GEORGE A. PURDY

A FAITHFUL TOWN AND VILLAGE OFFICIAL

George A. Purdy Released from a Terrible Affliction Thursday Evening, July 26, 1917.

   George Alvin Purdy, a gentleman well known to the majority of the readers of this paper as well as to a larger number of people throughout the county, died at his home on Columbia street Thursday evening, July 26, 1917.  The cause of his death was cancer, an affliction that had troubled him for three or four years.  The past year the disease was virulent in the extreme and his suffering was great but borne with fortitude.

   Mr. Purdy was born in the town of McDonough, July 31, 1850, his parents were David and Cecelia Sherman Purdy.  His education was obtained at the district school and a term or two at the Greene school.  In McDonough he married, December 4, 1872, Mary A., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Skillman, who died in this village February 8, 1908.

   Mr. Purdy represented McDonough on the Board of Supervisors two separate terms, and was a justice of the peace of the town several years.  He was engaged in farming up to the time he removed with his family to this village, some fifteen years ago.

   About three years after his location here he was elected a justice of the peace on the Republican ticket, he being a staunch supporter of that party, an office he held up to last January.  For nine years he was treasurer of the village, resigning the office a year ago.  As a justice Mr. Purdy was a very capable officer, administrating judicial affairs that came before him with good judgment.  As village treasurer his books and accounts were neatly and accurately kept.  He might have held the office a much longer term had not failing health compelled him to resign.  He was good authority on town and village matters, and being conversant with laws governing the same made an excellent official.  As a friend and gentleman he was genial and companionable.  Mr. Purdy was made a Mason in Oxford Lodge No. 175, April 13, 1908.

   Deceased is survived by his son, Harry B. Purdy of this village, two daughters, Mrs. Clifford J. Daily of Schenectady and Mrs. Charles W. Beckwith of Oxford.  Two brothers and a sister also survive him, S. Graham Purdy of McDonough and Charles L. Purdy of this village.

   Funeral services were held at the home Sunday afternoon at 3:30, Rev. Theodore Haydn of St. Paul's Episcopal church officiating.  The commitment at the grave in Riverview cemetery was by the Masonic ritual, a large number of the order attending the service.

NOTE:  THE NAME OF THE SURVIVING SISTER WAS NOT LISTED IN THE ARTICLE.