My Genealogy Hound

JAMES PURDY, farmer, post office Clinton, was born on the old homestead farm of his father and grandfather, adjoining his present farm, in Findlay township, this county, Sept. 28, 1836, a son of Thomas and Margaret (Cavit) Purdy. The latter was born in North Fayette, March 2, 1812, daughter of George and Nancy (Turner) Cavit. George Cavit was a son of Patrick Cavit, a native of Ireland, and a Scotch Presbyterian. James Purdy, grandfather of James, was born in Ireland, and came to Lancaster county, Pa., where he married, and in 1807 moved with his family to Robinson township, Allegheny county. About 1814 he came to Findlay township, where he and his wife lived and died. He was in the war of 1812, and died about 1822. He and his wife had six sons and four daughters: James, Archibald, Andrew, John, Farmer, Thomas, Jane (married to Henry Ewing), Isabelle (married to James Leiper), Elizabeth (married to William Sterling), and Mary (married to William Richmond). Of these Farmer and Mary are living. Thomas was born in May, 1808, and died in March, 1882. He and his wife had seven sons and four daughters, all living: Nancy (wife of James M. Ewing), James, George C., John, William F., Mary J. (married to Andrew McCleaster), Margaret E., Isabella, Thomas H., and Andrew J. and Samuel H. (twins). James married, Feb. 11, 1869, Elizabeth Burns, who was born in Hanover township, Washington county, Pa., daughter of William and Harriet (Saxon) Burns. In 1872 Mr. Purdy settled on his present farm. He and his wife have five children: Thomas B. William W., Joseph L., Harriet L. and Mary A. Aug. 23, 1861, Mr. Purdy enlisted in Co. F, 46th P. V. I., and served three years. He was at Winchester, Va., Cedar Mountain, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Atlanta campaign, Peach Tree Creek, Dallas and Pumpkin Vine creek, and after the war returned to his present farm, where he has since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Purdy are members of the U. B. Church at Clinton.