, April
MELVILLE C. EAMES.
OLIVE PURMORT EAMES.
And in England 105
15, A. D. 1833. Her home was in her native town until the time
of her marriage, which occurred October 20, 1854. She was
married at the residence of her uncle, Franklin Stone, near
Rochester, N. Y., and from that time lived with her husband,
Melville C. Eames, in Chicago, until the year 1868, then in Blue
Island, a suburb of Chicago, until the time of her death, which
occurred March 5, 1889.
Their family were six children. Alice L., Eddy Purmort,
John Purmort, Joseph Purmort, Melville Purmort, and Henry
Purmort.
Eddy died in May, 1892, leaving a widow and two children.
Melville died at the age of six years. Four of her children
and her loved husband yet remain to call her blessed.
How difficult to write the virtues of the perfect woman,
the loving constancy of the wife, the self abnegation and devotion
of the mother, whose life is in the Eden of the home which she
consecrated by an undying affection and in which all her heart's
blood is poured. The perfume of the rose may be suggested but
there are no words to express it. God's greatest blessings are
never told. Nor can I, the one whom most her loving heart en-
dowed for thirty-five years, after the lapse of many (seventeen)
years, and her leaving seems but yesterday, write the words that
can tell another how she lived, and served. I cannot. Yet my
heart tells me that all the world would be richer if they knew her
love, and could share a little in the joyful sacrifices that went to
make her perfect home.
If any read these lines, that know of true love, that have
enjoyed, beyond all power of expression, the happiness of a home
with such a wife, and sudh a mother, that have bidden her fare-
well in the glad hope of soon renewing the confidences, and joys
of personal association, where there will come no parting pangs.
io6 The Purmorts in America
you, I would ask, please pause a moment, and let your own heart
whisper all I would say of my beloved.
What a poor tribute this, to one deserving so much? Like
the widow's mite, it is all I have, and I put it in the treasury.
M. C. E.
Melville C. Eames was the second son of Joseph and Lucina
Eames. (His father. Rev. Joseph Eames, was a Methodist Min-
ister and member of East New York Conference — ^Troy Confer-
ence as his father, Henry Eames, had been before him a member
of the New York Conference).
He was bom in Milton, Vermont, March i6, 1834. The
hardships and vicissitudes of a minister's lot demanded that every
member of the family do his share toward the welfare of all.
So I looked out for myself after my fifteenth year. The fact
that I was enabled to help my parents in their years of care and
anxiety cheers my heart in these latter days. I taught school one
winter in Pittsburg, N. Y., when I was sixteen years old.
The money from the year's work with that earned in the
summer farming, paid my expenses for six months in Troy Con-
ference Academy, Poultney, Vermont.
In the winter of 1850-51 I taught in Middle Granville, N. Y.
My father was stationed at Jay, Essex county, N. Y., and at the
close of school I paid them a visit. While there I fell in with
some people who were to move to Appleton, Wis., and the western
fever took possession of my soul. There I also met Olive Wal-
worth Purmort, who afterwards became my wife. I went west,
remaining in Appleton, Wis., the summer of 185 1. During winter
of 1851-1852 taught school in Fort Howard (Green Bay). Small
Pox broke out and school was closed summarily. After waiting
the proscribed time and not becoming a victim, I took the first
And in England 107
boat in the spring for Chicago in 1852, and Chicago and its
suburbs have been my home ever since.
A severe sickness ruined my first chances for success ; cut me
short of funds, but not of friends. For although I did not know a
single person in the city I was tenderly cared for and soon on
my feet again.
In the fall of 1852 I went on the Chicago Tribune, first as
reporter, later in the business department. I remained with them
until June, 1855, then took charge of the circulating department
of the Chicago Evening Journal and in 1868 the circulation of
the Chicago Tribune. Remained with them until I retired from
business April, 1893.
I was married to Olive W. Purmort October 20, 1854. We
have six children. My home is in Blue Island, a suburb of
Chicago. My grandchildren are thirteen in number.
My faith in the eternal life, through Christ, makes me glad
in this afternoon of my pleasant day. I believe that when the
sun sets here it will rise on a never ending tomorrow.
I may add, that it seems foolish to me as I look back over
seventy-three years to make even this retrospect of my uneventful
days for other eyes to read.
Only the anxieties that are common to everyone, the cares we
all seek to avoid, the miniature success that makes life hopefully
taken up have been my lot. But if you who are gifted can read
between these lines of the many happy hours that are g^ven to
even such as I, it will not be as foolish as it seems.
A daughter states: "I would like to add that father is a
great worker and staunch supporter of the M. E. Church in Blue
Island and has been since its organization over thirty years ago."
90. Rosamond Purmort bom , married Byron Boyn-
ton and now a widow living in Los Angeles, Calif. She
io8 The Purmorts in America
has a son, Frederick Bojnxton, living in California.
91. William Wallace Purmort bom August 22, 1830, at Jay,
N. Y. He had a common sdKX>l education. Became a
school teacher, moved to Missouri in 1856 where he
taught for several years. The following obituary taken
from the Mem^is, Missouri, paper, gives a good his-
torical sketch of Colonel Purmort:
Col. William Wallace Purmort died of inflammation of
the bladded at Sibcmey, Kiowa county, Oklahoma, Mon-
day, November 17, 1902, after an illness of two or
three days, aged 72 years, 2 months and 25 days.
About eight weeks ago deceased moved from this
place to Oklahoma, locating at Siboney, a little town
near Lawton. A short time after his arrival in Okla-
homa bladder trouble developed and it finally caused his
death. He was born in Jay, Essex county. New York,
August 22, 1831, and removed to Missouri in 1856,
locating near Edinburg, in this county. In 1857 he was
married to Ermina DeKalb, who died a few years later.
Again in 1866 he was joined in wedlock with Emeline
Clark. Of these two unions five children survive, viz. :
William, Wallace, James, Nat and Miss Mary. Three
sisters also survive, Mrs. Sarah Newell of Bridgeport,
Vermont; Mrs. Maria Knight of Butte, Montana; and
Mrs. Joel Ewing of this county.
He united with the Baptist Church at Edinburg short-
ly after coming to Missouri. When he moved to Mem-
phis he transferred his membership to the church here
and in all the years of his life, since his conversion, he
was a loyal and faithful member of the church of his
choice. When the civil war broke out he joined the
COL. W. W. PURMORT.
And in Englanp * 109
Home Guards and in 1864 he was commissioned Colonel
of the 29th Missouri Militia. He served two terms as
county clerk of this county and made a faithful and
efficient public servant while in office. After his death
the body was brought here for interment by the side of
his wife who preceded him to the spirit land last May.
Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at the
Baptist Church, Rev. J. P. Sansom officiating, after
which the G. A. R. Post of this city, of which he was an
honored member, took charge of the body and tenderly
laid it to rest by the side of his wife with impressive
ceremonies.
In life and health he was always on hand to take
part in Memorial day exercises, or in paying the last
tribute of respect to a departed comrade. Remembering
this, the old veterans, brief as the notice was, were pres-
ent in a body to honor his memory and assist in the
sad duty of laying his body to rest. They loved him
as a citizen, neighbor and comrade and will deck his
grave with flowers on May 30th of each year as long
as they are able to go to the cemetery. William Wallace
Purmort was married March 4, 1858, at Memphis Mis-
souri, to Ermina DeE^alb. She died September 17, 1863.
On April 18, 1866, he married second wife, Emeline
Clarke. She was bom in Kenosha, Wisconsin, July
8, 1841, and moved with her parents to Scotland county,
Missouri, November, 1855. She was a woman of strong
character and good literary ability, writing much for
current periodicals. She died at Memphis, Missouri,
May I, 1902. Their children :
158. William N. bom at Memphis, Mo., January 2, 1859.
no * The Purmorts in America
159. Wallace O. bom Fetmiary g, 1861.
160. Harwood bom January 11, 1867, died November, 1867.
161. Nettie bom July 4, 1869, died February, 1870.
162. Mary H. bom July 4, 1871, unmarried. A teacher in
Normal school at Memphis, Missouri, for some time.
Now lives in St Louis.
163. James C. bom September 30, 1873, unmarried. A
teadier.
164. Nathaniel H. bora October 9, 1875, unmarried. A U.
S. Railway Mail Ckrk. Lives now in St. Louis, Mo.
92. Louisa Purmort bora December 11, 1832, died March
8, 1862. Married O, P. Myers of Memphis, Missouri.
They had no family.
93. Sarah Purmort born November 10, 1834. In May, 1861,
she married Prof. L. B. Newell of West Port, N. Y.,
where they lived many years. Now live in Bridgeport,
Vermont. They have three adopted children. She now
makes her home with one, Mrs. Alice Newell Deming of
Bridgeport, Vermont.
Sarah W. Purmort bora in Jay, November 10, 1834.
Taught in two different districts, attended the state
normal school at Albany, graduated July, 1856. In
September, under the auspices of Geo. Slade's Teachers'
Agency, went to Sand Hill, Missouri. Taught in Scot-
land county for five years. May 2, 1861, married L. B.
Newell, of Jay, N. Y. Taught with him five years in
Westport, N. Y. Removed to Crown Point, where Mr.
Newell taught for four years. Returned to Westport
where he spent the remainder of his days. Purchased a
farm, but his residence was located within the village
limits. Mr. Newell fitted for college at Keeseville High
LUTHER BOARDMAN NEWELL.
SARAH PURMORT NEWELL. OP BRIDPORT. VT
And in England hi
School, graduated from Vermont University at Bur-
lington in i860. Successful in business. Considered
one of the substantial citizens of the town. Always
took an active interest in school matters as a school
principal. An institute instructor in many teachers'
institutes in Essex and other counties. Served accept-
ably as school commissioner of the second district of
Essex county from January i, 1878, to January i, 1882.
Active and influential in church work, having in early
life united with the Jay Baptist church. Prepared a*
History of the Baj^tist Churches in the Essex and
Champlain Association. Read and adopted at the Semi-
centennial Session held in 1884 at Keeseville. After-
wards published by J. W. Tuttle, of Plattsburgh. Dur-
ing several of his last years was agent for buying pulp
wood for Ticondaroga Pulp & Paper Company. Was
in failing health for a year. Died January 23, 1896.
