This is another place I have been to numerous times. The history of these places is truly fascinating so I will share the true stories before I discuss the local legends.
Purdy was once the county seat of McNairy County and home to Purdy University. The area surrounding Purdy Cemetery and Hurst Mansion was once referred to as “Hurst Nation”. A prominent man by the name of Fielding Hurst owned Hurst Mansion and much of the land surrounding it.
During the Civil War, Hurst became a Union sympathizer and joined the Union Army as colonel of the 6th Tennessee Cavalry. He murdered many of his neighbors and burnt town the entire town of Purdy, excluding only his own home. Of course, this makes Hurst Mansion the oldest existing structure in the town. He also burnt down parts of Jackson, TN after extorting over $5,000 from them.
In the last years of his life, Hurst was forced to sell his home and he and his wife, Melocky, moved to the Mount Gilead area. It was there that he died (in his 70’s) and is buried in Mount Gilead Cemetery. His grave has been vandalized several times.
The Hurst Mansion was purchased by the Dodds, who owned the home until 1993. This home is posted and trespassing is strongly discouraged. Please be respectful.
Local legend says that you can hear soldiers and slaves in Purdy Cemetery. Some people say they have seen a horse drawn carriage. Others say that if you park on the left side of the circle your car will not start until dawn.
After many visits, I can only say this: I have never heard soldiers or slaves. We did hear a scream from the woods which could very possibly have been a local prankster. We did have a vehicle stall for five minutes on the left side of the circle but I believe it was a starter going bad. Aside from that, it is still interesting to visit as it is one of the oldest cemeteries in Tennessee dating back to the early 1800’s. I will be visiting Purdy Cemetery very soon as it has been years since my last visit and many of my friends are interested in going. I will provide an update after my visit.
Hurst Mansion was always a place we overlooked, really. It was not until recently that I read the history of this house. Local legend says one of Hurst’s many enemies shot at him from the bottom of the stair case and he died in his bedroom. (Hurst DID NOT die in this house. He died in Mount Gilead.) They say sometimes the blood spot will reappear and you can hear him scream. This is highly unlikely since he did not die there. However, I have seen several photographs of Hurst House with a ghostly face in one of the upstairs windows. When I compared the image to photos of Hurst, you can see a resemblance. (You can see these images for yourself on http://www.hurstnation.com.)
I will be taking a closer look at Hurst Mansion and taking my own photographs to see if this phenomena repeats itself. Please note: I will NOT be trespassing on the property. I will take my photos from the roadway. If you decide to visit, please respect the owner’s wishes and do the same.
I will post pictures and updates after my visit.
Thanks for mentioning my blog. Fielding was my GGGreat Uncle.
I think I might have soiled myself if my car had not started when out there at Purdy Cemetery. 🙂
Enjoyed your little stories on Purdy Graveyard. I too have been there many times. Once back around 1974 I took a cousin from California out there late one night and as he backed up to leave his tires fell off in a grave and we were stuck. After about an hour of trying we finally gave up and were bedded down to spend the night . About an hour later a good friend of mine Mark Volner and couple other guys came pulling in and he pulled us out. That was as close as I will ever get to spending the night at Purdy Graveyard. One note, have you ever noticed the pine tree limb that is grafted to one of the big cedars hanging over the cemetery? Looks really cool especially on full moon.
Rickey Smith
Belton SC
Formally from McNairy County
Author? mispellings abound..raught iron..I think not.
Certainly you must have seen what Ive seen on the occasions of visiting the home and cemetery. Fielding himself saying in a breathless rasp..”Out..get out….unwise fools….out!”
As the veil thins…the truth will be told and the unwise will never again be so bold as to slander the name Hurst Nation…the curse has now been told…all that is left is to
let it roll…..beware seekers….the truth will be told. striking fear in the hearts of you and yours.
Thanks for the, ummmm…..odd comment.
I’m still looking for the word “raught” and where I ever said I was an author. I think you posted on the wrong blog.
I won’t be afraid to return to Hurst Mansion or Purdy Cemetery until Hurst himself steps out and tells me to leave. I could not tell you how many times I have been to the cemetery and I have never seen anything odd.
My great great Aunt, was the first person to be laid to rest there, her namr was Amanda Harwell
Very interesting. I will certainly look for her grave when I next visit the cemetery. Do you happen to know which part of the cemetery she was interred in?
Fielding Hurst was My GGGreat Uncle My Grandmother tells a story of his distrubing actions different on why he had killed the men on Sulfer Springs road. It wasn’t for pure meaness. According to my grandmother is was because the men has came in to his house and was stealing things in the process they pulled his wife from the bed an beat her up because she wouldn’t tell where Fielding Hurst was. So the next morning he gathered up his men an according to my grandmother he had the men shot every mile along Sulfer Springs road. As far as how mean he was there after well I would be pretty upset if my name got slandered the way his did. I am a southern born and bred. I disagree with the side that he fought on but that was his decision not ours there for I don’t judge him for that. My grandmother was born a Hurst. Her moto is if you can’t beat them join them maybe he knew something we didn’t….LOL…
The Sulphur Springs Road incident occurred after these men pulled his AUNT from her bed and murdered his nephew in front of her because she wouldn’t tell them where to find Hurst. The boy was pulled from behind a plow in the field and shot before his body was hung from a tree. Hurst was furious and thus retaliated.
