William Robert Purnell - Submitted for the USGenWeb by Richard P. Sevier, November 25, 2013

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William Robert Purnell - Madison Parish, Louisiana 

From Tallulah Madison Journal July 5, 1924

IN MEMORIAM

Thursday morning at ten o'clock when the sun was shining its clearest and the sky was the bluest, 
all that was mortal of William Robert Purnell was tenderly laid to rest in the Silver Cross Cemetery 
at Tallulah. Relatives and friends gathered about the sacred spot that marked his last resting place.
The beautiful service was said with assurance and comfort by Rev. C. May, of the Methodist Church 
of Tallulah.

The deceased was born in Shuquelak, Noxubee County, Miss., July 25, 1857. At an early age he moved 
with his parents to Brandon, Miss. in 1867. Here most of his youth was spent. On reaching manhood his 
health was weakened and he turned his footsteps to the western hills in pursuit of strength. In Mexico 
and Texas he was employed in telegraphic and railroad work. The rugged wild life of Mexico agreed 
with him and it was here that he gained health and enjoyment of life.

At Liberty, Texas, he met sweet, Annie Holoman. She won his heart for all the charms that are combined 
to form perfect womanhood were found in her. Beauty of face and strength of character marked her 
presence wherever she paused. She was a Godly woman and went about doing good.

While nursing a relative she contracted an illness that drew her away from the young husband. Two years 
of happiness were spent, when the angels claimed her soul and she was placed beneath the daisies.

With heart-strings severed, discouraged and wounded in spirit, he returned to his old home in 
Issaquena county, Miss., and to his great and noble father, Wm. R. Purnell, with whom he lived and 
worked until recent years, when he came to Louisiana.

Being frail of body, it was only at times that he could follow his profession. He spent a large part 
of his time in the great out-of-doors. He loved the woods and streams and lived very close to nature. 
He delighted in the feel of the earth, as he would wrap his blanket about himself and lie down on the 
soft leaves, breathing the pungent breath of the forest. Knowing the haunts of even the smallest animals, 
there never was a time that he was not watching and feeding from his hands some of God's helpless creatures.

In the last failing years he spent his life with his brothers, and a very dear cousin, Frank Hume of 
Edwards, Miss. It was here that the last moments were passed. His gentleness of nature and loyalty of 
heart made for him true and loyal friends.

As we stood by his open grave, with mounds of mellow earth on either side the gentle breezes stirred 
the oak just behind. In its branches an oriole was singing and a red bird was calling to its mate. 
White and gold butterflies circled the spot and lighted upon the giant daisies that nodded their heads 
on slender stems.

How he loved them! As the minister stood with the Holy Book, from which he read and proclaimed man's 
sonship with God, there was a realization that all was well.

He left this world's defeat and pain to realize God's love and gain.

The deceased is survived by three brothers, D. M. Purnell, of Sheveport, E. T. Purnell, of Tallulah, 
and Henry P. Purnell, of Afton. 

--- One who knew and loved him.