Van Gundy Family Tree


Thomas COULSON.Thomas married Elizabeth Ann SCOBEY on 7 Nov 1858 in Scott Co, IL.

Elizabeth Ann SCOBEY [Parents] was born about 1836. She married Thomas COULSON on 7 Nov 1858 in Scott Co, IL.

She was not listed with this family in the 1850 census even though she never married until 1858 so she may belong to another Scobey family.


Rastus\Ross Selby "Rass\Ross" NEAVES [Parents] was born on 3 Feb 1916 in Morocco, Newton Co, IN. He died on 15 Sep 1994 in Oak Lawn, IL. He married Louise (NEAVES).

He was originally named Rastus and called "Rass" but upon reaching adulthood, he changed it to Ross, as verified by Social Security records.

Louise (NEAVES) was born on 12 Dec 1920. She died on 1 Dec 1996 in Oak Lawn, IL. She married Rastus\Ross Selby "Rass\Ross" NEAVES.

They had the following children:

  M i Edward R NEAVES.
  F ii Betty L NEAVES.

Robert Nimrod "Bobby" NEAVES [Parents].Robert married Ethel MARINER.

Ethel MARINER.Ethel married Robert Nimrod "Bobby" NEAVES.


William Nimrod WILEY [Parents] was born on 19 Feb 1901 in Moultrie Co, IL. He died on 30 Mar 1951 in Coles Co, IL. He was buried in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens, Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. He married Zelma G BUTLER on 7 Oct 1921 in Charleston, Coles Co, IL.

George V Herrick officiated at his funeral which was held at the First
Methodist Church of Mattoon, IL, at 3 PM on Sunday.

Zelma G BUTLER was born on 15 Dec 1901. She married William Nimrod WILEY on 7 Oct 1921 in Charleston, Coles Co, IL.

The Mattoon, IL, newspaper carried the announcement of her 100th birthday celebration to be held at the Douglas Care and Rehabilitation Center where she resided. Son, John, was her only child but she also had one grandson, three great-grandchildren an six great-great-grandchildren at the time.

They had the following children:

  M i John David WILEY was born about 1923.

John David WILEY [Parents] was born about 1923.

He had the following children:

  M i John WILEY was born about 1943.

John had 3 children who had 6 children.

Ephraim Darlin PURVIS [Parents] was born on 11 Dec 1831 in Springfield, Sangamon Co, IL. He died on 10 Jan 1915 in Ohio, St Clair Co, MO. He married Rebecca GRAHAM on 26 Mar 1857 in Moultrie Co, IL.

Other marriages:
Smith, Mary Louise

Residences & events:

1860 Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. He was a farmer with property = $1280/1000 at census time and there was a Harriett Welch, 16, assistant, living with the family.

1861 A newspaper article on daughter Eliza said the family moved to a farm 2 miles north of Coles (Station?) when she was three.

1870 E Nelson Twp, Moultrie Co, IL. Ephraim's property had grown to $2190/1200 by census time and a James Foster, 16, farm hand from Indiana was living there.

1875 E Nelson Twp. In the atlas Ephraim was listed as a land owner among the township's 1021 residents along with brother, Enoch, their father, and Uncle George.

9/2/1871 He paid a school tax for his property located at T13 R6.

11/16/1875 Ephraim bought 40 acres of railroad land located at S24 T13N for $10.00/acre. His residence at the time was not recorded.

1880 E Nelson Twp, Moultrie Co, Il. He was still a farmer at census time and all the children were still at home with the exception of daughter, Eliza. He was married to his second wife and the first wife's family lived nearby.

6/16/1885 Seward Co, NE. The census taker found his family in Precinct G while brothers, Enoch and John Wesley, and cousin, Isaac Standerfer, were in Prect F. Ephraim's family consisted of himself, wife, Mary and his last 7 children, the last of which was born in NE.

By 1900 Johnson City, Monegan Springs Twp, St Clair Co, MO

Rebecca GRAHAM was born on 5 Apr 1839 in IL. She died on 4 Dec 1873 in Moultrie Co, IL. She was buried in Daugherty Cem, Moultrie Co, IL. She married Ephraim Darlin PURVIS on 26 Mar 1857 in Moultrie Co, IL.