Hurst was not against the Confederates and their ideas–he was against seceding the Union. He made a powerful speech to the townspeople of Purdy and was jailed for treason. He chose to fight for the Union because he felt betrayed and he did not believe the South should leave the United States.
Hurst’s home was never harmed because Nathan Bedford Forest placed his own (Confederate) men around Hurst Mansion to stand guard because he feared the people of the town of Purdy would retaliate.
My mother was a Hurst, My grandfather’s grandfather was David, brother of Fielding Hurst. I hear that Fielding and most of his siblings chose to fight for the north because they were originally from the Virginia area after moving from England. Virginia was a northern territory before the Civil War and that was the reason he was sympathetic to the north. And I have heard also that he was driven to many of his so-called evil-doings by the Haters that lived around him during the day. Must have been crazy to to live during that time in history.
The author of Hurst Nation (http://hurstnation.com) is also a descendant of David.
Fielding chose to fight for the north because he did not believe the south should secede from the Union. See my previous comment that states:
“Hurst was not against the Confederates and their ideas–he was against seceding the Union. He made a powerful speech to the townspeople of Purdy and was jailed for treason. He chose to fight for the Union because he felt betrayed and he did not believe the South should leave the United States.”
He was provoked and this caused his murderous rampage:
“The Sulphur Springs Road incident occurred after these men pulled his AUNT from her bed and murdered his nephew in front of her because she wouldn’t tell them where to find Hurst. The boy was pulled from behind a plow in the field and shot before his body was hung from a tree. Hurst was furious and thus retaliated.”
The history surrounding Hurst is very rich, but unfortunately most people in that area know him as “the boogie man”. Before the war began, Hurst was a wealthy and well-respected man in Purdy. Because his beliefs regarding the war were not popular, he was persecuted, imprisoned, and eventually lost his beloved mansion.
It was a very tumultuous time. Hurst did bad things, but I don’t believe he was a bad man. He was simply protective of those he loved and had strong beliefs which he defended vigorously. It’s quite sad that the truth of many of these incidents has been distorted so badly that the current generation believes him to be a raving lunatic who killed anyone who got in his way.
I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED IN THE HISTORY OF PURDY. I WAS ALSO LUCKY TO GET TO RELIC HUNT THERE! I HAVE ENJOYED DIGGING UP HISTORY, I FOUND CANNONBALLS, BAYONETS, SPURS, BELT BUCKLES, BREAST-PLATES,BULLETS,KNIVES,COINS AND NUMEROUS OTHER RELICS.ALL WAS USED IN THE OLD TOWN OF PURDY.ONE OF MY FAVORITE FINDS IS A LIBERTY BUST DIME DATED IN 1823, I THINK THAT IS THE YEAR PURDY WAS ESTABLISHED. I HAVE BEEN COLLECTING PURDY ARTIFACTS FOR NEARLY 30 YEARS. I THANK ALL OF THE PROPERTY AND LAND OWNERS FOR GIVING ME PERMISSION TO RELIC HUNT, BECAUSE WITHOUT THEM I WOULD NOT HAVE A COLLECTION! PURDY IS HOME TO SOME OF THE BEST PEOPLE I KNOW! I AM ALSO LOOKING FORWARD TO DOING MORE RELIC HUNTING REAL SOON!!!! FRANKIE SMITH
I have been fascinated by the history of Purdy for some time now. Any chance you would be willing to share photographs of some of the items you have found there? I know plenty of readers who would be interested in seeing them–myself included. The war is a big part of the history of Purdy. I would love to see some of the belt buckles. Have you found any confederate buckles?
YES, I HAVE CONFEDERATE BELT BUCKLES, CONFEDERATE OFFICERS BUTTONS, OFFICERS SPURS AND A WAR OF 1812 BUTTON. ALL FOUND AT PURDY. I WILL BE GLAD TO SHARE SOME PICTURES WITH YOU. JUST SEND ME YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND I WILL SEND YOU SOME PICTURES. FRANKIE
I am into collecting things and photos about feilding hurst and the mansion.
I have some photos of the mansion and
information .
I went there as a child with my father
and when we did park on the left side
the car didn’t start back up till morning.
not sure what went on about that but
that is true.
I have been there in the grave also late at night and seen ghostly like images among trees and behind the woods .
I think the spirits of Colonel Hurst haunt the grave to this day! I would like to share photos and information if you have some photos and information I would like to share.
Thanks.