No own children. Three adopted : Mrs. Dr. Barber of
Newark, N. J.; Mrs. Dr. Motte, died 1888; Mrs. H. S.
Deming, of Bridgeport, Vermont, with whom Mrs. New-
ell lives. One child, Burton Newell Deming.
94. Lavina Purmort bom September 19, 1836, died Novem-
ber, 1866. She married J. L. Morris of Memphis, Mis-
souri. Children, Salem N. and Frank W.
96. Maria P. Purmort bom in Jay, February 4, 1846. Went
with the family to Missouri in 1857. Returned east 1862,
attended the Westport graded school. Returned to
Missouri in 1865. In 1873 went to Montana as a teacher.
Miarried A. B. Knight in Butte, in 1881, where she still
lives. Church home in the First Baptist Church of
112 The Purmorts in America
Butte, where she united by letter from Edinburgh, Mo.,
church.
DEATH OF A PIONEER.
A. B. Knight died yesterday morning at 2 o'clock
after an illness of more than two years. He died at the
residence of J. H. Harper, where he went a few weeks
ago from Sheridan, Mont. He went to the latter town
a few months ago in search of health. He leaves a wife
and a brother, the latter a physician in Michigan, who
has been notified of his brother's death. Those are the
only immediate relatives.
Mr. Knight was a pioneer of Montana and of Butte,
a resident of Montana for 33 years and of Butte since
1885. He was a deputy mineral surveyor and had as-
sisted in much important work in the early surveys of
Butte. He came to Montana in 1871 and established
the first United States signal station in Montana at Vir-
ginia City. He was a student, a scholarly gentleman,
polished and chivalrous, and applied himself very closely
to his books, being one of the best-posted men on cur-
rent events in the city. During his last illness he daily
read the newspapers and talked intelligently on impor-
tant events, especially the Russo-Japanese war, which
was the most important subject he followed during the
last year. Even up to the time when consciousness left
his mind, he read and discussed matters of great moment.
He was a member of the Woodmen and of an eastern
lodge of Masons. The funeral will be held today at 2
o'clock, services at the First Baptist church. Death re-
sulted from a general breaking down of the constitution.
ALBERT B. KNIGHT.
MARIA PURMORT KNIGHT.
And in England 113
Albert Bruce Knight was bom in Livingston county, N.
Y., February 23, 1844. In early boyhood he moved to
Michigan, where he enjoyed the advantages of the pub-
lic schools and of the state university at Ann Arbor. In
1 86 1 he visited a brother in Indiana, where he enlisted
in Col. (afterward Gen.) Lew Wallace's regiment. He
served through the war as a soldier in his regiment, part
of the time in Louisiana, and during 1864, in the nine-
teenth corps, in the Shenandoah Valley, Va., under Gen-
eral Sheridan. At the close of the war Mr. Knight
served his country as a United States railroad postal
clerk.
About the year 1871 he entered the United States
signal service and established at Virginia City, Mont.,
the first signal station in the territory. He resigned this
position and served one year with General Hayden on
a United States geological survey. About the year 1875
he obtained an appointment as United States deputy
mineral surveyor, in which capacity he arted up to the
time of his death. In 1881 Mr. Knight married Miss
Maria P. Purmort and they made their home in Virginia
City, Mont., until 1885, when they moved to Butte, where
they had since resided. They were married in Butte.
In 1901 Mr. Knight was appointed professor in the
state school of mines, occupying the chair of mining
engineering. In April, 1902, he resigned his position
on account of failing health.
97. Mary L. Purmort born in Jay, June 19, 1848. Accom-
panied her parents to Missouri 1857. In 1862 returned
east where she attended the graded school at Westport.
In 1865 returned to Missouri. In 1873 went to Virginia
114 'I'he Purmorts in America
City^ Montana, as a teacher. Married John B. Cook
October 3, 1876. Died of consumption June 3, 1880.
Consistent member of the Edinburgh Baptist Church.
Possessed an unusually sweet and lovely disposition.
98. Lucius A. Purmort, son of George Arnold No. 41. He
was bom at Jay, N. Y., July 19, 1841. He remained with
his father as long as he did business in Jay, was with
the Essex & Lake Champlain Ore and Iron Company
about two years, had charge .q£ the forge at Elizabeth-
town and Black River. In 1866 he bought of his uncle
the old homestead farm of his mother's in Lempster,
N. H. He went to the farm in the spring ; his father and
mother came to live with him in the fall following and
remained with him as long as they lived. He spent
the years up to 1895 ^^ ^^ ^^irm which has been in
his mother's family for more than a century. Besides
being a successful farmer Mr. Purmort has been active
in county politics, was elected to the state legislature,
and has served twelve years on the Board* of County
Commissioners. In 1895 ^^ sold the farm and moved
with his family to the neighboring town of Newport
where he still resides. He married at Clearmont, N. H.,
April 14, 1874, Elmira Dunham of New Port, N. Y.
She was bom November 23, 1849. She is a woman
eminently domestic in her tastes and habits. Her home
is her kingdom. A gentle, self sacrificing, devoted wife
and mother. Yet always prompt at the bedside of the
suffering in case of need in the neighborhood. In all
sincerity her children rise up and call her blessed.
They now live in New Port, N. Y. His occupation
farming. Their children :
LUCIUS A. PURMORT, SON OF GEO. A. PURMORT.
GEO. H. PURMORT. SON OF LUCIUS A. PURMORT.
HENRY C. PURMORT.
L,.y^ BLISH PURMORT.
And in England 115
165. George H. bom March 15, 1875.
166. Jennie G. bom April 6, 1876.
167. Guy W. bom December 13, 1883.
168. Harry R. bom June 8, 1885.
169. Christine E. bom September 29, 1889.
100. Henry C. Purmort, son. of Adoniram Judson No. 43,
Henry C. Purmort of Oiicago, was born December 15, 1845,
at Jay, Essex county, New York. After attending high school
in Jay, Keeseville, Academy, Rutland, Vermont High School, he
engaged with Joseph Purmort, East Georgit, Vermont, from
March till September, 1859, on his stock farm. Work hours,
4 :30 a. m. to 9 :oo p. m. and four square meals per day, wages
$8.00 per mc«ith. That winter attended Fairfax Vermont Sem-
inary, working for small wages mornings and nights. In the
spring was with French & Kingsley, Wholesale Hardware Com-
pany, 'Rutland, Vermont, as salesman and bocJckeeper till fall
when he went to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., entered Eastman Commer-
cial College, graduated in ten weeks, became cashier for B. H.
Burt, the dry goods merchant, at Rutland, Vermont, for one year ;
then engaged with Jay Gould, president Rutland and Washington
Railway (first road he ever owned), as Freight Auditor, Puy-
roaster and Personal Clerk. This road was only eighty miles
long to Eagle Bridge, New York, connecting with the Troy aid
Boston Railway. After seven months here he had the western
fever having been to Chicago in 1854, and left Rutland with let-
ters from Mr. Gould. He sold out the road that fall and went to
New York, this was in 1864, the year George J. Gould was bom
at Lake George. On arriving at Chicago became clerk to the
General Freigfht Agent of the C, B. & Q. Ry. He giving Henry
his son's place and sending him to college. Next year he left
ii6 The Purmorts in America
railroading and was for two years general offioe man in wholesale
ccmimission and grocery house. The next seven years from 1866
was with T. W. Harvey, the largest lumber dealer at that time,
the last four years having full power of attorney, then one year
with S. K. Martin Lumber Company and then traveled five years
as salesman for Palmer, Fuller & Company, wholesale sash and
door manufacturers. As he regained his health he made valuable
acquaintances in fourteen states from which since 1880 he has
done a wholesale business for himself and has tried to keep the
Purmort name untarnished for fair dealing. November 12, 1867,
married Miss Lillian M. Blish of Jay, N. Y., daughter of Daniel
and Mary H. B. Blish. They arrived in Chicago November 15,
1867, and ever since Chicago has been their home.
Lillian Martha Blish, wife of Henry C, is a descendant of
the old and eminent Colonial Blish family. Their home was in
Jay, New York, where for several years in early times the families
of Blish and Purmorts were well tried, fast and true fnends.
"The Genealogy of the Blish Family in America," a large book
published in 1905, gives the following: "Lillian Martha Blish
was educated in the State Normal School at Albany, New York,
and taught two terms at Jay before her marriage which occurred
at the age of eighteen in the same home in which her father was
bom. She is State Registrar of the U. S. Daughters of 1812 and
a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants, Daughters
of the American Revolution and other organizations, and an en-
thusiastic genealogist and historian. She is also interested in
many local charities and other good works in Chicago and is a
tireless worker."
She and her husband, Henry C, are members of Dr. Gun-
saulius Congregation at the Auditorium, Chicago. A Chicago
J. S. BRUMBACK.
1
i
i
^^^Ibi* f l|i^^^^^^^^B|
1
Li
^^■^j^^l
m
m
^I^^H^^Hn
ELLEN P. PURMORT BRUMBACK.
And in England 117
paper published the following several years ago, which gives an
idea of Mr. Purmort's business ability :
"Mr. Purmort has been a prominent factor in the Lumber,
Sash and Door interests of Chicago for more than twenty years.
By his business methods hehas built up a trade extending through-
out a large portion of the country, and withal has achieved an
enviable success, being known from both his personal character-
istics and financial ability as one of the most substantial men in the
sash and door fraternity."
Their children:
170. Eugene H. born in Chicago, July 13, 1872, died July
i5» 1872.
