Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1908-02-15
SUDDEN DEATH
OF MR.. PURNELL
CLAYTON J. PURNELL, EXPIRES
WHILE WALKING ROOM.

Mr. Clayton J. Purnell, prominent
lawyer Of Snow Hill, died suddenly at
his home in this town Monday afternoon
about o clock Funeral services were
held at the Purnell home Wednesday
afternoon and were attended by large
number Of the friends and relatives of
the deceased Rev. Joseph b. North,
pastor Of the Presbyterian Church, con-
Quoted the services. after which inter-
mcnt was made in the Presbyterian
Churchyard The pallbearers were
George L. Barnes. John d. Henry, John
W. station, William f. Johnson, Edgar
| W. McMaster and William 5. Parsons
! The honorary pallbearers We're Members
of the Bar, Hon. John Walter Smith,
Messrs. Edward z. Davis. James +.
Townsend and u. =. Wharton A large
number Of beautiful floral offerings
were sent by sorrowing friends Of the
deceased.
Mr.. Purnel had been in poor health
for some months. but on the day
of his death had seemed better than
for some days past. He expressed "a
desire to take a little exercise and was
being assisted in walking across the
room when ne fell unconscious, DR.
Straughn reached him in few minutes
but Mr.. Purnel was dead. The doctor
is Of the opinion that death was instan-
taneous.
Until May, 1895. Mr. Purnell was one
of the most active members of the bar
Of the Eastern Shore. During the
spring term Of court Of that year he
was stricken with paralysis. and for
about two years was entirely incapac
tated physically for the practice of his
profession. Possessed, however, Of
great strength OF will he resumed his
practice so far as the office branch was
concerned He appeared IN court only
once after thestroke of paralysis. find
ing that the Excitement incident to trial
work was not good for him. This was
always a disappointment to him. as his
disposition was toward an active and
aggressive life.
Notwithstanding the afIliction which
rendered his left side useless he was.
except when too i'll from other causes,
always at work in office hours He was
very domestic in his tastes and was
never entirely happy except with his
family about him. He is survived by
widow, who was Miss Ella Huhbell and
two daughters Mrs Thomas r. Whar-
ton. Of Stockton, and Miss Bessie Pur-
nell, of Snow Hill.
He was born in 1856 When young
man he was deputy clerk of the Wor-
cester court. He was admitted to the
bar at - years Of age and Immediately
began to practice, winning his way to
the front in very short time. He was
one of the organizers of the First
National Bank Of Snow Hill. the POGO
moke City National Bank and the Po-
comoke Electric Light and Power Com
pany, taking a leading place in the d.
rectorate and being counsel to the
boards. At the time of his death he
was vice president and counsel OF the
First National Bank of Snow Hill, presi-
dent of the Deposit and Savings Bank
of Snow Hill. president Of the Exchange
and Savings Bank of Berlin, president
Of the Equitable Building and Loan AS
ISOLATION of Snow Hill, a member Of
the board of trustees of the Maryland
Agricultural College and of the board
of directors of the Delaware, Maryland
and Virginia branch of the Philadelphia.
Baltimore and Washington Railroad
Company. all Of which Institutions he
was a valuable member He was also
until few months ago a member Of
the banking firm Of George l.. Barnes
& Co., Of Girdletree. He was still
counsel for the firm. Mr. Purnell was
the author of a work on insolvency
which was recognized authority in
this State until the passage of the
National Bankruptcy act supplanted
the State law.
In 1898 Mr.. Purnell was a candidate
for Judge of the First Judicial circuit
Judges Page and Lloyd were also can
didates. making three candidates, with
only two vacancies. Mr.. Purnell had
the eight votes Of Worcester and Wi
comico counties and Judges Page and
Lloyd the eight of Somerset and Dor
| chester deadlock resulted and after
session of several days at Ocean City
the convention adjourned to Salisbury.
where several hundred more ballots
were taken before the nominations were
finally won by Judges Page and Lloyd.
Among those from distance who at
tended the funeral of Mr.. Purnell were:
Prof Thomas Humphreys Spence of
College Park; MIR. and Miss Hyde of
Baltimore; Mrs. Farrow Of Baltimore:
John d. Henry. Horace +. Harmonson.
Henry j. Anderson. Orlando Harrison,
Berlin; Mrs. John T. Parker. Mr.. and
z. r. Wharton. Thomas p. Wharton.