Thomas H. Puryear married Ella M. Atkins in Montgomery Co, TN on 17 Nov 1868. They had nine known children:
1. Anna P. Puryear Hubbard (see link below)
2. Clara (Puryear) Mims; b Aug 1871
3. Peter Puryear (see link below)
4. Lucy Puryear (see link below)
5. Belle Puryear (see link below)
6. Henry Atkins Puryear (see link below)
7. Wilson G. Puryear
8. Marshall Holmes Puryear (see link below)
9. Leslie A. Puryear (see link below)
[From The Paducah Daily Sun, Saturday, March 19, 1898, p. 1]
TRAGIC SUICIDE TODAY.
----
Col. T. H. Puryear Ends His Useful
Life by a Bullet While Temporarily Insane.
Created Much Sorrow.
-----
The City Shrouded In Gloom
-----
His Death a Great Shock to His Hundreds of Friends – Had Been in Ill Health For Some Time.
-----
Paducah Sustains Serious Loss.
-----
Col. Thomas Henry Puryear, one of Paducah's most prominent and popular men, committed suicide this morning shortly before 8 o'clock at his residence, 944 Jefferson Street, by shooting himself through the head with a 38-caliber pistol. When found a few moments after the report of the pistol, he was pulseless, but had not ceased breathing. He passed away peacefully in the presence of his family. Mr. Ed H. Puryear, his brother, Dr. Eubanks and one or two others, never having been conscious after the discharge of the pistol.
The startling news of the unexpected deed flashed over the city in a remarkable short time, and cast a pall of gloom over everything wherever it was heard. Soon scores of the dead man's friends wended their way to his residence, and sorrow was evident everywhere.
The remains lay in the front room downstairs, on the west side of the house, where they were found.
Col Puryear had been in failing health for two or three months. Yesterday he was unable to be out, but last night he stated to his family that he felt better.
This morning his wife informed him that breakfast was ready, and he replied he would get up directly. He was accustomed to going to breakfast whenever he chose, and the family were seated at the table, when a crash was heard. They thought a window had fallen, and Leslie, Col. Puryear's youngest son, was sent into his father's room to ascertain the cause.
He ran back and told his mother that his father had gone back to bed with a pistol in his hand, and was asleep.
Mrs. Puryear rushed into the room and found her husband's life almost extinct. Dr. Eubanks, who resides across the street, and Dr. J. G. Brooks were summoned, and Mr. Ed H. Puryear, brother of the deceased, who lived nearby, and had just started down town, was called.
Col. Puryears's pulse had ceased, but he was still breathing when his brother and doctors arrived. His death was painless.
The bullet entered the right side of the head, and went entirely through, passing out the left side. The wound was just over the ear, and was three cornered.
The pistol was still in the dead man's hand. He had not yet dressed.
The only cause assigned for the deed is temporary insanity. A strange change had been perceptible in him for some time, and some of his intimate friends had even predicted such an end.
Even according to their statements, since he returned from New York several weeks ago the despondency and depression had become more and more evident.
One peculiar incident is related. A few days ago he was discussing suicide with a few friends and remarked that he could not understand how a man could nerve himself up to such a deed unless he was insane.
Col. T. H. Puryear was born in Boydtown, Mecklenburg County, Virginia, in 1843, and spent his early life there. He then went to Clarksville, Tenn., where he was in the warehouse business.
He served in the confederate army during the late war, and in 1872 came to Paducah as a buyer for M. H. Clark & Bro. In about one year he went into business for himself, and had since resided here and been a prominent promoter in nearly every enterprise and industry the city ever had.
He leaves, in addition to his wife, six children, four sons and two daughters. These are: Misses Clara Puryear, of Greensboro, N. C., and Annie Puryear, of the city, and Messrs. Peter, Marshall, Wilson and Leslie Puryear, the last three being boys. Wilson is in school at Elkton. Both the children away from home were telegraphed and are expected on the first train.
Col. Puryear was one of Paducah's wealthiest men, and was a tobacco broker of wide prominence, and commanded the respect of all. He has for years represented various foreign markets.
His peculiar form of nervous prostration seemed to prey on his mind, and he imagined he was going to lose his reason. He had frequently spoken of it to his family and intimate friends of late.
Another thing noticed about him was the unusually great interest he took in church work lately, having been one of the most constant church goers for the past several months.