103. Ellen Purmort bom at Jay, N. Y., August 10, 1832.
She was the oldest child of Minor No. 45 and Perlena
Nettleton his wife. She went with them to Kempville,
Canada, when eight years old and later to Berlin, Dela-
ware county, Ohio, in the summer of 1847. She taught
a term or two of school at Berlin and became noted as
the little teacher who could manage the rude roug'h
boys. Upon the death of her mother in 1850 the care
and responsibility of the hrge family fell upon her young
shoulders, which burden she kindly and successfully
assumed for two years. As the oldest in the large family
of children she had passed through all the trials and
burdens of her parents in their losses and removals and
sad experiences, yet she kept a happy heart and was her
father's helper in those heavy years. On May 27, 1852,
at Ashley, Delaware county, Ohio, she was married to
John Sanford Brumback, a merchant at Ashley. Owing
to poor health of her husband they moved on a farm on
the Old State Road north of Worthington, Ohio, where
ii8 The Purmorts in America
they lived for two years. They then moved to Casey,
Qark county, Illinois, where Mr. Brumback again en-
gaged in mercantile business and succeeded very well.
In the spring of 1862 they moved to Van Wert, Ohio,
a new and undeveloped country at that time and there
they made their home and have lived ever since. Mr.
Brumback was a shrewd thrifty business man and be-
came at Van Wert a man of influence and wealth. Be-
ginning as a poor boy he made his way up the ladder to
a noted financial success. Upon his death at Van Wert,
December 11, 1897, he left in his will plans and means
for a Free Library Building for the city and county of
Van Wert, to cost $35,000.00. This was before the free
library idea had struck Andrew Carnegie. The plan
was of Mr. Brumback's own origination and in his plan
not only the city of Van Wert has the benefit of a fine
free library but also the entire county of Van Wert can
secure books from appointed stations, and the plan is
proving that the rural folk have as great taste and
pleasure in the privileges afforded as the town people.
The fine stone building is a very gem of architecture
and makes a beautiful adornment to the town that can
be seen to good advantage by passengers riding through
on the Pennsylvania Railway. Mr. Brumback was a
man of fine appearance and of a very kind and happy
disposition. A good husband, a noble father and a
worthy citizen. His good judgment was a marked char-
acteristic with him. TTiere were bom to Mr. and Mrs.
Brumback the following family who are now living :
(i.) Orville Sanford, now a lawyer in Toledo, Ohio, and a
leading business man in the city. He graduated at
MINOR LA DOYT PURMORT, SON OF MJNOR PURMORT.
FIDELIA WATSON PURMORT.
And in England 119
Princeton College and Ann Arbor Law School. He is
married and has two daughters.
(2.) David LaDo)^, now a resident of Van Wert, Ohio, and
president of the Van Wert National Bank. A success-
ful banker and prominent in city affairs. He is married
and has three sons.
(3.) Estella, now Mrs. John Reed, Jr., of Van Wert, Ohio.
They have two boys and one daughter.
(4.) Sadie M., now Mrs. Ernest M. Antrim of Van Wert,
Ohio. They have no family.
104. Minor LaDoyt Purmort born at Jay, N. Y., April 16,
1834, died at Van Wert, Ohio, October 18, 1888. As a
young man he prepared himself for mercantile life which
he followed till late in life, when he devoted himself to
general insurance business. He taught school some as
a young man, but preferred a business occupation. He
was a man of medium height, quick and strong physically
and always enjoyed manly sports. He possessed fine
mental ability, active in temperament, somewhat nerv-
ous, full of good cheer. He became an invalid and suf-
fered severely for eight long years with locomotor
ataxia of which he died October 18, 1888, at Van Wert,
Ohio. In the judgment of a brother who knew him well
he should have been a man of some literary profession.
At one time in early manhood he felt called to the Gospel
Ministry. He was a Christian man and member of the
M. E. Church and would have made an eloquent and
successful minister, but reverses in his father's financial
affairs compelled him to active business pursuits and his
life was devoted to the same. On April 16, 1861, at
Casey, Illinois, he married Fidelia S. Watson, a school
120 The Purmorts in America
teacher. She was bom in Sunbury, Ohio, January 27,
1841, and still lives at Van Wert. Their children:
171. Frank Walworth bom at Casey, Illinois, March 5, 1862.
172. Sanford Watson bom at Van Wert, October 13, 1863.
173. Qyde Allen LaDoyt bom at Van Wert, November 2,
1865.
174. Rosamond Wayland born at Van Wert, August 20, 1868,
unmarried, a typewriter and clerk in her brother's in-
surance office. Member of the Presbyterian Church.
175. Charles Meredith born at Van Wert, March i, 1871.
He lives with his mother at Van Wert, an insurance
man and a success in his line. Member of the Prseby-
terian Churdi.
176. Ellen Glenndoline, bom at Van Wert, June 4, 1873,
unmarried. A register letter clerk in the Van Wert
Postcrffice. She graduated at the Van Wert High School.
109. Roxana Love Purmort bom at Kempville, Canada, April
7, 1843. Some three years after her father's death in
1854, she retumed to Canada to live with her mother's
sister. Aunt Sarah Cottrell, where she remained from
1857 to 1861. Returning to Casey, Illinois, she attend-
ed Seminary at Marshall, Illinois, for a year, then moved
with her relatives ^to Van Wert, CSiio, where she taught
for several years in the Van Wert school. She married,
November 29, 1864, Rev. J. W. Allen, the Presbyterian
Minister at Van Wert and became an excellent pastor's
wife. Rev. J. W. Allen, D. D., served very successfully
several pastorates in Ohio, Illinois and Kansas City.
Dr. Allen was born Febmary i, 1837, of Scotch parents
in Belmont county, Ohio. He was brought up on a farm
near Wheeling, Virginia, and was eJtrly in life a member
ROXIB L. PURMORT ALLBN.
REV. J. W. ALLEN. D. D.
GEO. L. KROH.
SARAH A. PURMORT KROH.
And in England 121
of the United Presbyterian Church. He graduated at
Wasfhington and Jefferson College, Pennsylvania, and
at McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, and was
ordained as a minister of the Gospel of the Presbyterian
Church in the U. S. A. He was chosen Synodical Su-
perintendent of the Home Missions for Synod of Mis-
souri, in which position he served the church faithfully
for several years, making his home in St. Louis. He
owned and published for several years a Presb}'terian
weekly paper called "The Mid-Continent." After this
he was placed at the head of the Book Room of the
Board of Publication in St. Louis. His death occurred
March 12, 1899, at St. Louis, Missouri, caused by a
cancer of the stomach, greatly mourned by the church
Smd his many friends. His widow has since made her
home at St. Louis and Kansas City, still very active in
church work. She was a charter member of the Pres-
byterian Woman's Board of the Southwest and has been
an officer in the board up to the present time and a life
member of the same. She also belongs to the Daughters
oi the Revolution. They had no children of their own,
b^n adopted a daughter, Florence by name, who has
rr-^rried Mr. Cliff E. Kroh, of Kansas City, Kan.
Ho. Sirrah Ann Purmort born at Kempville, Canada, Febru-
ary 25, 1845. After the death of her parents she made
he-^ home with her eldest sister, Mrs. Brumback of Van
W<Tt, Ohio. She taught school several terms in Van
W<»rt county and town. On September 4, 1866, she was
married to George L. Kroh, of Lima, Ohio, where she
lived for several years. About 1870 they moved to Kan-
sas City, Missouri, but soon moved over to Kansas City,
122 The Purmorts in America
Kansas, where Mr. Kroh engaged in the nursery busi-
ness. He succeeded well and built a beautiful home for
himself and family. He died with kidney trouble, Janu-
ary 4, 1893, leaving a large family to mourn his loss.
There were six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Kroh:
1. Rosco Earl, now of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma,
in music store.
2. Oifford Eugene, now a real estate dealer in
Kansas City, Kansas.
3. Perlena S., the wife of F. E. Reed, a lawyer in
Kansas City, Missouri.
4. Onnond Purmort, unmarried and lives with his
mother In Kansas City, Kansas.
5. Georgia Louisa, wife of Dr. H. M. Cornell of
Edith, N«w Mexico.
6. Herbert Allen, unmarried, of Oklahoma City,
music salesman.
III. Charles Hiram Purmort bom at Kempville, Canada,
March 22, 1847. Came to Berlin, Delaware county,
Ohio, when but three months old. After the death of his
father, and when seven years old, he found a home with
his oldest sister, Mrs. Brumback, for five years. He
attended school some in Van Wert but began work in
a store when 15 years of age. fln Februar)^ iSfiBT'he
enlisted as a drummer in the 191st Ohio Infantry for
one year or during the war. His regiment was sent to
the Shenandoah Valley and was under the command of
General Hancock. He served till September when the
war being ended the regiment was discharged. He
attended college at Otterbein University, Westerville,
Ohio, for two years. In September, 1871, he entered
ROSAMOND WAYLAND PURMORT.
EDLBN G. PURMORT.
CHARLES M. PURMORT, SON OP MINOR LA DOYT PURMORT.
REV. C. H. PURMORT, D. D.
MARY E. ELLIOTT PURMORT.
And in England 123
college at Wooster University, Wooster, Ohio, and grad-
uated in 1875. He took his theological course of three
years at Union Theological Seminary, New York City,
graduating 1878. He was licensed to preach the Gospel
by the New York Presbytery May 4, 1878. He prea<ihed
for ten months on his first charge at Pataskala, Ohio.
He was ordained and installed as pastor May 4, 1879
over the Presbyterian Church at Geneseo, Illinois. In
the spring of 1882 he moved to Mitchell, South Dakota,
where he spent three years as a Home Missionary in the
New Territory. Also two years more at Canton, South
Dakota. In March, 1887, he accepted a call from the
First Presbyterian Church at Waterloo, Iowa, where
he served till June, 1899. He was then chosen as the
Synodical Superintendent of Home Missions for die
State of Iowa, which position he has filled, up to the
present time, January, 1907. Leaving Waterloo, 1900,
he lived for five years at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for the
benefit of Coe College for his children. In May, 1905,
he moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where he still lives. In
September, 1899, he received the degree of Doctor of
Divinity from his Alma Mater, Wooster University.
On May 4, 1880, he was married at Rye, New York, to
Mary Etta Elliott of Pataskala, Ohio. She was born
at Etna, Ohio, August 18, 1858. Her father was Charles
H. Elliott, bom at Boscowen, New Hampshire, and
her mother was Jane Baird Eliott. The Elliott pedigree :
I. Edmond Elliott, a native of England, came to
Salisbury, Essex county, Mass., in or before 1654.