She was a sister to Mary Graham, who married Enoch Purvis, i.e sisters
married brothers.

Her birth date is 3/6/1839 in other family listings.

They had the following children:

  F i Eliza PURVIS was born on 9 Dec 1857. She died about 1955.
  M ii Arthur PURVIS was born in Sep 1859 in IL.

In 1885 he was living with Uncle John Wesley Purvis, according to the census taker.
  F iii Margaret Mary\Matilda PURVIS was born on 22 Feb 1862 in IL.
  F iv Martha PURVIS was born in 1866 in IL.
  M v Albert D PURVIS was born in 1869 in IL.
  M vi Lawrence Grant PURVIS was born on 9 Aug 1871.
  M vii Andrew PURVIS was born in 1873.

This child was not mentioned in any family listings as belonging to Ephraim but is listed in the 1885 census as the nephew of John Wesley. Since Rebecca died the same year Andrew was born, perhaps he was shipped off as an infant to live with relatives and never returned to his father's house.

Ephraim Darlin PURVIS [Parents] was born on 11 Dec 1831 in Springfield, Sangamon Co, IL. He died on 10 Jan 1915 in Ohio, St Clair Co, MO. He married Mary Louise Smith on 26 Nov 1874 in Moultrie Co, IL, at the bride's home.

Other marriages:
GRAHAM, Rebecca

Residences & events:

1860 Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. He was a farmer with property = $1280/1000 at census time and there was a Harriett Welch, 16, assistant, living with the family.

1861 A newspaper article on daughter Eliza said the family moved to a farm 2 miles north of Coles (Station?) when she was three.

1870 E Nelson Twp, Moultrie Co, IL. Ephraim's property had grown to $2190/1200 by census time and a James Foster, 16, farm hand from Indiana was living there.

1875 E Nelson Twp. In the atlas Ephraim was listed as a land owner among the township's 1021 residents along with brother, Enoch, their father, and Uncle George.

9/2/1871 He paid a school tax for his property located at T13 R6.

11/16/1875 Ephraim bought 40 acres of railroad land located at S24 T13N for $10.00/acre. His residence at the time was not recorded.

1880 E Nelson Twp, Moultrie Co, Il. He was still a farmer at census time and all the children were still at home with the exception of daughter, Eliza. He was married to his second wife and the first wife's family lived nearby.

6/16/1885 Seward Co, NE. The census taker found his family in Precinct G while brothers, Enoch and John Wesley, and cousin, Isaac Standerfer, were in Prect F. Ephraim's family consisted of himself, wife, Mary and his last 7 children, the last of which was born in NE.

By 1900 Johnson City, Monegan Springs Twp, St Clair Co, MO

Mary Louise Smith was born on 7 Aug 1846 in Ohio, St Clair Co, MO. She died on 24 Dec 1905 in Ohio, St Clair Co, MO. She married Ephraim Darlin PURVIS on 26 Nov 1874 in Moultrie Co, IL, at the bride's home.

Mary was quite a bit younger than Ephraim, by 15 years.

They had the following children:

  F i Esther Alberta "Albertie" PURVIS was born on 7 Aug 1875 in IL.

Another family listing has Esther A and Alberta O as 2 separate people with Alberta being born in 1876.

The date of 12/18/1875 is on a tombstone in the Daugherty Cem but it must belong to another person because because this "Albertie" was 9 and living with her parents in Seward, NE in 1885.
  F ii Ada "Addie" PURVIS was born in 1878 in IL.
  M iii Roy PURVIS was born on 1 Jun 1880 in IL.
  M iv Berry PURVIS was born in Jan 1885 in NE.

Enoch Berry PURVIS [Parents] was born on 2 Jan 1833 in Springfield, Sangamon Co, IL. He died on 24 Feb 1910 in Kansas City, Wyandotte Co, KS. He was buried in Daugherty Cem, Moultrie Co, IL. He married Eliza N Graham about 1853 in Moultrie Co, IL. Enoch resided in 1900.

Other marriages:
GRAHAM, Mary P

Enoch was named for his Grandfather Berry.