Coroner Phelps summoned a jury this forenoon and went to the residence of the deceased, but after a consultation with relatives, it was deemed unnecessary to hold an inquest, and the jury was discharged.
Col. Puryear, so far as could be learned, was not a member of any secret order. It is reported that his life insurance amounted to about $60,000.
No arrangements have yet been made for the funeral, which will be attended by friends from far and near. Undertaker Nance took charge of the remains and this afternoon embalmed them. The funeral announcement will be made later.
[From: The Paducah Daily Sun, Monday, March 21, 1898, p. 1]
Col. Puryear's Funeral
Took Place at 4 o'clock This Afternoon
One of the Largest Ever Witnessed In Paducah
-------
The funeral of the late Col. T. H. Puryear occurred at 4 o'clock this afternoon from the Broadway M. E. church, services by Rev. Johnston.
Many of the stores closed in respect to the deceased, and the crowd was one of the largest that ever attended a funeral in Paducah.
A delegation came in from Mayfield and Fulton at 2:55 this afternoon, and there were citizens in attendance from many other places.
The absent son, daughter and sister of the deceased arrived last night. The interment was at Oak Grove.
1. Anna P. Puryear Hubbard (see link below)
2. Clara (Puryear) Mims; b Aug 1871
3. Peter Puryear (see link below)
4. Lucy Puryear (see link below)
5. Belle Puryear (see link below)
6. Henry Atkins Puryear (see link below)
7. Wilson G. Puryear
8. Marshall Holmes Puryear (see link below)
9. Leslie A. Puryear (see link below)
[From The Paducah Daily Sun, Saturday, March 19, 1898, p. 1]
TRAGIC SUICIDE TODAY.
----
Col. T. H. Puryear Ends His Useful
Life by a Bullet While Temporarily Insane.
Created Much Sorrow.
-----
The City Shrouded In Gloom
-----
His Death a Great Shock to His Hundreds of Friends – Had Been in Ill Health For Some Time.
-----
Paducah Sustains Serious Loss.
-----
Col. Thomas Henry Puryear, one of Paducah's most prominent and popular men, committed suicide this morning shortly before 8 o'clock at his residence, 944 Jefferson Street, by shooting himself through the head with a 38-caliber pistol. When found a few moments after the report of the pistol, he was pulseless, but had not ceased breathing. He passed away peacefully in the presence of his family. Mr. Ed H. Puryear, his brother, Dr. Eubanks and one or two others, never having been conscious after the discharge of the pistol.
The startling news of the unexpected deed flashed over the city in a remarkable short time, and cast a pall of gloom over everything wherever it was heard. Soon scores of the dead man's friends wended their way to his residence, and sorrow was evident everywhere.
The remains lay in the front room downstairs, on the west side of the house, where they were found.
Col Puryear had been in failing health for two or three months. Yesterday he was unable to be out, but last night he stated to his family that he felt better.
This morning his wife informed him that breakfast was ready, and he replied he would get up directly. He was accustomed to going to breakfast whenever he chose, and the family were seated at the table, when a crash was heard. They thought a window had fallen, and Leslie, Col. Puryear's youngest son, was sent into his father's room to ascertain the cause.
He ran back and told his mother that his father had gone back to bed with a pistol in his hand, and was asleep.
Mrs. Puryear rushed into the room and found her husband's life almost extinct. Dr. Eubanks, who resides across the street, and Dr. J. G. Brooks were summoned, and Mr. Ed H. Puryear, brother of the deceased, who lived nearby, and had just started down town, was called.
Col. Puryears's pulse had ceased, but he was still breathing when his brother and doctors arrived. His death was painless.
The bullet entered the right side of the head, and went entirely through, passing out the left side. The wound was just over the ear, and was three cornered.
The pistol was still in the dead man's hand. He had not yet dressed.
The only cause assigned for the deed is temporary insanity. A strange change had been perceptible in him for some time, and some of his intimate friends had even predicted such an end.
Even according to their statements, since he returned from New York several weeks ago the despondency and depression had become more and more evident.
One peculiar incident is related. A few days ago he was discussing suicide with a few friends and remarked that he could not understand how a man could nerve himself up to such a deed unless he was insane.
Col. T. H. Puryear was born in Boydtown, Mecklenburg County, Virginia, in 1843, and spent his early life there. He then went to Clarksville, Tenn., where he was in the warehouse business.