Married Sarah, daughter of Jaret Hadden of Salis-
bury, a farmer there 1658. His .son :
124 "The Purmorts in America
2. John Elliott bom in Salisbury April 25, 1660,
died Feb. 2T, 1732-3. Married Naomi . His
son:
3. Edward Elliott bom in Amesbury, Essex coun-
ty, Mass., July 30, 1686, married by Rev. Thos.
Wells, of Amesbury, Deborah Huntington, Janu-
ary 8, 1712. His son :
4. Edmond Elliott bom in Amesbury November
28, 1716. Removed to Chester, N. H., about 1746.
Died there about 1789. Married Mehitabel, daugh-
ter of Ezekiel Worthen of Kensington, N. H., who
died at Oiester April 14, 1806. His son:
5. Jonathan Elliott bom at Chester, N. H., Decem-
ber 8, 1748. Removed to Pembroke, N. H., where
he died in 1819. Married Mary Conner, who died
April 1822. His son:
6. Samuel Elliott bom at Pembroke, N. H., March
14, 1777. Removed to Louden 1804. Married
Judith, daughter of Maj. Moses and Rebecca Ab-
bott Chamberlain, June 15, 1806. Removed to Bos-
cawen August 26, 18 18. Judith, his wife, was bom
at Louden, Tuesday, April 20, 1785. His son:
7. Charles Henry Elliott bom May 17, 1826. He
moved to Columbus, Ohio, 1843. Married Septem-
ber 13, 1852, Jane Baird, of Pataskala, Ohio. Their
daughter, Mary Etta, who married C. H. Purmort.
The family of C. H. Purmort and wife :
177. Perlena Virgilia born in Geneseo, Illinois, June 6, 1881,
having attended the Waterloo High School until fifteen
years old she went to HoUidaysburg, Pennsylvania, for
three years. She then attended Coe College at Cedar
CRBTB
CLAIRE
C. H. PURMORT'S FAMILY.
DOYT
VIRGILIA
ELLIOTT
And in England 125
Rapids, Iowa, three years. Then took a two years'
course in Domestic Science at the Iowa State College
at Ames, graduating in June, 1904. She taught domestic
science for one year in the Michigan State College at
Lansing. She then took a post course in her line of
one year at Drexel Institute, Philadelphia, getting her
degree June, 1906. She is now teaching in the Industrial
Department of the public schools at Tacoma, Washington
178. Julia Crete, born at Pataskala, Ohio, September 9, 1883.
She graduated in the High Schools of Waterloo, Iowa,
June, 1900. She took a Classical Course in Coe College,
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, making Latin her major, graduating
June, 1905. She accepted a position in the High School
at Centerville, Iowa, as Latin Teacher and is now in
her second year there.
179. Margery Jane bom at Canton, South Dakota, August
23, 1886, died at Waterloo, Iowa, May 4, 1888.
180. Minor LaDoyt born at Waterloo, Iowa, January 13, 1889.
181. Etta Qaire bom at Waterloo, Iowa, Febmary i, 1892.
182. Charles Elliott bom at Waterloo, Iowa, November 24,
1894.
114. Conant Sawyer Purmort born at Jay, New York, April
7, 1835, died at Boulder, Colorado, September 25, 1897.
His parents died when he was quite young. He made
his home with his Uncle Minor Purmort for several
years. About the year i860 he started from Casey, Illi-
nois, for the West and his relatives not hearing from
him for many years supposed he was dead. During all
this time he was at work in the silver mines in Colorado.
He married Martha Elizabeth Davidson of Carlisle, Illi-
nois. She was bom September 9, 1838. Conant was a
126 The Purmorts in America
steady young man of good habits and was a hard work-
ing man. Their family :
183. Flora Bell bom in Illinois, November 12, i860, unmar-
ried and now lives in Boulder, a dress maker, at which
she is very proficient and by means of her needle she
most generously aids in the support of others depending
upon her.
184. Joseph Mousean bom in Central City, Colo., October 3,
1863.
185. James Wayland bom in Central City, Colo., October
2, 1865.
186. Charles LaDoyt bom in Central City, Colo., June 11,
1871.
115. Disa Purmort only child of Joseph Purmort No. 52.
She was bom February 22, 1834. She married Charles
Horton of Enfield, and still lives there. They have five
children whose names have not come to the writer.
1 16. Lewis Berry Purmort, son of Nathaniel Purmort No. 55,
born at Enfield, New Hampshire, November 2, 1835.
He received an academy and college education. He
made teaching his profession for many years and taught
in an early day in Wisconsin. Later in life he became a
Baptist Minister and supplied churches in and near
Boston where he died October 28, 1905. On December
31, 1858, he married Frances Willard. She was bom
at Victoria, New York, November 5, 1838. She was a
daughter of Rev. William and Hulda A. Benedict Will-
ard. She received an academic education and in early
life was a school teacher. She was brought up in the
M. E. Church. She has aided greatly the Author of
this genealogy and mention is now mode of it with due .
REV. L. B. PURMORT.
PRANCES WILLARn PURMORT.
And in England 127
acknowledgment and appreciation. One who made her
home for several years with Mrs. Purmort, writes re-
garding her: "One of the finest Christian characters,
loved by all who knew her. She was greatly interested
in the family tree and often talked with me about it.
We together visited the tablet of Philemon Purmort in
King's Chapel Cemetery."
Obituary
"Rev. L. B. Purmort passed away at his home at
554 Massachusetts avenue, Boston, October 28th, after
a long illness of twenty-one weeks. A teacher for many
years and preacher for ten years, his life has been one of
usefulness and benificence. He will be missed by a large
circle of friends. Mrs. Purmort survives him, also his
son, Lewis A. Purmort, and one daughter, wife of F. W.
Philbrick. Mr. Purmort was taken to Enfield for burial,
The town where he was born sixty-eight years ago."
Another newspaper mention was made of his death
as follows:
Rev. L. B. Purmort
"Mr. Purmort passed away October 28th, at his
home, 554 Massachusetts avenue, Boston. He was a
very successful teacher for thirty-five years in western
cities, also in New Hampshire and Vermont, where he
drew about him many friends among the citizens, as well
as among his pupils. Indeed his ministry began then
to the tried and saddened. A lady says: 'I can never
128 The Purmorts in America
forget his devotion to us, when our little son was
drowned, so helpful, so comforting and so kind.' For
the last ten years Mr. Purmort has been in the gospel
ministry ; his whole heart has been in his work. When
he was stricken with paralysis last June while in his
parish at Dunbarton, N. H., he said many times, 'Can
this be the end ? Must I give up my work ?' In all his
moments of consciousness, his trustful words of prayer
revealed to his faithful wife, who was ever at his side,
the fact of his realization that the end was near. 'Yes,
Jesus, I am ready,' he uttered with many a short sentence
prayer for himself and for others. Many are the tes-
timonies, from near and from far, of his words of cheer
to the sorrowing ones and efforts to lead them closer
to God,
"The funeral was on Monday, conducted by Rev.
Dr. Blake. Burial was at Enfield, N. H., where he was
born sixty-eight years ago. Mr. Purmort leaves his
wife, one son, Lewis Al Purmort, and one daughter,
Mrs. F. W. Philbrick."
Their children:
187. Lewis Adnah bom at Maryville, Wisconsin, January
4, 1861.
188. Zulu May, bom at Omro, Wisconsin, December 14, 1863.
118. Abigal S. Purmort bom June 3, 1837, married W.
Harris of Winsted, Connecticut. No offspring. A
widow for many years.
119. Almira H. Purmort born November 10, 1841, died Feb-
ruary 3, 1871. She married May i, 1866, Edwin E.
Foster of Enfield. They lost their only child in infancy.
120. Mark H. Purmort born August 30, 185 1, died April
FRED M. PURMORT.
And in England 129
18, 1878. He married, 1875, Cora Norris. Their
Children :
189. A son whose name is Guy. No further record of him.
122. Mary Adelaide Purmort, daughter of Mark Purmort
No. 57, was bom December 8, 1847, clied at Enfield
Center, June 6, 1901. She received a good common
school education. Married November 24, 1871, Frank
F. Waite of Boston, Mass. She has no family.
123. Charles Warren Purmort, son of Mark Purmort No.
57, was born at Enfield, October 22, 1849. Educated in
the common schools. He is a clerk and accountant.
Married January 2, 1871, at New London, N. H., Susan
Emeline Gage of Sutton, N. H. She was bom at En-
field December 13, 1847. Member of the Universalist
Church. They now live in New Haven, Connecticut.
He is clerk and accountant in the New York, New Haven
and Hartford Railway Depot, and now resides at 156
Whalley avenue. Their children:
190. Frank Warren bom at Enfield, N. H., April 17, 1872,
died at Huntsville, Alabama, October 17, 1898.
191. Herbert Charles born September 2, 1874, at Sutton,
N. H.
192. George Converse born January 10, 1876, died May, 1880.
193. Mabel Maltiah bom October 31, 1878. Married Janu-
ary 27, 1898, Frank Atwood. Their children: Gage
bom July 30, 1902, died August 11, 1902; Warren
Sherman born June 14, 1906.
124. Henrietta Frances Purmort born March 28, 1852, at
Enfield Center, N. H. She received a common school
education. On October i, 1885, she married Horace R.
Batdielder of Franklin, N. H., an electrician. Their
130 The Purmorts in America
children : Maud bom at East Andover, July 27, 1886 ;
Horace bom Febmary 28, 1894. This family now live
at East Sommerville, Massachusetts.
125. Ida Martha Pumiort bora October 18, 1855 ^^ Enfield
Center, N. H., a graduate of State Normal, a cashier
and bookkeeper in the dry goods store of David E.
Murphy, Concord, N. H. Member of Baptist Church
and now lives in Concord, N. H.
