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Residences & events: 1/22/1827 Sangamon Co, IL. His name was found in early probaterecords in connection with the James Twaddle estate as a buyer at thesale of personal goods. 2/22/1830 Springfield, Sangamon Co, IL. Thomas, along with hisfather and brothers, William and Isaac, voted at the courthouse. 1830 Shelby Co, IL. He was listed among the county's first settlers,exact date not given He was counted in the 4th Prect at census time, he and brother, John,being the only Purvises listed in the county. Those living in hishousehold were 2 males under 5, 2 males 20-30, 2 females 5-10, and 1female 20-30. One brother, probably James, was living with him atthat time. 3/22/1836 Thomas started buying land from federal land sales,beginning with 80 acres in Moultrie Co at S3 T13N for $1.25/acre. Hewas still living in Shelby Co at that time. 5/31/1836 He bought another 79.61 acres in Moultrie at the samelocation, for the same $1.25/acre. 7/25/1836 His residence was still Shelby Co when he bought moreMoultrie Co federal land, this time 39.81 acres at the samecoordinates, again at $1.25/acre. 1/10/1837 He added to his estate in Moultrie Co by buying 40 moreacres from a federal sale, still at $1.25/acre. Still he lived inShelby Co. 3/6/1837 Julian, Shelby Co, IL. Thomas laid out a small village inS3 T13N R6E with 80x60' lots, 60' wide streets and 16' alleys. Therehe built a horse mill in response to the need of settlers living onthe west side of the Okaw river, who were compelled to swim the riverto get their milling done at East Nelson. Thomas also operated atavern or inn there. Family tradition says that the tavern was arelay point where horses were changed on the stage road betweenCharleston and Springfield. Also according to tradition, Thomas'family and Abe Lincoln were long time friends. Son, James, was said tohave sat on Abraham's lap when he came through on the stage. 2/19/1838 Enlarging his property limits, he bought 40 acres at aschool sale in Moultrie Co for $2.01/acre, located at S16 13N. 8/10/1838 Shelby Co, IL. Thomas obtained his first real estate inthe county of his residence by patent. On the same date, brothers,George, William, and John, all received land too. 12/29/1838 He appeared as a witness in a court suit between JamesElder vs Jonathan Dasey. 1840 Shelby Co, IL. In the census he and his wife were 30-40 yearsold and their family consisted of 1 male under 5, 1 male 5-10, 1 male10-15, 2 females 5-10, and 2 females 15-20. Two doors down wasbrother-in-law, John Golesby. 1/31/1843 Shelby Co, Il. According to probate records, he, alongwith several brothers, were among the purchasers at the sale of theestate of Samuel Martin. 3/11/1844 Moultrie Co, IL. He had finally moved to the county wherehe already owned several acres of land by the time he added another39.8 acres at S3 N13N from the federal sale for $1.25. 1850 Moultrie Co, IL. At census time he was listed as a farmer withproperty = $1000. He was living with his second wife and 5 children,the 2 youngest being theirs together. 2/1852 Moultrie Co, IL. His name was on a summons, then a deceasedsummons on 3/5/1852, and later the same year, his name appeared on adelinquent list for nonpayment of a note. Apparently someone forgotto take care of his business after he died. Thomas apparently left shared land to his heirs which on 2/4/1903,they deeded to the public for the Jonathan Creek cemetery for $1.00 byquit-claim. The deed reads: "The grantors James Purvis, G.W. Purvis,Elija Purvis, and Alexander Purvis of the Town of Jonathan Creek inthe County of Moultrie and State of Illinois for the consideration of one ($1.00) Dollars, convey and quit-claim to the Public (for publicburying purposes) all interest in the following described realestate....Except a certain parcel or strip 10 feet extending from thesouth side of the Church Building to the south line of the above described tract of land (and known as the row or strip upon which thePurvis family bury their dead)." As of 1980 there were about 400Purvises buried in Jonathan Creek Cemetery. |
| Sarah was the widow of Eli Waller. |