He served in the confederate army during the late war, and in 1872 came to Paducah as a buyer for M. H. Clark & Bro. In about one year he went into business for himself, and had since resided here and been a prominent promoter in nearly every enterprise and industry the city ever had.
He leaves, in addition to his wife, six children, four sons and two daughters. These are: Misses Clara Puryear, of Greensboro, N. C., and Annie Puryear, of the city, and Messrs. Peter, Marshall, Wilson and Leslie Puryear, the last three being boys. Wilson is in school at Elkton. Both the children away from home were telegraphed and are expected on the first train.
Col. Puryear was one of Paducah's wealthiest men, and was a tobacco broker of wide prominence, and commanded the respect of all. He has for years represented various foreign markets.
His peculiar form of nervous prostration seemed to prey on his mind, and he imagined he was going to lose his reason. He had frequently spoken of it to his family and intimate friends of late.
Another thing noticed about him was the unusually great interest he took in church work lately, having been one of the most constant church goers for the past several months.
Coroner Phelps summoned a jury this forenoon and went to the residence of the deceased, but after a consultation with relatives, it was deemed unnecessary to hold an inquest, and the jury was discharged.
Col. Puryear, so far as could be learned, was not a member of any secret order. It is reported that his life insurance amounted to about $60,000.
No arrangements have yet been made for the funeral, which will be attended by friends from far and near. Undertaker Nance took charge of the remains and this afternoon embalmed them. The funeral announcement will be made later.
[From: The Paducah Daily Sun, Monday, March 21, 1898, p. 1]
Col. Puryear's Funeral
Took Place at 4 o'clock This Afternoon
One of the Largest Ever Witnessed In Paducah
-------
The funeral of the late Col. T. H. Puryear occurred at 4 o'clock this afternoon from the Broadway M. E. church, services by Rev. Johnston.
Many of the stores closed in respect to the deceased, and the crowd was one of the largest that ever attended a funeral in Paducah.
A delegation came in from Mayfield and Fulton at 2:55 this afternoon, and there were citizens in attendance from many other places.
The absent son, daughter and sister of the deceased arrived last night. The interment was at Oak Grove.
Thomas H. Puryear married Ella M. Atkins in Montgomery Co, TN on 17 Nov 1868. They had nine known children:
1. Anna P. Puryear Hubbard (see link below)
2. Clara (Puryear) Mims; b Aug 1871
3. Peter Puryear (see link below)
4. Lucy Puryear (see link below)
5. Belle Puryear (see link below)
6. Henry Atkins Puryear (see link below)
7. Wilson G. Puryear
8. Marshall Holmes Puryear (see link below)
9. Leslie A. Puryear (see link below)
[From The Paducah Daily Sun, Saturday, March 19, 1898, p. 1]
TRAGIC SUICIDE TODAY.
----
Col. T. H. Puryear Ends His Useful
Life by a Bullet While Temporarily Insane.
Created Much Sorrow.
-----
The City Shrouded In Gloom
-----
His Death a Great Shock to His Hundreds of Friends – Had Been in Ill Health For Some Time.
-----
Paducah Sustains Serious Loss.
-----
Col. Thomas Henry Puryear, one of Paducah's most prominent and popular men, committed suicide this morning shortly before 8 o'clock at his residence, 944 Jefferson Street, by shooting himself through the head with a 38-caliber pistol. When found a few moments after the report of the pistol, he was pulseless, but had not ceased breathing. He passed away peacefully in the presence of his family. Mr. Ed H. Puryear, his brother, Dr. Eubanks and one or two others, never having been conscious after the discharge of the pistol.
The startling news of the unexpected deed flashed over the city in a remarkable short time, and cast a pall of gloom over everything wherever it was heard. Soon scores of the dead man's friends wended their way to his residence, and sorrow was evident everywhere.
The remains lay in the front room downstairs, on the west side of the house, where they were found.
Col Puryear had been in failing health for two or three months. Yesterday he was unable to be out, but last night he stated to his family that he felt better.
This morning his wife informed him that breakfast was ready, and he replied he would get up directly. He was accustomed to going to breakfast whenever he chose, and the family were seated at the table, when a crash was heard. They thought a window had fallen, and Leslie, Col. Puryear's youngest son, was sent into his father's room to ascertain the cause.
