David Purdon
| Date of Interment or Death | 01/23/1935 |
|---|---|
| Location | Old Fairview |
| Section | C |
| Block-Lot-Grave | 3-5-1 |
Obituary
David Purdon for 50 years a Resident Here Dies on Sunday After Long Illness
Funeral Services To Be Conducted Wednesday From Congregational Church
David Purdon for fifty years a resident of Wahpeton, died Sunday afternoon at his home after an illness of many years, for three of which he had been confined to his bed. He was one of the earliest living businessmen of the city and an active factor in shaping the affairs of the community in its pioneer days.
Funeral services will be held from the First Congregational church at 2:00 on Wednesday afternoon with Rev. James S. Caskey, minister at the church, officiating. Members of the Wahpeton I.O.O.F. will attend the funeral in a body and will share in the services. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery here.
David Purdon was born June 13, 1854 at McDonald’s Corners, Ontario, Canada, the eleventh of twelve children. In 1882, he came from Alexandria, Minn., to Wahpeton. He had been teaching school at Alexandria. He became associated in business with his brother in a pioneer firm known as James Purdon and Co. The company was located where Schmitt & Olson’s are now located. They were engaged in general merchandise selling.
In 1895, David Purdon was married to Alice Bailey at her home near Breckenridge, and the couple made their home in Wahpeton since that time. Mrs. Purdon survives him as does a son, Dr. Leslie Purdon, of Elgin, N.D. A sister Mrs. Belle Scott, of McDonald’s Corners, Ontario, also survives as well as two grandchildren. In 1915, James Purdon and Company sold out but a few years later, David Purdon again engaged in business here with H.B. Paul and Wesley Oliver in the company of Paul, Oliver and Purdon. Mr. Purdon, however, was unable to continue with the work and the firm broke up. Mr. Oliver continuing in the grocery business. James Purdon died eight years ago.
David Purdon is a past Noble Grand of the Odd Fellows lodge here as well as one of the Odd Fellows of North Dakota who have been members of the order for a half century or more. He was also an active member of the Congregational church being one if its officers until recent years when he was physically unable to continue the work. He had always taken a live and active part in the affairs of the community and was one of Wahpeton’s civic leaders for years. His interest was unflagging up until recent years, and although unable to be about, he followed affairs through the newspaper and his friends as long as he was able.
Headstone photograph(s)
Location
Old Fairview is located on the southern half of the cemetery grounds.