Payette County ID Archives Obituaries.....Purcell, Nephi 1920
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Cheryl Hanson ihansonb@fmtc.com December 13, 2005, 11:35 pm

Payette Enterprise 1-8-1920
Payette Enterprise
Payette, Idaho
Thursday, January 8, 1920

OLD PIONEER PASSES AWAY

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; and 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.

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