He ran back and told his mother that his father had gone back to bed with a pistol in his hand, and was asleep.
Mrs. Puryear rushed into the room and found her husband's life almost extinct. Dr. Eubanks, who resides across the street, and Dr. J. G. Brooks were summoned, and Mr. Ed H. Puryear, brother of the deceased, who lived nearby, and had just started down town, was called.
Col. Puryears's pulse had ceased, but he was still breathing when his brother and doctors arrived. His death was painless.
The bullet entered the right side of the head, and went entirely through, passing out the left side. The wound was just over the ear, and was three cornered.
The pistol was still in the dead man's hand. He had not yet dressed.
The only cause assigned for the deed is temporary insanity. A strange change had been perceptible in him for some time, and some of his intimate friends had even predicted such an end.
Even according to their statements, since he returned from New York several weeks ago the despondency and depression had become more and more evident.
One peculiar incident is related. A few days ago he was discussing suicide with a few friends and remarked that he could not understand how a man could nerve himself up to such a deed unless he was insane.
Col. T. H. Puryear was born in Boydtown, Mecklenburg County, Virginia, in 1843, and spent his early life there. He then went to Clarksville, Tenn., where he was in the warehouse business.
He served in the confederate army during the late war, and in 1872 came to Paducah as a buyer for M. H. Clark & Bro. In about one year he went into business for himself, and had since resided here and been a prominent promoter in nearly every enterprise and industry the city ever had.
He leaves, in addition to his wife, six children, four sons and two daughters. These are: Misses Clara Puryear, of Greensboro, N. C., and Annie Puryear, of the city, and Messrs. Peter, Marshall, Wilson and Leslie Puryear, the last three being boys. Wilson is in school at Elkton. Both the children away from home were telegraphed and are expected on the first train.
Col. Puryear was one of Paducah's wealthiest men, and was a tobacco broker of wide prominence, and commanded the respect of all. He has for years represented various foreign markets.
His peculiar form of nervous prostration seemed to prey on his mind, and he imagined he was going to lose his reason. He had frequently spoken of it to his family and intimate friends of late.
Another thing noticed about him was the unusually great interest he took in church work lately, having been one of the most constant church goers for the past several months.
Coroner Phelps summoned a jury this forenoon and went to the residence of the deceased, but after a consultation with relatives, it was deemed unnecessary to hold an inquest, and the jury was discharged.
Col. Puryear, so far as could be learned, was not a member of any secret order. It is reported that his life insurance amounted to about $60,000.
No arrangements have yet been made for the funeral, which will be attended by friends from far and near. Undertaker Nance took charge of the remains and this afternoon embalmed them. The funeral announcement will be made later.
[From: The Paducah Daily Sun, Monday, March 21, 1898, p. 1]
Col. Puryear's Funeral
Took Place at 4 o'clock This Afternoon
One of the Largest Ever Witnessed In Paducah
-------
The funeral of the late Col. T. H. Puryear occurred at 4 o'clock this afternoon from the Broadway M. E. church, services by Rev. Johnston.
Many of the stores closed in respect to the deceased, and the crowd was one of the largest that ever attended a funeral in Paducah.
A delegation came in from Mayfield and Fulton at 2:55 this afternoon, and there were citizens in attendance from many other places.
The absent son, daughter and sister of the deceased arrived last night. The interment was at Oak Grove.
1. Anna P. Puryear Hubbard (see link below)
2. Clara (Puryear) Mims; b Aug 1871
3. Peter Puryear (see link below)
4. Lucy Puryear (see link below)
5. Belle Puryear (see link below)
6. Henry Atkins Puryear (see link below)
7. Wilson G. Puryear
8. Marshall Holmes Puryear (see link below)
9. Leslie A. Puryear (see link below)
[From The Paducah Daily Sun, Saturday, March 19, 1898, p. 1]
TRAGIC SUICIDE TODAY.
----
Col. T. H. Puryear Ends His Useful
Life by a Bullet While Temporarily Insane.
Created Much Sorrow.
-----
The City Shrouded In Gloom
-----
His Death a Great Shock to His Hundreds of Friends – Had Been in Ill Health For Some Time.
-----
Paducah Sustains Serious Loss.