He was a farmer and brick mason.

Residences & events in his life:

5/3/1859 Enoch was appointed guardian of a Mary E Purvis (relationship unknown).

1860 Moultrie Co, IL. In the census he and Mary had no children yet and cousin, John Purvis, 30, was living with them.

8/19/1862 Enoch enlisted to fight the Civil War with Co C of 126th Reg, IL Volunteers. When he left he entrusted his property and family to the care of his father. During his term of service he suffered much of the time from various ailments, as did most of the troops.

His activities were recorded in letters among the McPheeters family:

11/1862 "anything you wish to send me such as sockes etc can be sent by Lieut Powell or Enoch Purvis who are both at home on sick furlough."

12/3/1862, from Camp Lagrange, TN: "Enoch Purvis joined us yesterday. we were all glad to see him, had heard time finding us, went to Memphis, expecting we were there. had to come back to Columbus, KY. came around by rail road to this place (Lagrange, TN). Capt Smyser has reduced Enoch to the ranks. him and Capt. had quite a round about it this morning. Capt said the Col did it. Enoch went to the Col, asked him if he had reduced him. Col said your Capt requested me to reduce you, said you was incompetent to fill the office. Col sent for Cap. when Capt came Enoch told him that Col told him that Capt recomended his removal. Capt denied it. Col sent for Adjutant, asked him about it. Adjutant sided with Col. Capt still denied it. Col said Capt it is no used for you to deny it any more, said he, I never have reduced an officer without it being recomended by his superior officer. here it ended for the present. Smyser has appointed a fellow as sargent in Enoch place that is as roten as he is himself."

1/5/1863, letter from Enoch at home to fellow soldiers: "when we commenced fighting I was siting on the left side of the train eating my dinner. I could do nothing where I was and could hear no order given until I heard them hollow to jump off. well I supposed they were going to get off to fight and in jumping off I broke my foot and badly injured my back and as soon as I got up the cars started back. then I thought I would get on the cars to keep from being taken prisoner. Then when you all started back you saw me left and heard the captain tell me to stay there. I was left all alone. I crawled into that old stockade and by the time you was out of sight two thousand rebels came up behind you and took my fort and me in it."

/7/1863 "Purvis and Stewart are both at home, paroled prisoners.....Purvis will return (to his own unit) as soon as exchanged."

3/4/1863 "What is Enoch Purvis doing. Col has ordered him to report to his Co. without delay."

4/5/1863 "Enoch Purvis was at St. Louis the last account. He has wrote for his wife to come and visit him. I suppose she will start in a few days. Why is he not ordered back to his Company."

4/9/1863 "general opinion....is that Enoch Purvis has come to the conclusion that he is going to share a deserters fate. He has sent for his wife to come and see him. That looks very suspicious for it hasent been but about six weeks since he left here."

5/1/1863 "Enoch Purvis is still at St. Louis his wife is there with him. Intends staying there until Enoch leaves there."

5/30/1863 "Ike Harness is going to buy the place that Enoch Purvis lived on when he enlisted." (Ike was Enoch's brother-in-law.)

6/4/1863 "I am told that Enoch Purvis will not be able to march in consequent of the injury to his foot at or near Humboldt (TN), and is placed in the invalid corps, which is composed of all soldiers who are unable to travel, but are able to perform duty in forts."

6/4/1863 "Ike Harness has bought of Squire Purvis the place Enoch Purvis was living on when he volunteered, and will move on it in a few days. It was rented to Mr. Philips....Ike bought out his time this morning."

9/6/1863 "I am told that Enoch Purvis has not yet received his descriptive roll. I wonder if it was sent to him? He is now at home on furlough."

11/1/1863 "Enoch Purvis is in the I.C. is at Columbus Ohio."

11/28/1863 "I received a letter from E.B. Purvis a few days ago. he is in the 15th Regt. I.C. Co. They are stationed at Camp Chase, Ohio. Enoch says he was put in the I.C. by reason of deseas of the heart."

Enoch is back with us.

12/19/1863 at Camp Douglas, Chicago: "I had a long talk with E.B. Purvis today, he looks well, & is doing well, has his Family with him."

