HOWARD E. PURDY from Steuben Republican, January 14, 1959, page 2, column 5

Howard E. Purdy

        Howard E. Purdy, son of Robert N. and Eliza VanBenschoten Purdy, and
the youngest of their seven children, was born in Orland, Ind., on the first
day of April, 1865, in the house on N. Wayne street now owned and occupied
by Paul Sanders. His long life of industry and usefulness came to an end
last Tuesday, January 6, 1959, after only five days of critical illness in a
Sturgis Nurging Home and only three months short of his 94th birthday, with
an enviable record of alertness and activity up to about two years ago, when
his health and strength began to fail noticeably.
        Mr.Purdy's primary interests, concerns, and sources of enjoyment, 
during the adult years of his life long residence in Steuben county, were
his home and family, and his farm, with his efforts and activities
purposefully directed and freely given to their care, welfare, and 
continuing betterment. An earlier concern, which he maintained throughout 
his life as a student, alumnus, teacher, parent, grandparent, and citizen 
was education.
        Left motherless at age of two, Howard continued in the family home
through his formative and early adult years. Taking advantage of the 
excellent educational opportunities provided by the Orland public schools of
that day, he graduated from the Orland high school with the class of 1885, 
having taken time out during the course, to teach in a rural school in 
LaGrange county for a year or two. Such was his interest and success in this
occupation that he stayed with it for 12 years, mostly in Steuben county, 
and continuing through his early years as a farmer.
        Later in life, he was to take quiet satisfaction in the higher 
education and scholastic records achieved by his children and grandchildren,
and the fact that four of them became teachers.
        His marriage to Lydia Stayner marked the beginning of an enduringly 
happy and most companionable wedded life, all of which, with the exception 
of the first four years, was lived on their farm southeast of Orland. Here 
to this devoted couple, were born their two children, Leo and Bertice: and 
here in November, 1941, this felicitous marriage and home life of 55 years 
was terminated by the death of Mrs. Purdy. Following this, Mr. Purdy 
retired, later selling the farm and made his home with his married children,
alternately, until the close of his life. The children, Dr. Purdy of 
Sturgis, Michigan, and Mrs. Carl Brown, of Orland, together with their five
children and nine great grandchildren, constitute the lineal survivors. 
        As a farmer, it as Mr. Purdy's pleasure, as well as pride, to have 
his land, buildings, stock and farm home well cared for, well maintained and
continually improved. Standing him in good stead in these efforts and 
achievement, were his ability in carpentering, and his competence and skill 
in woodworking and fine cabinet work, learned from his father. But above and
beyond this, and playing a vital role in farming and in other areas of 
endeavor, were the character lessons of honest and painstaking workmanship, 
the emphasis on carefully and precisely finished pieces of work, the 
importance and value of integrity--all learned from the same source, thru 
example, influence and instruction, and all so deeply imprinted as to defy 
eradication.
        Following his retirement at 76, Mr. Purdy continued his woodworking 
as a  hobby, and as a service to those wanting small jobs done. In addition,
this quiet and kindly and much respected man made his daily rounds of which 
ever town he was currently staying in, talking with friends and making new 
acquaintances; attending ball games with the enthusiasm of a former player 
and present fan; making friends with little children; watching the erection 
of new buildings; and in genereal keeping himself in touch with the local 
scene, the while he kept others in touch with and informed about the early 
history and genealogy of this locality and county, the subject in which he 
was exceptionally well versed.
        He followed faithfully this program and regularly until two years 
ago when weakness of body forced him to abandon the excursions and withdraw 
quite literally from circulation.  
        In a biographical sketch of Mr. Purdy appearing in the 1920 history 
of this and adjoining counties, the opening sentence reads, "It is an 
opinion shared by many people in Steuben county that Howard E. Purdy has 
done his work well, whether as a practical farmer or a good citizen."
        Today it can be said with truth, Howard Purdy has done his work well
and lived his life well in whatever function, and in whatever capacity.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:
        Mrs. Purdy was Lydia Ordelia Stayner, daughter of William Perry and 
Dolly Jane (Powers) Stayner. She was born 28 Aug 1866 and died 19 Nov 1941. 
She married Howard on 20 Oct 1886.
        Leo B. Purdy, D.D.S., (09 Nov 1890-16 Oct 1966) married Wilma E. 
Case (08 Mar 1893-1966) on 05 Sep 1912.
        Bertice Eliza (Purdy) Brown was born 18 Oct 1894, and died 20 Mar 
1975. She married  Donald Carl Brown (01 Jan 1891-02 Dec 1975) on 15 May 
1919.

        All of the above are buried at Greenlawn Cemetery, Orland, Steuben 
County, Indiana.


Submitted By: Mona Hilden-Beckwith
E-mail: hilbeck123@att.net