127. Fred M. Purmort, son of Mark Purmort No. 57, was
born July 14, 1859, ^^ Enfield Center, N. H , where he
received his education in the common school. He now
lives in Boston and the following is copied from a Bos-
ton paper :
"For the past seven years Mr. Fred M. Purmort
has been the head clerk at the Parker House in this
city. While he has been a faithful employe of the
house, he has made hosts of friends among the
public. Mr. Whipple, recognizing this fact, has
promoted him, and Wednesday he was given super-
vision of the front of the house. Mr. Purmort,
when he first came to this city, accepted a position
at the Quincy House. From there he went to the
Parker House as night clerk for the late Mr. Har-
vey D. Parker. When the Adams House was
opened, he went there, remaining there until Mr.
Whipple took the Parker House in 1890. He has
been in Mr. Whillpe's employ for fifteen years. Mr.
Purmort is a member of the Boston Athletic Club
and of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Com-
pany. He was a member of the contingent of that
organization that visited London in 1896."
MINOR T. PURMORT.
MRS. MINOR T. PURMORT.
\
And in England 131
He is still unmarried.
129. Polly M. Purmort, daughter of John Purmort No. 58,
was bom December 15, 1828, died November 3, i860.
She married Simon Horton of Enfield N. H. They have
three children whose names have not been learned.
130. Sarah F. Purmort bom June 12, 1831. Married Nathan
Goodrich and moved to Wisconsin. They had five chil-
dren whose names are not known.
132. Martin Van Buren Purmort bom November 2, 1842.
Married first wife November, 1862, Mary A. Sargent.
Married second wife, Mary F. Bean of Plainfield, N. H.
They now live in Lebanon. No family reported.
133. Nathaniel Purmort, son of Hiram Purmort No. 59, was
bom March 9, 1834, died March 28, 1864. No wife
and family reported.
134. Minor T. Purmort, son of Hiram Purmort No. 59, was
bom June 27, 1836, died May 26, 1901. He
operated a large farm at Lebanon, New Hampshire,
and was a very prominent citizen and highly respected.
A man of large means and of good influence. Very
successful in business, genial and kind hearted in home
and community. On December 24, 1873, he married
Hannah C. Day of Enfield. She was born November
16, 1829, died May 16, 1904. They had no family,
"Hannah C. Purmort, whose death occurred May 16, was
bom in Enfield November 16, 1829. She was a resident
of Enfield most of her life, being the daughter of David
Day and Harriet Flanders Day. She married Minor T.
Purmort, whose death occurred a few years since. One
brother survives her, Orson Day. Funeral services were
held at her home at Riverdale, Wednesday, May 18, the
132 The Purmorts in America
Rev. Joseph Simpson officiating-. Interment in Oakdale
Cemetery, Enfield."
136. Ellen M. Purmort, daughter of Joseph Hazen Purmort
No. 62, was bom June 28, 1845. She was married De-
cember 14, 1865 to Henry B. Hough and they now live
at Lebanon. A farmer. Their family is given as follows :
1. Mary Elizabeth born July 23, 1868.
2. Arthur B. bom November i, 187 1.
3. Jean W. bom July 26, 1875.
4. Hazen P. bom May 8, 1878.
5. Christine bom May 13, 1886.
137. Osgood L. Purmort, son of Joseph Hazen Purmort No.
62, was born Nov. 23, 1850. He was educated at Kimball
Union Academy at Meridan, New Hampshire, also
Calby Academy, New London, New Hampshire. He
settled down on the old home farm at Lebanon early in
life where he has lived a quiet happy life as a successful
farmer up to the present time, 1907. On January i,
1879, he was married to Jennie E. Gile of Lebanon.
Their children :
194. Hazel Marion bom April 16, 1883, at Lebanon, N. H.
She graduated at Boston University June 6, 1906.
139. Racine Purmort, son of Hymen F. Purmort No. 63, was
bom August 30, 183 1, at DePeyster, N. Y. He died
January 10, 1884, at Saginaw, Michigan, wliere he had
lived many years. On november 14, 1861, he married
Mary Ripley, who was bom March 5, 1841. Their
children :
195. Frances Lillian bom August 20, 1863.
196. Herman B. bom October 22, 1864.
197. Belle bom November 5, 1866.
o
^
(U
I
CO
Pi
And in England 133
198. Mae bom January 28, 1871.
199. William R. born September 18, 1876.
200. Ethel bom August 18, 1879.
201. Arthur bom Mardi 8, 1881.
202. Genevieve bom July 28, 1883. This family now live at
Saginaw, Michigan.
140. Sarah lone Purmort bom . On January 24, 1854,
she married William A. Williams. Their children:
1. Laura Hasting^.
2. lomra.
3. Cora Irene.
4. Helen.
5. Francis.
141. Joseph C. Purmort, son of Qiristopher L. D. Purmort
No. 80, was bom in Georgia Vermont, i860. In 1887
he married Mary Sullivan. He is a mechanic and now
lives in Chicago, Illinois. They have no family.
142. Lottie M. Purmort, daughter of Joseph Y. Purmort No.
81. She was bom February 26, 1855. December 11,
1878, she married C. H. Wood of Milton, Vermont,
Their children:
1. Qara I. bom December 3, 1879.
2. Ruth L. bom Febmary 11, 1881.
3. Frances E. bom September 26, 1882.
4. J. Purmort bom June 22, 1884.
5. Florence L. bom June 21, 1886, died June 16,
1887.
6. Henry L. bom June 29, 1889.
7. Maurice H. bora February 20, 1894.
8. Leland C. bom Febmary 21, 1896.
146. John E. Purmort, son of Abner D. (2) Purmort No. 83,
134 The Purmorts in America
was bom November i8, 1856, Hennepin county Minne-
sota. Married Nov. 6, 1885, Louisa Giddings. She wSis
bom September 25, 1863. He is now a farmer living
near Anoka, Minn. Address, Cedar Minn. Their
family:
203. Ellen born June 16, 1888.
204. A Ruth bom January 22, 1890.
205. Hattie L. bom May 8, 1892, died .
206. Reith bom Febraary 18, 1895.
207. Louisa bom November, i, 1897.
208. Lucy May bom June 19, 1899.
209. John Reed bom August 15, 1901.
210. Doritha bom July 18, 1904.
147. Ahner A. Purmort bom June i, 1868, at Anoka, Henne-
pin County, Minnesota. He is a farmer at Anoka,
Minnesota. Married November 25, 1901, Jessie Holden,
bom at Manchester, England, November 6, 1875. She
came to America 1896.
148. Mark E. Purmort bom January 12, 1874, at Anoka,
Minnesota. He was in the 14th Minnesota Co. B., sta-
tioned at Chicamaug^a, Georgia. Brought home sick
with the army fever. Now a lumber scaler for the
state at Anoka. On July 22, 1903, he married Helen
Marion Gillis. She was bom at Bucyms, Ohio. They
have no children. They now live at St. Paul, Minn.
149. Govenor W. Purmort bom at Anoka, Minnesota, March
28, 1877. A painter, unmarried. Now lives in St.
Paul, Minnesota.
150. Ada L. Purmort, first daughter of Abner D. (2) Pur-
mort No. 83, was bom at Anoka, Minnesota. She was
married Marc^h 2^, 1878, to Frank Hart and now lives
MARTIN V. B. PURMORT.
And in England 135
at Anoka, Minnesota. Their children :
Irvine E. born March 22, 1882.
Una May born December 17, 1886.
151. Kate M. Purmort, second daughter of Abner D. (2),
married H. A. Shrocks December 31, 1884. Their chil-
dren: Walter B. bom November 11, 1885; Lucie E.
bom December 5, 1887; RoUin A. bom December 10,
1894.
152. Lucia E. Purmort, third daughter of Abner D. (2),
was married to Frank E. Randall July 26, 1888. No
children mentioned.
Ninth Generation of Purmorts in America
155. Wales Ely Purmort, son of Ely Stone Purmort No. 87,
son of John (5), heads the list of Purmorts of the Ninth
generation in America. He was bom in 1849, at Jay,
New York. He died January i, 1903, at Sheridan,
Wyoming. The following obituary is copied from a
Wyoming paper:
To the Memory of Wales E. Purmort
"The death of Wales E. Purmort marks the pass-
ing away of one old-timer in the West. He was bora in
Essex county, New York, fifty-four years ago, and
after attaining a thorough education he identified him-
self with the well-known firm of Phelps, Dodge & Pal-
mer. He remained with the firm for eighteen years,
holding many important positions in Boston and other
large cities, but being most of his time in Chicago. In
136 The Purmorts in America
1880 he married Miss Mary Buckley. His married life
was of but short duration, as the couple joined their
lives in December and death parted the tie in the month
of January following.
"The restless spirit of Mr. Purmort prompted him
to sever his connections with the firm, and he joined
his brother, Mr. George Purmort, who at that time was
located in the Black Hills country. Here he remained
until after the arrival of the Burlington into Sheridan,
when he settled here and cast his lot with our people,
until the grim destroyer cut the thread of life.
"His reputation for honesty and liberality has never
been assailed, and many a poor fellow has cause to thank
his memory for favors extended by him during his
lifetime.
"He died at the ranch of D. T. Hillman, on Janu-
ary 1st, and was buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery on Mon-
day. He leaves besides a host of friends a brother,
George Purmort, who is an ex-mayor of our city and
is now interested in a successful mining company opera-
ting in the Judith mountains and the belt rage. A
Friend."'
156. George Henry Purmort, son of Ely Stone Purmort No.
87, was bom at Jay, New York, 1851. He was a mining
engineer for several years and was engaged with an
English syndicate in gold mining in Wyoming. He
lived for a time in Omaha, Nebraska, where he engaged
in business. He married first wife, Helen Gertrude
Benns, at Plattsburg, N. Y., June 22, 1872. She died at
Sheridan, Wyoming, October, 1897. The following
obituary was published in a Wyoming paper :
GEO. H. PURMORT, SON OP ELY STONE PURMORT.
GEO. BLT PURMO^T.
yjjkC'.i. J..— jmw.HMM i ,jw^.~^ ' . ~>^«i
And in England 137
"Died — On Saturday, October 16, 1897, at her home
in this city, of pneumonia, Helen G. Purmort, beloved
wife of George H. Purmort, in the forty-fith year of her
age.