-----
Col. Thomas Henry Puryear, one of Paducah's most prominent and popular men, committed suicide this morning shortly before 8 o'clock at his residence, 944 Jefferson Street, by shooting himself through the head with a 38-caliber pistol. When found a few moments after the report of the pistol, he was pulseless, but had not ceased breathing. He passed away peacefully in the presence of his family. Mr. Ed H. Puryear, his brother, Dr. Eubanks and one or two others, never having been conscious after the discharge of the pistol.
The startling news of the unexpected deed flashed over the city in a remarkable short time, and cast a pall of gloom over everything wherever it was heard. Soon scores of the dead man's friends wended their way to his residence, and sorrow was evident everywhere.
The remains lay in the front room downstairs, on the west side of the house, where they were found.
Col Puryear had been in failing health for two or three months. Yesterday he was unable to be out, but last night he stated to his family that he felt better.
This morning his wife informed him that breakfast was ready, and he replied he would get up directly. He was accustomed to going to breakfast whenever he chose, and the family were seated at the table, when a crash was heard. They thought a window had fallen, and Leslie, Col. Puryear's youngest son, was sent into his father's room to ascertain the cause.
He ran back and told his mother that his father had gone back to bed with a pistol in his hand, and was asleep.
Mrs. Puryear rushed into the room and found her husband's life almost extinct. Dr. Eubanks, who resides across the street, and Dr. J. G. Brooks were summoned, and Mr. Ed H. Puryear, brother of the deceased, who lived nearby, and had just started down town, was called.
Col. Puryears's pulse had ceased, but he was still breathing when his brother and doctors arrived. His death was painless.
The bullet entered the right side of the head, and went entirely through, passing out the left side. The wound was just over the ear, and was three cornered.
The pistol was still in the dead man's hand. He had not yet dressed.
The only cause assigned for the deed is temporary insanity. A strange change had been perceptible in him for some time, and some of his intimate friends had even predicted such an end.
Even according to their statements, since he returned from New York several weeks ago the despondency and depression had become more and more evident.
One peculiar incident is related. A few days ago he was discussing suicide with a few friends and remarked that he could not understand how a man could nerve himself up to such a deed unless he was insane.
Col. T. H. Puryear was born in Boydtown, Mecklenburg County, Virginia, in 1843, and spent his early life there. He then went to Clarksville, Tenn., where he was in the warehouse business.
He served in the confederate army during the late war, and in 1872 came to Paducah as a buyer for M. H. Clark & Bro. In about one year he went into business for himself, and had since resided here and been a prominent promoter in nearly every enterprise and industry the city ever had.
He leaves, in addition to his wife, six children, four sons and two daughters. These are: Misses Clara Puryear, of Greensboro, N. C., and Annie Puryear, of the city, and Messrs. Peter, Marshall, Wilson and Leslie Puryear, the last three being boys. Wilson is in school at Elkton. Both the children away from home were telegraphed and are expected on the first train.
Col. Puryear was one of Paducah's wealthiest men, and was a tobacco broker of wide prominence, and commanded the respect of all. He has for years represented various foreign markets.
His peculiar form of nervous prostration seemed to prey on his mind, and he imagined he was going to lose his reason. He had frequently spoken of it to his family and intimate friends of late.
Another thing noticed about him was the unusually great interest he took in church work lately, having been one of the most constant church goers for the past several months.
Coroner Phelps summoned a jury this forenoon and went to the residence of the deceased, but after a consultation with relatives, it was deemed unnecessary to hold an inquest, and the jury was discharged.
Col. Puryear, so far as could be learned, was not a member of any secret order. It is reported that his life insurance amounted to about $60,000.
No arrangements have yet been made for the funeral, which will be attended by friends from far and near. Undertaker Nance took charge of the remains and this afternoon embalmed them. The funeral announcement will be made later.
[From: The Paducah Daily Sun, Monday, March 21, 1898, p. 1]
Col. Puryear's Funeral
Took Place at 4 o'clock This Afternoon
One of the Largest Ever Witnessed In Paducah
-------
The funeral of the late Col. T. H. Puryear occurred at 4 o'clock this afternoon from the Broadway M. E. church, services by Rev. Johnston.
Many of the stores closed in respect to the deceased, and the crowd was one of the largest that ever attended a funeral in Paducah.
A delegation came in from Mayfield and Fulton at 2:55 this afternoon, and there were citizens in attendance from many other places.
The absent son, daughter and sister of the deceased arrived last night. The interment was at Oak Grove.
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