1/31/1864 "(Your) brother, Addison "stoped in Chicago a few hours, called on Enoch Purvis. He and his wife are still in Chicago guarding prisoners. his wife is performing the duties of a company Laundress."

4/4/1864 "I received an order from the War Depart. last week ordering me to prefer charges against E.B. Purvis and have him tried by a General Court Marshal for desertion. I am looking for Enoch on every boat that landes. Letters came in our mail to day directed to him. Capt Smyser did it all he reported him on all our muster rolls as a deserter, refused to send Enoch his descriptive roll when ordered so to do. Smyser wrote to Enochs Co and Regimental Commander, stated to both that he was a deserter and asked that he be arrested and sent back to his Reg for trial. The case was refered to the War Dept. and Enoch was transfered to his Reg and Co for trial. I have no fears at all as to the result of Enochs trial as Smyser is out of the way. I can in the position I now occupy do a great deal for Enoch. I shall use every effort in my power to have him honerebly acquited and restored to pay and duty."

7/19/1864 "I saw on last evening a letter from E.B. Purvis of the 8th Inst to his friends here. He says that when he arrived at Cincinnati on his way to his regiment, that he was arrested and taken to Vicksburgh, and on the 26th April was placed in prison, and is there yet in confinement. He thinks he is bneing very badly treated-is quite unwell-can not get such provision as he can eat, and has not received a single letter since he has been confined, and of course knows nothin of you or any of his friends here.....He knows of no charge against him except the old one mady by Smyser, of desertion, which he is anxious to have investigated. He says you and your Colonel have both, as he learns, sent orders for his return to his regiment, but the Provost Marshall refuses to let him go. He is very anxious to be releaved."

7/27/1864 "Squire Purvis has gone to Vicksburgh to see Enoch."

Rankin McPheeters, now Capt McPheeters, was able to help Enoch and he was eventually cleared of all charges.

10/17/1864 "Enoch Purvis is hearty and well, and enjoyes himself finely. Enoch is one of the most careless & knowing soldiers that I have yet come across, he is not willing to take advice from any one. In fact he knows entirely to much for an American soldier."

12/30/1864 "Enoch is fleshier than I ever saw him and is tickled about the news from home."

2/17/1865 "Purvis has been complaining for a week past but is again on duty."

4/1/1865, "Purvis has played out again. I have sent him up the river to some Genl Hos(pital)-do not know where he will be stopped at. Would not be much surprised to hear of him at home in 10 days. he is perfectly worthless as a soldier. I have done all I could to help him retrieve his character, but he may now go to the dogs if he chooses. I shall give myself no more trouble about him."

5/22/1865 He was discharged from the service with the rank of Sgt.

4/7/1866 Enoch petitioned for the township and paid a school tax on his property at T13 R6.

12/31/1870 He closed the year by buying 40 acres of railroad land located at S8 T13N for $8.00/acre.

9/2/1871 He paid a school tax for the same property as before.

7/1873 Chariton Co, MO. Feeling the westward ho fever, he moved.

9/1874 Moultrie Co, IL. Returning home he turned to farming again.

1875 E Nelson Twp, Moultrie Co, IL. He was listed in the atlas among the 1021 residents of the township as a land owner but was probably still living in MO. Son Enoch was born there 1/1877.

10/1877 Cherokee Co, KS. Still having the itch, he tried going west again.

4/1880 Moultrie Co, IL.

1880 Enoch was listed as a brick mason in the census. He was living between his father and the elder Addison McPheeters.

1883 Germantown, NE. Moving with brother, Ephraim and John, this time.

1/16/1885 Seward Co, NE. He and brother John were living in Precinct F at census time while brother Ephraim lived in G. Enoch's family consisted of himself, Mary, and 4 children. Living with them was an Ann Medn, housekeeper from Prussia and Berry Angerston, boarder from Italy.

9/8/1887 Germantown. Enoch testified from there in the matter of Evaline Powell's application for a widow's pension.