"Perhaps no death has ever occurred in this city in
which the circumstances connected therewith were more
pathetic and sad than those surrounding the demise of
the deceased. Never particularly robust, no unusual
anxiety as to her health was felt by her husband when
she kissed him good bye and bade him Godspeed on a
business trip to England a few short weeks ago. Yet
it was ordained by a divine Providence that they should
never see each other again on earth. Today the husband
and father is absent in a strange land, utterly uncon-
scious of the great and irreparable loss which he has
sustained, and it will soon be the unpleasant and sad
duty of friends to acquaint him with the heart breaking
news. May God in His great wisdom endow him with
strength to bear the loss with fortitude. The Lord
giveth and the Lord taketh away.*
"The deceased was bom at Blackbrook, N. Y., but
her early life was spent in Burlington, Vermont. She
was married to George H. Purmort in 1871, at Platts-
burg, N. Y., and went to Boston to reside. She and her
husband have since resided in several cities, both east
and west, and came to Sheridan about four years ago.
During her residence in this city she has been actively
connected with Congregational Church matters, being
president of the Junior Endeavor and treasurer of the
Ladies' Circle. She was also an honored and respected
member of Naomi Chapter No. 2, order of the Eastern
138 The Purmorts in America
Star. She was always one of the most faithful and
willing workers in the various societies with which she
was connected, and whatever was allotted to her she did
with all her might. By her death her husband has lost
a loving and faithful wife, her son an affectionate and
considerate mother, the church a true and Christian
member and the community in general a friend."
The children of George Henry Purmort :
211. Mabel Gertrude bom April 17, 1873, at Boston, Mass.
212. Mary Ann born September 9, 1874, at Minneapolis,
Minnesota.
213. Helen May born December 16, 1884, died at 11 years
of age.
214. George Ely bom December 29, 1890, at Spearfish, S. D.
George H. married second wife, Fannie Benns Tur-
ner, 1899, and they now, 1907, live at Salida, Colo.
Their children :
215. Max Wales bom March 9, 1900, at Lewiston, Montana.
158. William N. Purmort, son of William Wallace Purmort
No. 91, was born in Memphis, Missouri, January 2, 1859.
He graduated at Lagrange College, Missouri, 1882. He
is a grain buyer at Enid, Oklahoma, and now lives at
Enid, Oklahoma. On November 25, 1887, he married
Anna Wagner. She died November 23, 1889. Their
family :
2t6. Wallace Levi born September 20, 1889, ^^^^ J^^y 3^'
1890.
159. Wallace O. Purmort born at Memphis, Missouri, Feb-
ruary 9, 1861. Attended college at Lebanon, Ohio, and
Lagrange, Missouri. May 5, 1886, he married Adda
P. Sigler of Memphis, Missouri. She was bom 1866.
MRS. GEO. H. PURMORT AND SON, MAX.
s
/
MAT H. PURMORT JAMES C. PURMORT MARY H. PURMORT
BELLE
GENEVIEVE
RACINE PURMORTS DAUGHTERS.
FRANCES
MAE
ETHEL
And in England 139
He is a merchant and member of the Baptist Qiurch.
In January, 1898, moved with family to Enid, Oklahoma.
Their children:
217. Mary Alene bom August 11, 189 1.
218. Helen born June 11, 1896.
163. James Clark Purmort bom Memphis, Missouri, Septem-
ber 30, 1873. Unmarried. A teacher. He graduated at
Memphis High School, spent one year at William Jew-
ell College, a member of the Baptist Church.
164. Nathaniel H. Purmort born at Memphis, Missouri, Oc-
tober 9, 1875, unmarried. Educated at Memphis Hig'h
School and Normal. A United States railway mail
clerk, and now lives in St. Louis, Missouri.
165. Gearge H. Purmort, son of Lucius A Purmort No. 98,
was born March 15, 1875. He elected to remain at
home with his parents and is a devoted son. A very
successful business man and an honored citizen of the
town of Newport, N. H. He is unmarried.
166. Jennie G. Purmort born April 6, 1876. She graduated
at the Newport, N. H., High School, then taught for a
time, but abandoned this field to study medicine. She
graduated from Boston University Medical School in
1901, spent the following eighteen months in Memorial
Hospital for Women and Children, Brooklyn, N. Y.
She then accepted a position on the staff of the State
Hospital, Fergus Falls, Minn. She resigned this posi-
tion November i, 1906, to take up general practice at
130 Halsey street, Brooklyn, N. Y., where she still lives.
She is unmarried. She is the only physician in the
Purmort family discovered up to date. Dr. Hanson
well said : "The coming man is a woman."
140 The Purmorts in America
167. Guy W. Purmort born December 13, 1883. He gradu-
ated from the Public High School 1902. Shortly after
this he entered the employ of the State Bank, 376-8
Grand St., New York City, and is a trusted and pro-
gressive employe of this institution. Unmarried.
168. Harry R. Purmort bom June 8, 1885. At home with
his parents. A boy of promise and rare sweetness of
disposition. To him has been given a life of suffering,
and ambition hampered by physical infirmity. Though
for six years unable to step without crutches and often
a great suflferer, his ready wit, unvarying dieerfulness
and consideration for others, have made him the sun-
shine of the home.
169. Christine E. Purmort bom September 29, 1889. She is
still at home, a third year student in the Richards High
School. A bright, energetic girl, prominently identified
with the work and organizations of the student body.
171. Frank Walworth Purmort, son of Minor LaDoyt Pur-
mort No. 104, was bom at Casey, Illinois, March 5,
1862. In the summer of 1862 came with his parent to
Van Wert, Ohio, where he has made his home up to
date, 1907. He was educated in Van Wert schools. The
care of his invalid father for eight years kept Frank
from college. He took up insurance as a business and
profession and is now prominent as an insurance man in
Ohio and adjoining states, being secretary and manager
of the Central Manufacturers' Mutual Insurance Com-
pany located at Van Wert, Ohio. On June 6, 1894, at
Oshkosh, Wisconsin, he married Helen Pauline Gilman.
She was born January 25, 1870, at Eau Claire, Wiscon-
— -^ — --
PRANK W. PURMORT.
FRANCIS
LADOYT
GBOROB
CLYDE A. L. PURMORT AND CHILDREN.
THE VAN WERT, OHIO,
PURMORT BOYS.
MARKET.
WHEN THEY WERE IN THE
And in England 141
sin. Both Frank W. and his wife are active members
of the M. E. Oiurch. Their C3iildren :
119. LaDoyt Gilman bom at Van Wert, Ohio, September
2, 1895.
220. Francis Walworth bom Febmary 20, 1899.
221. George Lawrence bom March 6, 1902.
172. Sanford Watson Purmort bom at Van Wert, Ohio,
October 13, 1863. An insurance man. Married at Van
Wert, Ohio, Florence Hott, and now lives at Van Wert.
Their children:
222. Sanford Walworth born September 28, 1905, died at
Van Wert, Ohio, Thursday, February 7, 1907.
173. Clyde Allen LaDoyt Purmort bom at Van Wert, Ohio,
November 2, 1865, g^duated at Van Wert High School.
Postmaster at Van Wert, 1898 to 1906. Now engaged
in insurance business. October 19, 1892, married Bertha
Marie Gleason of Van Wert. She was born March 15,
1871. Members of Presb3i:erian Church. Their children :
223. Louise Elvira born August 27, 1893, died March 25,
1899.
224. Fidelia Marie bom August 5, 1895.
225. Grace Wayland born November 10, 1899.
226. Paul Walworth bom December 26, 1902.
175. Charles Meredith Purmort born in Van Wert, Ohio,
March i, 1873, graduated at Van Wert High School.
Member of Presbyterian Church. An active and suc-
cessful general insurance man. Unmarried.
184. Joseph Mouseam Purmort, son of Conant Sawyer Pur-
mort, born in Central City, Colorado, October 3, 1863.
Has worked in silver mines. August, 1892, married
Bessie Turner of Boulder, Colo. No family.
142 The Purmorts in America
185. James Wayland Purmort bom in Central City, Colo.,
October 2, 1865. He was killed by a mine explosion
near Boulder April 3, 1896. He was married in Novem-
ber, 1888, to Alice Forman. Their children :
22T. lola Wayland born September 16, 1888, died at Allena,
Colorado.
228. Pearl Mildred bom July 23, 1891, at Boulder, Colorado.
229. Lourome E. bora at Ward, Colorado, March 21, 1894,
died at Alma, August 20, 1896.
230. Conant Sawyer bora February 9, 1896, at Ward Colo.
186. Charles La Doyt Purmort bom in Central City, Colo.,
June II, 1871. Married at Boulder, Colo., December
5, 1892, Olive Beryl Cam On April 3, 1896, he and his
brother, James W., were blown up by a mine explosion.
His brother was instantly killed and Charles LaDoyt
was so severely injured in his eyes that he was left
totally blind for life. He lives in Boulder, Colorado.
Speaking of him as a Christian one has said : "It is this
faith that makes him so patient and cheerful under his
great affliction ; yet with it all he has much to be thankful
for; a loving faithful wife whose every thought is for
him, and their children ; and his three little ones almost
adore him. He also has the happy faculty of doing a
great many things to help himself and others, even
though he is blind." Their children :
231. Everett LaDoyt bom at Boulder, October 15, 1894.
232. Eunice Beryl bom March 25, 1897.
233. Anna Bell born November 16, 1899.
187. Lewis Adnah Purmort, son of Lewis Berry Purmort No.
116, was bom at Mayville, Wisconsin, January 4, 1861.
A commercial salesman. Married February 3, 1887.
CHARLES Ul DOTT PURMLORT, fiON 0F OOKAKT €. POtMORT.
L. A. PURMORT, SON OF LEWIS B. PURMORT.
AND IN England 143
Ellen E. Spalding of Quechee, Vermont. She was born
at Plainfield, N. H, A member of the M. E. Church.
