Purcell - Nephi
Source: Payette Enterprise Thursday, January 8, 1920
The usual cheer and happiness of New Year's Day was greatly saddened when it was learned that Nephi Purcell, one of Payette's best known and highly respected citizens had died very suddenly while out hunting in the hills about four miles east of town. Mr. Purcell has been for many years particularly fond of hunting and trapping, and on New Year's day started out to look after his traps, taking with him that morning his two little grandsons, Ralph and Earl Stone, seven and nine years of age. He seemed to be in his usual good health when leaving home but on the way out complained to the little boys several times, saying he did not feel well, and stopped at different times to rest and when beyond what is known as the "saddle" on the ridge about three and a half miles east of town, and after climbing a very steep hill on the break of Emery Gulch, the end came with but a second's warning. His last words were: "Boys, Grandpa is dying" and he fell lifeless without a struggle, not even releasing his grip on the gun in his hand. It was a great shock to the little grandsons who at their age did not fully realize that the final words and guiding hand of one they had learned to love was stilled for ever. They shook and called to him thinking he was only seriously ill, and remained with him for perhaps an hour when Ralph, the older boy, amid sobs, said to his little brother "Come on Earl, I know Grandpa is dead;" and the two little fellows hurriedly found their way toward home to summon help. When within about a mile and a half of town they found Shirley Brannock who quickly returned with the boys to the fatal spot. After covering the body with his coat, Mr. Brannock returned to the Cram residence and telephoned to Dr. J. C. Woodward who with others went to return with the body. The little boys, fatigued and grief stricken, found their mother at the Bancroft where she was at work, and conveyed to her the sad news. Mr. Geo. B. Kellog, proprietor of the Hotel took Mrs. Stone in his auto to the scene and to render assistance. After carrying the body a distance of perhaps a half mile to the car, it was brought to Lauers Undertaking Parlor. With this sad occurrence, a familiar face, a good neighbor and a friend to all will be missed among us. Mr. Purcell was a man who did unto others as he would wish to be done by. He was honest and upright in all his dealings and in his departure he leaves no man to say naught against him. Nephi Purcell was born in Indiana in August 1846, and departed this life January 1, 1920, being at the time of his death, over 72 years of age. When at the age of ten, he moved with his parents to Harrison County, Iowa, where he endured many hardships of early pioneer life. On March 9th, 1868, he was united in marriage to Isabel Jeffrey, and to this union eight children were born, two dying in infancy. The oldest son John Purcell, died about ten years ago in Iowa. He moved to Idaho in March, 1894, settling at that time on the farm now owned by Herman ? north of Payette, where he again became a pioneer of the west. A few years later he moved with his family to Crane Creek where his wife died during the spring of 1906. He later moved to Payette and in October 1907 was united in marriage to Mrs. Elizabeth Windle. He leaves to mourn his loss, a wife, four sons and one daughter: Ally of Weiser, Orren of Baker, Oregon; Lester of Corniacopia, Oregon; Floyd of New Plymouth; a nd Mrs. Mary Stone of Payette, all of whom were present at the funeral. Also two sisters in Iowa, and a brother, Ben Purcell of Payette. The funeral was held Sunday afternoon from the Church of God, conducted by Rev. A. E. Houser, and the body laid to rest in the Riverside Cemetery. The website management appreciates all the contributions provided for use here. - kbz