1892 Leavonworth, KS, where he was living at the Nat'l Military Home.

There may be a burial discrepancy and this may not be the Enoch Purvis who was buried there. If he died in KS, was he shipped back home to be interred? Cemetery records state recorded only that Enoch "N" Purvis, Sgt Co C 126th ILL Inf, was buried, no dates given. It is the correct service info but wrong middle initial.

Eliza N Graham was born on 25 Apr 1837 in IL. She died on 30 Nov 1857 in Moultrie Co, IL. She was buried in Daugherty Cem, Moultrie Co, IL. She married Enoch Berry PURVIS about 1853 in Moultrie Co, IL.


Enoch Berry PURVIS [Parents] was born on 2 Jan 1833 in Springfield, Sangamon Co, IL. He died on 24 Feb 1910 in Kansas City, Wyandotte Co, KS. He was buried in Daugherty Cem, Moultrie Co, IL. He married Mary P GRAHAM on 24 Feb 1859 in Moultrie Co, IL, by Daniel Ellington, JP. Enoch resided in 1900.

Other marriages:
Graham, Eliza N

Enoch was named for his Grandfather Berry.

He was a farmer and brick mason.

Residences & events in his life:

5/3/1859 Enoch was appointed guardian of a Mary E Purvis (relationship unknown).

1860 Moultrie Co, IL. In the census he and Mary had no children yet and cousin, John Purvis, 30, was living with them.

8/19/1862 Enoch enlisted to fight the Civil War with Co C of 126th Reg, IL Volunteers. When he left he entrusted his property and family to the care of his father. During his term of service he suffered much of the time from various ailments, as did most of the troops.

His activities were recorded in letters among the McPheeters family:

11/1862 "anything you wish to send me such as sockes etc can be sent by Lieut Powell or Enoch Purvis who are both at home on sick furlough."

12/3/1862, from Camp Lagrange, TN: "Enoch Purvis joined us yesterday. we were all glad to see him, had heard time finding us, went to Memphis, expecting we were there. had to come back to Columbus, KY. came around by rail road to this place (Lagrange, TN). Capt Smyser has reduced Enoch to the ranks. him and Capt. had quite a round about it this morning. Capt said the Col did it. Enoch went to the Col, asked him if he had reduced him. Col said your Capt requested me to reduce you, said you was incompetent to fill the office. Col sent for Cap. when Capt came Enoch told him that Col told him that Capt recomended his removal. Capt denied it. Col sent for Adjutant, asked him about it. Adjutant sided with Col. Capt still denied it. Col said Capt it is no used for you to deny it any more, said he, I never have reduced an officer without it being recomended by his superior officer. here it ended for the present. Smyser has appointed a fellow as sargent in Enoch place that is as roten as he is himself."

1/5/1863, letter from Enoch at home to fellow soldiers: "when we commenced fighting I was siting on the left side of the train eating my dinner. I could do nothing where I was and could hear no order given until I heard them hollow to jump off. well I supposed they were going to get off to fight and in jumping off I broke my foot and badly injured my back and as soon as I got up the cars started back. then I thought I would get on the cars to keep from being taken prisoner. Then when you all started back you saw me left and heard the captain tell me to stay there. I was left all alone. I crawled into that old stockade and by the time you was out of sight two thousand rebels came up behind you and took my fort and me in it."

/7/1863 "Purvis and Stewart are both at home, paroled prisoners.....Purvis will return (to his own unit) as soon as exchanged."

3/4/1863 "What is Enoch Purvis doing. Col has ordered him to report to his Co. without delay."

4/5/1863 "Enoch Purvis was at St. Louis the last account. He has wrote for his wife to come and visit him. I suppose she will start in a few days. Why is he not ordered back to his Company."

4/9/1863 "general opinion....is that Enoch Purvis has come to the conclusion that he is going to share a deserters fate. He has sent for his wife to come and see him. That looks very suspicious for it hasent been but about six weeks since he left here."

5/1/1863 "Enoch Purvis is still at St. Louis his wife is there with him. Intends staying there until Enoch leaves there."

5/30/1863 "Ike Harness is going to buy the place that Enoch Purvis lived on when he enlisted." (Ike was Enoch's brother-in-law.)

