The Tombstone epitaph., 1882-05-13
The Society of California Pioneers. --.~ SAN FRANCISCO, May 2, 1882.
SAMUEL PURDY

AO@AN"eiNAf VI Iio CouSoohOh ohN Bios fession was laid. His father had &C., quired reputation and fortune as an architect, and his son Samuel had the benefit of his training and experi- ence, in addition to following during several years his studies in the New York School of Architecture under able teachers. After learning his profession he engaged actively in its exercise in experimenting the erect ion of buildings.
 Mir. Purdy was married in August, 1888, to Miss Mary J. Sparrow, at Buffalo, K. Y., where she died in 1S47, leaving four children, Sparrow, subsequently, Pasha Purdy; Samuel Purdy, junior, now Probate Judge of Yuma county, Arizona, and two daughters, Mary and Virginia. Only few months prior to his own de- cease Ex-Governor Purdy learned of the death of his talented son, Pasha Purdy, whose brilliant career in Egypt has been warmly eulogized by American and European academies and institutes of learning, for the benefits he had conferred upon science by his explorations and re- seaIc ches.
 During several years. prior to 1S49 Mr. Purdy had followed mercantile pursuits in Now York and Buffalo, but in the fall of that year he deter mined to settle in California, and in November left New York In the steamer Crescent City, and arrived in San Francisco, via the Isthmus of Panama, December 2S, 1S49. In January, 1850, he went up the coun- try and opened stores in Stockton and Jameston, Tuolumne county. In May, 1850, he was elected mayor of Stockton, the first to hold that position. In the autumn of 1851 he was elected Lieut.. Governor of California on the Democratic ticket, John Bigler having been chosen Governor. Purdy carried several counties by nearly unani- nous vote, and had majorities in nearly all. The Lieutenant Governor was President of the Senate. In that capacity MT. Purdy exhibited his many exalted qualities to the best advantage. He was firm, dignifed, courteous and impartial; by virtue of his position he was also Warden of the State Prison, and in that position his philanthropic char acteristics were often severely taxed; yet the ordeal only the more brightly brought out the noble qualities of his head and heart. The Legislation of the sessions of 1S42 and 1853 was the most important ever had in Cali fornia. They were the third and fourth sessions and the groundwork for the State had to be laid. In 1853 the stupendous project tor robbing the city, known as the Bulkhead Scheme, was brought forward. Its passage meant the acq uisition of mil lions to its projectors if successful. The corruptionists were numerous and active; they had employed every means that could induce men to for get their honor. The Assembly ia. vored the bill, the Governor advo. cated the measure, in the background WAS one of the greatest monied and political rings that ever existed in this State. The whole matter depended on getting majority of one among the Senators; or, on failing to get that, to get a tie vote and win over the President of tue Senate, Lieutenant Governor Purdy, by any means that could tempt him to violate his duty. Wealth, political advancement, the solicitation of friends, and other in- fuences, all proved unavailing. Gov. Purdy gave the casting vote, April 26, 1853, against the scheme, and San Francisco's water front was saved to the State. The State of California then resounded with the praise of Governor Purdy; the City of San Francisco was perfectly wild with enthusiasm over his tirmness and honesty.
 In 1858 the Democratic Conven- ton assembled. The machine was so controlled then that Mir. Purdy's name could not be placed at the head of the ticket, but he was re.nomina- ted for Lieutenant Governor, and when the result of the election was made known there was an unmistak. able sign of popular appreciation. Although Governor Bigler was elect ed by a small majority, Lieutenant Governor Purdy, on the same ticket, received majority of twelve thou sand.
 In 1857 ex-Governor Purdy was candidate for Mayor of the city of San Francisco against E.W. Burr, but was defeated by the latter. During the time MT. Purdy held the position referred to, he was also engaged Tn mining operations in various counties of the state, and at times held other positions of an honorary char acter.
 Iu 1868 he was appointed by Sec retary Mccullough, special agent of the U. s. Treasury Department to in spect Custom-house affairs on the Pacific coast, ard to investigate the