No family reported. "The twentieth anniversary of Mr.
and Mrs. Lewis A. Purmort was largely attended at
their fashionable home on Massachusetts avenue in Bos-
ton. Mrs. Purmort was formerly Miss Ellen Elizabeth
Spalding of Quechee. Scores of presents were received,
and over one hundred Bay Staters called and extended
congratulations. Mr. Purmort is a well known travel-
ing man among the Vermont and New Hampshire flour
handlers."
188. Zulu Mae Purmort born at Omro, Wisconsin, December
14, 1863. She married Frank W. Philbrick of Hanover,
Vermont. They now live in Boston. Their children:
Bernice Lockwood bom October 15, 1890.
189. Guy, a son of Mark H. Purmort No. 120. His family
not reported to the writer.
190. Frank Warren Purmort, son of Charles Warren Pur-
mort No. 123. He enlisted in the nth U. S. Inft. in
1893. Was transferred at his request to Troop G. 7th
Calv. in 1895. Stationed at Fort Apache, Arizona. Re-
enlisted at Omaha, Neb., in October, 1898. Appointed
corporal of Troop G. October 16, 1898. He was mur-
dered October 17, 1898, presumably by members of his
troop at Huntsville, Alabama, while enroute to Cuba.
191. HeAert Charles Purmort born September 2, 1874. He
married June 17, 1899, Miss Emma H. Ryan. Their
children.
234. Howard Francis born June i, 1900.
235. Lilian Gage bom November 5, 1902.
236. Charles Edward bom December 23, 1905.
144 The Purmorts in America
195. Francis Lillian Purmort, daughter of Racine Purmort,
No. 139. She was bom August 20, 1863. No farther
record given,
196. Herman B. Purmort, son of Racine Purmort No. 139.
He was bom October 22, 1864. A letter carrier at Sag-
inaw, Michigan. Married 1894 Lizzie George. Their
children :
237. Louisa born at Saginaw, Michigan, April, 1895.
197. Belle Purmort bom November 5, 1866, on July 3, 1890,
married George Hemple. He is a professor at Ann
Arbor, Michigan.. The irchildren:
Hilda bom August 5, 1891.
Elsa born October, 1892.
197. Mae Purmort bom January 28, 1871. On October 14,
1896, married Will McBratin. No family reported.
199. William R. Purmort bom September 18, 1876. No
other record secured.
200. Ethel Purmort bom August 18, 1879. No other record.
201. Arthur Purmort born March 8, 1881. No other record.
202. Geneveve Purmort bora July 28, 1883. No other record.
In 1898 all this family lived at Saginaw, Michigan,
but no word has come from them at this date,
January, 1907.
Tenth Generation of Purmorts in America
210. Mabel Gertrude Purmort, daughter of George Henry
Purmort No. 156, who was son of Ely Stone Purmort
No. 87, who was son of John (4) Purmort No. 31, who
was son of John (3) Purmort No. 21, who was son of
John (2) Purmort No. 12, who was son of John (i)
REV. J. M. BROWN.
■^^ w^^^i^
MABLE G. PUMORT BROWN AND SON, HERBERT MADISON BROWN.
And in England 145
Purmort No. 11, who was son of Joseph Puraiort No. 10,
who was son of Lazarus Punnort No. 3, who was son
of Philemon, who came from Alford, England to
Boston, 1634.
This Mabel Gertrude Punnort was bom April 17,
1873. She was married November 30, 1892, to Rev.
J. M. Brown. He was bom in Mishawaka, Ind., March
14, 1873, a Congregational minister, who was pastor for
a time of the Congregational Church at New Richmond,
Wisconsin, and later of Butte, Neb., where he died of
heart failure September 18, 1905, age 32 years. Their
children :
Herbert Madison born December 10, 1893.
A son in the Tenth Generation.
This is the only one of the Purmort stock of whom the
writer has knowledge that belongs to the Tenth Generation. Al-
though this child is not a Purmort by name, yet he is of the blood
and gives us the right to say, "Ten Generations of Purmorts in
America."
As this boy has had for these past generations good New
York, Vermont and New Hampshire Baptist forebearers, and as
he was bom a child of a New England Congregationalist Divine,
the Author now ventures to hope, he may some day develop from
this rich religious inheritance, into a good Western Presbyterian
preacher.
It is regretted exceedingly that so many of the now living
members of the family are so indifferent or careless to the matter
of a complete record that they do not respond to kind invitations
to fumish information regarding themselves and their families.
The Author is not responsible for this incomplete record in con-
nection with living families as he has requested retums over and
J46 The Purmorts in America
over again, but in vain.
As these records have been unearthed frc»n old family Bibles
and trcm the dim memories of the old grandparents, and as they
have been chronicled in the brief space of a line or a page, the
writer has thought regarding their past and spent lives, many of
whom were quite long and very active and prominent in their
day, that human life is surely a ''breath," a "span," and "we spend
our years as a tale that is told."
The favorite poem of Abraham Lincoln comes unbidden to
memory, "O, Why Should the Spirit of Mortal be Proud" :
By WiUtam Knox
Qhl why should the spirit of mortal be prond?
Like a swift-fleeting metior, a fast flying cloud,
A flash of the lightning, a break of the wave,
Man passeth from life to his rest in the grave.
The leaves of the oak and the willow shall fade,
Be scattered around, and together be laid;
And the joung and the old, and the low and the high
Shall moulder to dust and together shall die.
The infant a mother attended and loved;
The mother that infant's affection who proved;
The husband that mother and infant who blessed —
Bach, all, are awaj to their dwellings of rest.
The maid on whose cheek, on whose brow, in whose eye,
Shone beauty and pleasure — ^her triumphs are by:
And the memory of those who loved her and praised
Are alike from the minds of the living erased.
And in England 147
The hand of the king that the cepter hath borne;
The brow of the priest that the miter hath worn;
The eye of the sage, and the heart of the brave,
Are hidden and lost in the depth of the grave.
The peasant whose lot was to sow and to reap;
The herdsman who climbed with his goats up the steep;
The beggar who wandered in search of his bread,
Have faded away like the grasa that we tread.
The saint who enjoyed the communion of heaven;
The sinner who dared to remain unforgiven;
The wise and the foolish, the guilty and just,
Have quietly mingled their bones in the dust.
So the multitude goes like the flowers or theweed
That wither away to let others succeed;
So the multitude comes, even those we hold.
To repeat every tale that has often been told.
For we are the same our fathers have been;
We see the same sights our fathers have seen;
We drink the same stream, and view the same sun.
And run the same course our fathers have run.
The thoughts we are thinking our fathers would think;
Prom the death we are shrinking our fathers would shrink;
To the life we are clinging they also would cling;
But it speeds for us all like a bird on the wing.
They loved, but the story we cannot unfold;
They scorned, but the heart of the haughty is cold;
They grieved, but no wail from their slumber will come;
They joyed, but the tongue of their gladness is dumb.
They died, ayel they died; and we things that are now,
Who walk on the turf that lies over their brow.
Who make in their dwelling a transient abode.
Meet the things that they met on their pilgrim road.
148 The Purmorts in America
Yeal hope and despondency, pleasure and pain,
We mingle together in sunshine and rain;
And the smiles and the tears, the song and the dirge,
Still follow each other like surge upon surge.
'Tis the wink of an eye, 'tis the draught of a breath,
Prom the blossom of health to the paleness of death,
Prom the gilded saloon to the bier and the shroud —
Ohl why should the spirit of mortal be proud.
Conclusion
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter : Fear God,
and keep his commandments ; for tfiis is the whole duty of man.
For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every
secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." Eccl.
12-13-14.
INDEX
General Subjects.
Autograph Philemon Purmort 41
Antimonian Heresy 25
Boston, Old and New 21
Latin School 21-23
Hist. Society 23
First Church Records 20-41
Town Records 18-21
Coat of Arms Explained 8
Combination at Exeter, N. H 36
Conclusion 148
"County Records" by A. D. Weld French 17
Drake's History 28
England Purmort Pedigree 14-16-17
Exeter, N. H., Hist, by Chas. H. Bell 13
Generations of Purmorts in America :
First 38
Second 41
Third 42
Fourth 47
Fifth 49
Sixth 54
Seventh 67
Eighth loi
Ninth 135
Tenth 144
Genealogist 13
History, Wells & Kennebunk 28
Iron Works 58
Jay, Bell at, Poem 100
History of 54
INDEX (continued)
Littleton Historical Society 24
Latin School Masters 22
Massachusetts Bay Royal Charter 24
Name Purmort — Orthc^aphy 9-10
Etymology 10-13
New Eng. Hist, and Geneal. Reg 20
"O Why Should the Spirit of Mortal be Proud," Poem 146
Preface 5
Savage's Gen. Dictionary of New England 18-20
Tablet Memorial Philemon Purmort 23-31
Town Meeting 21-23
Visitation Records 14
Young People's Weekly 21
INDEX (continued)
PURMORTS.