6/4/1863 "I am told that Enoch Purvis will not be able to march in consequent of the injury to his foot at or near Humboldt (TN), and is placed in the invalid corps, which is composed of all soldiers who are unable to travel, but are able to perform duty in forts."

6/4/1863 "Ike Harness has bought of Squire Purvis the place Enoch Purvis was living on when he volunteered, and will move on it in a few days. It was rented to Mr. Philips....Ike bought out his time this morning."

9/6/1863 "I am told that Enoch Purvis has not yet received his descriptive roll. I wonder if it was sent to him? He is now at home on furlough."

11/1/1863 "Enoch Purvis is in the I.C. is at Columbus Ohio."

11/28/1863 "I received a letter from E.B. Purvis a few days ago. he is in the 15th Regt. I.C. Co. They are stationed at Camp Chase, Ohio. Enoch says he was put in the I.C. by reason of deseas of the heart."

Enoch is back with us.

12/19/1863 at Camp Douglas, Chicago: "I had a long talk with E.B. Purvis today, he looks well, & is doing well, has his Family with him."

1/31/1864 "(Your) brother, Addison "stoped in Chicago a few hours, called on Enoch Purvis. He and his wife are still in Chicago guarding prisoners. his wife is performing the duties of a company Laundress."

4/4/1864 "I received an order from the War Depart. last week ordering me to prefer charges against E.B. Purvis and have him tried by a General Court Marshal for desertion. I am looking for Enoch on every boat that landes. Letters came in our mail to day directed to him. Capt Smyser did it all he reported him on all our muster rolls as a deserter, refused to send Enoch his descriptive roll when ordered so to do. Smyser wrote to Enochs Co and Regimental Commander, stated to both that he was a deserter and asked that he be arrested and sent back to his Reg for trial. The case was refered to the War Dept. and Enoch was transfered to his Reg and Co for trial. I have no fears at all as to the result of Enochs trial as Smyser is out of the way. I can in the position I now occupy do a great deal for Enoch. I shall use every effort in my power to have him honerebly acquited and restored to pay and duty."

7/19/1864 "I saw on last evening a letter from E.B. Purvis of the 8th Inst to his friends here. He says that when he arrived at Cincinnati on his way to his regiment, that he was arrested and taken to Vicksburgh, and on the 26th April was placed in prison, and is there yet in confinement. He thinks he is bneing very badly treated-is quite unwell-can not get such provision as he can eat, and has not received a single letter since he has been confined, and of course knows nothin of you or any of his friends here.....He knows of no charge against him except the old one mady by Smyser, of desertion, which he is anxious to have investigated. He says you and your Colonel have both, as he learns, sent orders for his return to his regiment, but the Provost Marshall refuses to let him go. He is very anxious to be releaved."

7/27/1864 "Squire Purvis has gone to Vicksburgh to see Enoch."

Rankin McPheeters, now Capt McPheeters, was able to help Enoch and he was eventually cleared of all charges.

10/17/1864 "Enoch Purvis is hearty and well, and enjoyes himself finely. Enoch is one of the most careless & knowing soldiers that I have yet come across, he is not willing to take advice from any one. In fact he knows entirely to much for an American soldier."

12/30/1864 "Enoch is fleshier than I ever saw him and is tickled about the news from home."

2/17/1865 "Purvis has been complaining for a week past but is again on duty."

4/1/1865, "Purvis has played out again. I have sent him up the river to some Genl Hos(pital)-do not know where he will be stopped at. Would not be much surprised to hear of him at home in 10 days. he is perfectly worthless as a soldier. I have done all I could to help him retrieve his character, but he may now go to the dogs if he chooses. I shall give myself no more trouble about him."

5/22/1865 He was discharged from the service with the rank of Sgt.

4/7/1866 Enoch petitioned for the township and paid a school tax on his property at T13 R6.

12/31/1870 He closed the year by buying 40 acres of railroad land located at S8 T13N for $8.00/acre.

9/2/1871 He paid a school tax for the same property as before.

7/1873 Chariton Co, MO. Feeling the westward ho fever, he moved.

9/1874 Moultrie Co, IL. Returning home he turned to farming again.

