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Kinyon Digital Library

History of Adair
County, Iowa, 1915.

Biographical.  Volume 2.

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Sherman H. Purdy.

Sherman H. Purdy is a well known and representative farmer of Eureka township, living on section 24, where he is engaged in both the raising and feeding of cattle and hogs.  He was born in Henry county, Illinois, April 19, 1867, and is a son of William James and Margaret (Harry) Purdy.  The father, born in Canada, was of English descent, and in early life took up the occupation of farming, which he followed for many years.  On leaving his native country in early manhood he removed to Henry county, Illinois, and was married there.  Thirty-eight years ago he came to Iowa, settling in Eureka township, Adair county, upon the farm which is now the home of his son Sherman.  He continued to reside there until the fall of 1893, when he returned to Ontario, Canada, and two years later he was killed by lightning.  His wife was born in Illinois, while her parents were natives of Ohio.

Sherman H. Purdy was only thirteen years of age at the time of his mother's death.  He continued to live at home until he reached his majority, but for a year before was working as a farm hand.  He afterward was employed at farm labor for a year and then rented land in order that he might engage in farming on his own account.  For four years he continued to cultivate leased land, after which he purchased the old home place of one hundred and sixty acres, upon which he has since resided, devoting his time to general farming and stock-raising.  He also rents one hundred and sixty acres in Prussia township.  He keeps on hand a good grade of stock and raises and feeds both cattle and hogs.  He farms his land with the help of his son and he utilizes all the crops that he raises in feeding his stock.  His business affairs are wisely directed and his capable management brings to him substantial success.

In 1891 Mr. Purdy was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Miller, a daughter of John Miller, of Audubon county, Iowa.  She died in 19901, leaving three of the four children born of her marriage, one having previously passed away.  Those who survive are:  Myrtle May, the wife of Glen Bakerink, a resident farmer of Eureka township, by who she has one child, Wilma Avia;  Goldie Pearl, who is teaching in Eureka township;  and Sherman Floyd, at home.  In 1904 Mr. Purdy was again married, his second union being with Miss Emma C. Leach, a daughter of Freeman Leach, living near Creston.  There are four children of this marriage:  Velma, Ellen, Eunice and Ethel, all of whom are attending the school near their home.

Mr. Purdy views the political questions of the day most carefully and as the result of his investigation and understanding of conditions gives his support to the democratic party.  The cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion and he has served for two terms as school director of district No. 6 in Eureka township.  Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America at Fontanelle.  Those who meet him in social and other relations recognize his many good qualities, while those who know him through business feel that he is a thoroughly reliable and trustworthy man.

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