Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 - 1954) Saturday 26 May 192857976

OBITUARY.

MR. G. W. PURKlSS.

Mr. George W Purkiss, who died
at his residence, Yahl, on the 17th May
at tile age of 85 years, after an illness
of seven weeks, was one of the most
respected residents of the district.
He was born at Oakington, Cam-
bridge, England, and at the age of 10
years migrated to Australia, with his
praents in the ship Epanondus, ar-    
riving at Holdfast Bay on Septem-    
ber 1, 1852. He completed his educa-  
tion at Mr. Moody's school at Hind-
marsh. At the age- of 17 years he-went
to the gold diggings in New South
Wales, remaining there for two years  
afterwards returning to Adelaide. In  
1865 he married Miss Hariet Chapman,
and about eighteen months after, he
and his wife, and several relatives  
travelled overland from Adelaide to
Mount Gambler, the journey taking  
about six weeks. He selected land in
Yahl and has lived there ever since.
In the early days the land was covered
with dense scrub, and there were very
few houses. Religious services were
conducted in homes of the settlers, and
.later in the school house, and Mr.
Purkiss and family always attended.
He leaves a widow, one son (Mr Alf.
Purkiss) Katanning, W.A. and three
daughters (Mrs. Lehmann) Yahl, (Mrs.
Ed. Hutchesson, Yahl), Mrs. John  
Doman (Yahl). There arc 14 grand
children, and four great grand-child-
ren. Adjt. Allen (Salvation Army)
conducted services in the house, and
also at the grave side. The funeral ar-
rangements were carried out by Mr.  
W. Pearce. Many beautiful floral tri-
butes were rec.eived. A large cortege
followed.