Anna of Philemon 19
of John (i) 47
Bell of Chas. La Doyt 142
Abner D. ( i) of Joseph 50-64
D. (2) of John 67-98
A. of Abner D. (2) 99-134
Abigal of John ( i ) 47
S. of Nathaniel 91-128
Adaniram J. of John (3) 58-80
Aurela of Richard 64
Albina of Richard 64-95
Almira H. of John 66-07
of Nathaniel 64-93
H. of Nathaniel 91-128
Ada L. of Abner D. (2) 99-134
Arthur of Racine 133-144
Algetha of Joshua 62-90
Borshua of Philemon 19
Blake P. of Richard 64
Belle of Racine 132-144
Chales of Joshua 62-9^
H. of Minor 90-122
Warren of Mark 93-129
M. of Minor La Doyt 120-141
Elliott of Chas. H 125
La Doyt of Conant 126-142
E. of Herbert C 143
Cynthia M. of Abner D. ( i) 65-96
Christopher L. D. of John 66
L. D. (2) of John 67-98
Charlotte B. of John 66
Conant S. of Charles 91-125
S. of James W 142
Clara A. of Mark 93
J. of John Y 98
INDEX (continued)
Christine E. of Lucius A 115-140
Clyde A. L. of Minor La Doyt 120-141
Dunham of Mark 63
Disa of Nathaniel 64-93
of Joseph 91-126
Elizabeth of Philemon 19-35
Eunice of Joshua 62
of Charles 90
B. of Charles La Doyt 142
Elias of Philemon 19
Emily of John 66
Ely Stone of John (4) 71-101
Ellen Perlena of Minor 89-117
M. of Joseph H 94-132
G. of Minor La Doyt 120
Esther R. of Minor 90
Eugene H. of Henry C 1 17
Etta Claire of Chas. H 125
Ethel of Racine 133-144
Everitt L. of Chas. La Doyt 142
Francis Wayland of Minor 89
Fred M. of Mark 93-130
Frank Walworth of Minor La Doyt 120-140
W. of Chas. Warren 128-143
Flora Bell of Conant S 126
Frances L. of Racine 132-144
Francis Walworth of Frank W 141
Fidelia M. of Clyde A. L 141
Geo. Arnold of John (3) 58-76-77
Walworth of Minor 89
Henry of Ely Stone 101-136
C. of Chas. W 129
Ely of Geo. H 138
Lawrence of Frank W 141
H. of Lucius A 115-139
Govenor W. of Abner D. (2) 99-134
INDEX (continued)
Guy W. of Lucius A 1 15-140
of Mark H 129-143
Genevieve of Racine 133-144
Grace W. of Clyde A. L 141
Hannah 45
of John (i) 47
of Joseph 50
of Richard 64-Q5
S. of Abner D. (i) 65-95
Harriet H. of John (3) 58-78-79
of John (4) 71-101
Hiram of Nathaniel 64-93
Hymen F. of Richard 64-95
Henry C. of Adoniram J 81-115
Hartwell of Adoniram J 81
Henrietta F. of Mark 93-129
Harwood of Wm. Wallace no
Harry R. of Lucius A 115-140
Herbert C. of Chas. Warren 129-143
Hazel Marion of Osgood L 132
Herman B. of Racine 132-144
Helen May of Geo. H 138
of Wallace 139
Howard F. of Herbert C 143
Ida M. of Mark 93-130
lola Wayland of James W 142
Joseph of New Castle 19-43
of John (i) 47-49
of Mark 63-91
Hazen of Nathaniel 64-94
of Abner D. ( i) 65-95
C. of Christopher L. D 98-133
M. of Conant S 126-141
John (i) of New Castle 47
(2) of John (i) 47
(3) of John (2) 49-55
(4) of John (3) 57-67
INDEX (continued)
(5) of John (4) 71-101
of Joseph 50-66
of Nathaniel 64-Q3
Y. of Christopher L. D 67-08
E. of Abner D. (2) 99-133
R. of Ely Stone loi
Judith 46
Joshua of John (2) 49-S9-6o
James Harvey of John (3) 58-73
C. of Wm. Wallace 110-13Q
W. of Conant S 126-142
Jennette of Nathaniel 73
Jennie G. of Lucius A 1 15-139
Julia Crete of Chas. H 125
Katie of Mark ; 93
M. of Abner D. (2) 99-135
Lazurus of Philemon 19-42
Lucy of Joshua 62-83
Lewis H. of John 67
of Joshua 62
Berry of Nathaniel 91-126-127
A. of Lewis Berry 128-142
Louisa of Nathaniel 73-110
Lavina of Nathaniel 73-iIa
Lucius A. of Geo. Arnold 77-1^4
L. Louande of Minor 90
Lydia S. of John Q3
Lottie M. of John Y 98-133
Lucia E. of Abner D. (2) 99-^35
La Doyt G. of Frank W 141
Louisa E. of Clyde A. L 141
of Herman B 144
Lourome E. of James W 142
Lillian Gage of Herbert C 143
Martha of Philemon 19
INDEX (continued)
Mark of John ( i ) 47
of John (2) 49-62
of Mark 63-92
E. of John 67
H. of Nathaniel 91-128
E. of Abner D. (2) 99-134
Mary of Philemon 19
of John (i) 47-53
of John (2) 49.55
of Mark 63
L. of Nathaniel 73-ii3
A. of Mark 92
T. of Joseph H 94
H. of Wm. Wallace no
A. of Mark .' . 129
Ann of Geo. H 138
A. of Wallace 139
Miriam of Joseph 50-64
Minor of Joshua 62-83
La Doyt of Minor 89-119
T. of Hiram 93-131
La Doyt of Chas. H 125
Mercy D. of Abner D 65
Malvina of John (4) 71-101
Maria of Nathaniel 73-1 1 1
Merrill C. of Nathaniel 91
Martin Van Buren of John 93-131
Mercia E. of Joseph H 95
Margery Jane of Chas. H 125
Mable M. of Chas. Warren 129
Mae of Racine 133-144
Mable G. of Geo. H 138-144
Max Wales of Geo. H 138
Nathaniel of John (2) 49-63
of John (3) 57-72
of Mark 63-91
of Hiram 93-131
H. of Wm. Wallace 1 10-139
INDEX (continued)
Nettie of Wm. Wallace no
Olive W. of John (4) 71-103-104
Osgood L. of Joseph H 9S-132
Philemon of England 13-18-35
Pediah of Philemon 19
Polly of John (3) 57
B. of John 66-97
M. of John 93-131
Philura of John (3) 58-73
Phineas of John (3) 58
Perlena V. of Chas. H 124
Paul Walworth of Clyde A. L 141
Pearl M. of James W 142
Richard of John (i) 47-51
of John (2) 49-64
of Mark 63
Rosamond of John (3) 57*71
of John (4) 71-107
Wayland of Minor La Doyt 120
Roxanna Love of Minor 90-120
Racine of Hymen F 95-^32
Susan of Bellingham, Eng 13-18-35
' Sarah of John (3) 58-76
E. of Abner D 65-96
of Nathaniel 73-i 10
Ann of Minor 90-121
F. of John 93-131
lone of Hymen F 95-133
Susanah of Joshua 62
of Mark 63
Sophronia E. of John 67-97
Sanford W. of Minor La Doyt 120-141
W. of Sanford W 141
Thomas of John (2) 49
Wm. Wallace of Nathaniel 73-io3
INDEX (continued)
Walter of Mark 02
Will F. of Ely Stone loi
Wm. N. of Wm. Wallace 109-138
Wallace L. of Wm. N 138
O. of Wm. Wallace 110-138
Wm. R. of Racine 133-144
Wales Ely of Ely Stone 101-135
Zulu May of Lewis B 128-143
INDEX (continued)
Other Names.
Adams family 36
Austin, Byron B 97
Allen, Rev. John W 120
Bellinglam Pedigree 39
Byington, Dr. E. H 20
Brooks, Dr. Phillips 23-25
Blake, Cynthia 65
Booth, Emiline I yj
Buttrick, W. H 78
Sarah W ^ 79*
Barker, David 83
Bissell, Mr 90
Bigelow, Rev 95
Blake, Mr 95
Bell, Freeborn E 96
Boynton, N. C 101-103
Byron 107
Blish, Lillian M 116
Brumback, J. S 117
Batchelder, H. R 129
Bean, Mary F 131
Buckley, May 136
Benns, Helen G 136
Brown, Rev. J. M 145
Cotton, Rev. John 21-28
Solomon 46
Colby, Hannah 52
Sarah 91
Crane, Hannah T 91
Colgrove, Hampton 97
Conro, F. H loi
Clark, Emeline 109
Cook, J. B 114
Carr, Olive B 142
INDEX (continued)
Dalloff, Mercy 49
Dole, Abig:al 63
Phoebe 63
Davis, Jesse B 79
Dee, Clarrissa 98
DeKalb, Ermina 109
Dunham, Elmira 114
Davidson, Martha E 125
Day, Hannah C 131
Eames, Ellen 99
Eames, Melville Cox 103-106
Evans, Melville Cox 103-106
Elliott, Mary Etta 123
Foster, Amande D 65
Famham, Elizabeth ■ . . . , 1 93
Foster, E. E 128
Forman, Alice 142
Gore, Geo 95
Gelmore, Lucia 98
Gage, Susan E 129
Goodrich, Nathan * . 131
Gile, Jennie E 132
Giddings, Louisa 134
Gillis, Helen M 134
Gillman, Helen P 143
Gleason, Bertha M 141
George, Lizzie 144
Hutchinson, Ann 25-32
Hancock, Mr 64
Harwood, Parmelia 73
Perez 74
Hastings, Laura 95
Hart, Frank 99-134
Horton, Chas 126
Simon 131
INDEX (continued)
Harris, W 128
Hough, Henry B 132
Holden, Jessie 134
Hemphill, Prof. Geo 144
Hott, Florence 141
Jordan, Amanda B S.i
Knight, A. B 111-112
Kroh, Geo. L 121
Leavitt, Clarissa A 92
Mathews, Rev. John 79
Mitchell, Sarah 91
Myers, O. P no
Morris, J» L in
McBratin, Will 144
Nettleton, Perlene 84-85-86
Newell, L. B no
Norris, Cora 129
Peck, Susan 65
Joel 71
Packard, Martha H 92
Porter, Emily 98
Parson, May Ann loi
Philbrick, Frank W 143
Pettengill, Susan 66
Sarah 93
Phillips, Ruth 66
Pennock, Mr 95
Randall, F. E 99-135
Ripley, Mary 132
Ryan, Emme H 143
Sinclair, Hannah 47
Stone, Lois 71
Stow, Rev. Byron 88
Sawyer, Eunice 90
INDEX (continued)
Sargent, J. B 93
E. M 94
Mary A 131
Smith, Eliza 96
Willoughby 96
Caroline 98
Sharrocks, A. J 99
SUles, Eliza A loi
Sullivan, Mary 133
Sigler, Adda P 138
Spalding, Ellen E 143
Truax, Amanda B 65-96-97
True, Marcia E 94
Turner, Fannie B 138
Bessie 141
Wheelwright, Rev. John 20-26-32-33-34
Woodsy, Hannah 49
Walworth, Sarah 57
Eunice 59
Webster, Alonza A 97
Watson, Fidelia S 119
Willard, Frances 126
Williams, Wm. A 133
Wood, C. H 133
Wagner, Ann 138
Winthrop, Gov. John 21
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