City: Selmer
PURVIANCE, James W., editor; born Carlinville, Ill. Feb 25, 1842; French and Scotch descent; son of Robert W. and Morinda M. (Gaskill) PURVIANCE; father, farmer; paternal grandparents W. H. and Mary (Siebold) PURVAINCE, maternal grandfather James W. GASKILL; graduated from McKendree College, Lebanon, Ill., B. A. degree, June 16, 1864, L.L. B. conferred later; in early life practiced law, later retired and became interested in journalism as editor and proprietor of the McNairy Independent for a number of years; he is now engaged in farming and newspaper work; in 1863-1867 he was Prosecuting Attorney for the 12th Judicial Circuit of Tenn., and in 1869 was appointed for the Western District of Tenn.; married Rachel C. PHARR, Jan. 8, 1873; member I. O. O. F.; former elder in Cumberland Presbyterian church and since the union of the churches a member of U. S. A. Presbyterian.
Source: Who’s Who in Tennessee: A Biographical Reference Book of Notable Tennesseans of To-Day. Memphis: Paul & Douglas Co, 1911.
