Randolph  County,  Indiana

David  E. Pursley


            It is known to all professional men and tradesmen that one of the chief essentials of success in life is thorough preparation. Realizing this at the out set of his career David E. Pursley, of Winchester, Randolph county, bent every possible effort in the direction of his chosen profession, with the result that he has become, while yet a young man, one of the most expert and best known embalmers in this section of the state. He has energy, persistence, and at the same time fortitude. These qualities, coupled with good personal habits, have rendered him popular with the people of this locality.
            Mr. Pursley was born May 2, 1887, near Unionsport, Randolph county, Indiana. He is a son of James M. and Mary E. (Addington) Pursley, both natives of this county, where they grew to maturity, were educated and married, and established themselves on a farm. The death of the father occurred on November 24, 1912, but the mother survives. To them were born two sons and four daughters, namely: Nora B. is the wife of Andrew Jackson; Myrtle R. is the wife of Orla Amburn, of Winchester; Nellie is the wife of Jesse W. Jackson, of Randolph county; Mattie is the wife of J.C. Jackson, also of this county; Ernest is married and lives on the old home farm, and David E., of this review.
            Our subject was reared on the home farm and he attended the common schools in his district. When but a boy he decided to enter the embalming field, and in order to properly equip himself he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and spent some time in the Cincinnati School of Embalming, and later attended Barnes’ School of Anatomy, Sanitary Science and Embalming, of Chicago, then was a student at the Askin Training School for Embalming in Indianapolis. He made a splendid record in each of these and has a diploma from all three.
            In the year 1907, Mr. Pursley became connected with C. L. Thornburg at Farmland, an undertaker, and there he remained a year, then went to Marion, Indiana, with C.M. Showley, completing his term in practice before entering in business for himself. In 1909 he came to Winchester and was associated with S.E. Fraze, until December, 1910, when he purchased the business of Mr. Fraze, and has since conducted the same with ever growing success, until he is today one of the busiest and best-known embalmers in Randolph county. Prompt and high-grade service are his watchwords, and his fair and courteous treatment of his patrons have won him the good will of all. He has an able assistant in the business in the person of his wife, a lady of talent and enterprise. They have a neat and well-equipped place of business at 130 North Main street, and all kinds of funeral equipment, caskets, cases, etc., are carried.
            Mr. Pursley was married on January 19, 1907, to Opal Fodrea, daughter of Albert and Mark E. (Dick) Fodrea, of Randolph county. The death of the father occurred on May 13, 1907. The mother survives.
            Mr. Pursley is a member of the Masonic Order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Improved Order of Red Men, also other organizations. Politically, he is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
            To Mr. and Mrs. Pursley two sons have been born, Robert D. and Roger V.
Past and Present of Randolph County, Indiana, 1914.
Contributed by Gina Richardson

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