1875 E Nelson Twp, Moultrie Co, IL. He was listed in the atlas among the 1021 residents of the township as a land owner but was probably still living in MO. Son Enoch was born there 1/1877.

10/1877 Cherokee Co, KS. Still having the itch, he tried going west again.

4/1880 Moultrie Co, IL.

1880 Enoch was listed as a brick mason in the census. He was living between his father and the elder Addison McPheeters.

1883 Germantown, NE. Moving with brother, Ephraim and John, this time.

1/16/1885 Seward Co, NE. He and brother John were living in Precinct F at census time while brother Ephraim lived in G. Enoch's family consisted of himself, Mary, and 4 children. Living with them was an Ann Medn, housekeeper from Prussia and Berry Angerston, boarder from Italy.

9/8/1887 Germantown. Enoch testified from there in the matter of Evaline Powell's application for a widow's pension.

1892 Leavonworth, KS, where he was living at the Nat'l Military Home.

There may be a burial discrepancy and this may not be the Enoch Purvis who was buried there. If he died in KS, was he shipped back home to be interred? Cemetery records state recorded only that Enoch "N" Purvis, Sgt Co C 126th ILL Inf, was buried, no dates given. It is the correct service info but wrong middle initial.

Mary P GRAHAM was born on 26 Dec 1843 in Moultrie Co, IL. She died on 4 Jun 1901 in Seward Co, Neb. She was buried in German Town Cem, Seward Co, Neb. She married Enoch Berry PURVIS on 24 Feb 1859 in Moultrie Co, IL, by Daniel Ellington, JP.

She was a sister to Rebecca Graham, who married Ephraim Purvis, i.e.
sisters married brothers.

Most relatives thought she died in Leavenworth, KS, but her grave was found in NE.

The cemetery is located 3 miles east of Garland, NE. Her gravestone is engraved with the full scripture of Luke 10:42 and the Purvis name on the bottom.

They had the following children:

  M i Malden E PURVIS was born in Nov 1864. He died in 1962.
  F ii Carry PURVIS was born in Apr 1872 in IL.
  F iii Millie PURVIS was born on 16 Feb 1874 in MO.
  M iv Enoch Arden PURVIS was born on 28 Feb 1877 in MO.

The 1885 census taker recorded his name as Arthur.
  F v Jennie PURVIS was born on 25 Jan 1881. She died before 1885.

She was missing from the 1885 census.
  F vi Jane PURVIS was born on 22 Jan 1883 in IL.
  F vii Josephine G PURVIS was born in Apr 1886.

Isaac L "Ike" HARNESS.Isaac married Sarah Jane PURVIS on 25 Jan 1860 in Moultrie Co, IL, by A L Kellar, MG.

Neighbors, the McPheeters, captured activities in the area in letters:


2/15/1863 Amid discussion of those in the war and visits by civilians, "Sarah Harness has give out going to see Ike until warm weather." From this it may be concluded that Ike also served for awhile in the war efforts.

5/30/1863, "Ike Harness is going to buy the place that Enoch Purvis lived on when he enlisted (for the Civil War). I saw Ike a few days ago he looks quite well and is very fleshy. I wish you could see what a great chane Ikes coming home has made in Sarah, she dont seem like the same person, she is so lively, gay and happy."

And again on 6/4/1863 "Ike Harness has bought of Squire Purvis the place Enoch Purvis was living on when he volunteered, and will move on it in a few days. It was rented to Mr. Philips....Ike bought out his time this morning and Mr. Philips will move into two immediately."

12/13/1863 "Miss Ellen (Miley) & I (Anna Rankin) are going up to the Harnesses to stay all night this week."

Sarah Jane PURVIS [Parents] was born in 1841 in Shelby Co, IL. She died before 1900. She married Isaac L "Ike" HARNESS on 25 Jan 1860 in Moultrie Co, IL, by A L Kellar, MG.

They had the following children:

  M i Willie E HARNESS was born on 3 Mar 1864 in Moultrie Co, IL. He died on 19 Aug 1867 in Moultrie Co, IL. He was buried in Daugherty Cem, Moultrie Co, IL.

He is buried next to grandfather, William M Purvis.

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