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From the files of Margaret Hodnett, former Town Historian, Hume, NY. Graciously loaned to our web site by Judy Hodnett of Centerville, NY. |
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Death Claims Life of Our Centenarian at Age 102
Fillmore – Death came early Thursday morning to Elbert A. Purdy, our oldest resident, at the home of his son, Reid, near Spring Lake. Mr. Purdy was 102. On the occasion of his 102nd birthday, her received greetings from both President Eisenhower and Governor Rockefeller. His long life was attributed by him to good living habits and proper diet. At the time of his birthday, Mr. Purdy, said, “My faith and hope are in Christ and I have no dread or fear of the future.” Born April 2, 1857, he was the son of Augustus F. and Cecelia Butler Purdy. (In 1959) The last living former pilot on the Genesee Canal, he was a staunch Republican, never failing to vote on election day. He first cast a ballot in 1880 at the age of 23 for President Garfield. The centenarian was proud of his long record of public service in addition to a lifetime of farming. He served as Town Assessor from 1904 – 1907 as Highway Commissioner from 1908 – 1911 and was a member of the School Board for 21 years. Surviving besides his son, Reid, are a daughter, Mrs. Roy Ayer of Buffalo, a brother, Fred, Purdy of Rustburg, VA, 11 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the Wesleyan Methodist Church, where he was a life long member. The Rev. David Shannon officiated, and burial was in Pine Grove Cemetery.
Undated/Uncredited newspaper obituary clipping.
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