My Genealogy Hound

William Purvis, a well-known and enterprising citizen of Scotland County, and a resident of Mount Pleasant Township, was born in that township November 24, 1842, and is the son of Philip and Matilda (Stice) Purvis. The father was a native of Bath County, Ky., and of English-Irish descent. He was born April 5, 1812, and is now a resident of Scotland County, Mo. He was a boy nine years of age when his parents moved to Ralls County, Mo., and after moving around for some time they settled in Scotland County at a time when there were very few settlers, but numerous Indians. Philip has followed agricultural pursuits all his life, and now owns one of the best farms in the county. The mother of our subject was born in Kentucky November 12, 1812, is of German descent, and is now living. Her father was a Virginian, who moved to Kentucky at an early date, settled in Boone County, and afterward moved to Monroe County, from there to Adair County, and finally ended his career in Oregon. William was the sixth of ten children, seven now living. He received the rudiments of an education by close application to his studies at home, and in the district schools of his neighborhood. He worked for his father until February 14, 1861, when he married Margaret E. Palmer, a daughter of Thomas and Eliza M. (DeHaven) Palmer. She was born in Richland County, Ohio, September 20, 1840, and by her marriage to Mr. Purvis became the mother of six children, two of whom are deceased. Those living are William A., Elva J., Sarah T. and Samantha A. The two deceased are Sinas and Sina (twins), who died when two years of age. About eighteen months after marriage, Mr. Purvis moved to Pierce Mill, where he was engaged in milling for some time, and seven months of that time he was in the State militia. He afterward purchased land near where he now resides, which he improved, and where he lived for nine years. He then added more land, and moved to his present residence. He started with very little of this world’s goods, but by economy and good management has succeeded unusually well. He is a Republican in politics, is a prominent and influential citizen of the county, and he and his wife are worthy members of the Christian Church.