I have literally thousands of photos of Purdy, but I have shared the ones of interest on this site. Purdy has a very interesting history and most of it ties in to Fielding Hurst and the Civil War era. http://www.hurstnation.com has a great deal of information on Hurst and Kevin McCann has written a book or two about him, though his website address escapes me at this moment. If you have anything specifically you would like to know about, ask and I will be happy to answer. It would take me days to tell you everything I have learned through research. 🙂
Hello….My name is Billy King and I am president of the Big Black Creek Historical Association and vice president of the Children’s Museum in Jackson, TN. We are placing Tennessee Civil War Trail signs around the area. We have placed one at Denmark Presbyterian, Britton Lane, Salam Cemetery and want to put one at the Court House in Jackson concerning the Hurst Nation. Mr. Harbert Alexander is President of the Museum. We would like to make contact with you….Billy King
Mr. Fankie….I am president of the Big Black Creek Historicl Association, but am also vice president of The Children’s Museum in Jackson. We are placing Tennessee Civil War Trail Signs in the area and considering one for Jackson on Hurst. We have placed several, Salam Cemetery, Britton Lane, Denmark Presbyterian Cemetery, and Casy Jones. Mr. Harbert Alexander is President of the Museum…we would like to make some contact with You. Bill King
HELLO, MR. KING YOU CAN E-MAIL ME AT sharonssavannah@aol.com THANK YOU, FRANKIE SMITH
Oh please do! My family played a major role in this area during the Civil War. Even where I’m from, which is Bolivar, has some connection to the Hurst’s. I have always heard the stories of my family and I think that they deserve to be recognized. It would sadden me to think that they might one day be completely forgotten.
I am interested in the Purdy history & was wondering if you were interested in selling any of your artifacts. I live in bethel & would love to have a important piece of history. Contact me at duzty19966@hotmail.com if you are interested in selling or have any important information about Fielding Hurst that I may not know such as his mother’s name & any siblings he has other than David. Thanks Dusty
Thanks so much! I emailed you and can’t wait to get the pictures!
The Hurst home is for sale . Contact me by email if interested .
I am curious is the house still up for sale?
HELLO, THE WEATHER IS GETTING NICE! MY RELIC HUNTING PARTNER AND I HAVE BEEN HAVING SOME GREAT LUCK! I DUG A 1869 SHIELD NICKEL YESTERDAY! I ALSO DUG A KNAP SACK BUTTON, SKELETON KEY, SADDLE HORN, CONFEDERATE FLOWER BUTTON,OLD AXE AND LOTS OF BRASS RELICS I HAVE NOT CLEANED YET.A FEW DAYS AGO, MY GOOD FRIEND NATHAN REEVES, LIVES IN PURDY, GAVE ME PERMISSION TO RELIC HUNT ON HIS PROPERTY. THE FIRST THING I DUG WAS A 3 RING CIVIL WAR BULLET! NEXT TO HIS DRIVE-WAY.I ALSO DUG MORE NEAT STUFF! IT ALSO WAS A GOOD DAY!I THINK WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A GREAT YEAR! WE ARE PLANNING ANOTHER TRIP TO PURDY IN A COUPLE OF DAYS. THE PLACE WE ARE GOING TO HUNT IS SAID TO BE WHERE ONE OF THE FIRST CABINS ONCE STOOD NEAR PURDY! WE SHOULD FIND SOME NEAT STUFF! THANKS, FRANKIE SMITH
It’s so nice to hear from you again, Frankie! It sounds like your hunting has been quite fruitful lately. Your collection just keeps growing. Have a great hunt and do let me know what you find! 🙂
HELLO, HAS EVERYONE SEEN THE NEW PURDY COMMUNITY CENTER,CONSTRUCTON IS UNDERWAY. ITS REALLY LOOKING GREAT! THOSE GUYS ARE DOING A GREAT JOB! I THINK SOME OF THE BEST CARPENTERS AROUND LIVE IN THAT AREA!I TALKED TO MR. MOORE LAST WEEK. HE SAID THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO DISPLAY SOME OLD CIVIL WAR RELICS, OLD COINS AND ITEMS THAT WAS FOUND IN PURDY.I HAVE FOUND LOTS OF RELICS IN PURDY, SOME WAS DUG UP IN THE VERY SPOT WHERE THE CENTER IS LOCATED.I HOPE TO FIND EVEN MORE ARTIFACTS SOON! I HAVE BEEN DOING A LITTLE RESEARCH AND TALKING TO SOME OLDER PEOPLE ABOUT WHERE OLD CABINS AND OLD HOMEPLACES ONCE STOOD, IT ALL SOUNDS GREAT!! I LOVE THE HISTORY ! ! TAKE CARE, FRANKIE SMITH
I have personally been to purdy! I have stayed the night there some scary shit!
I’m a direct descendant from the Hurst’s from Purdy. We have a rich family history, but unfortunately, my family name is slowly being lost over time. Very few Hursts remain sadly.
The northern connection to the Hurst is in Putnam County Indiana. I am a Hurst and assist my cousins caring for eight generations buried at Deer Creek Cemetery in Warren Township. Elizabeth Breedwell Hurst 2nd wife of John Millcreek Hurst is buried along with her children William, Susannah, and Mary Elizabeth. Approx. 6 miles away is Mill Creek Cemetery where Jesse, Elder Absalom with wife Catherine,and Nancy are buried. Mary’s husband Peter Cotton was the first person buried at Deer Creek cemetery and Primitive Baptist church est.1823, when he was killed felling a tree to build the church. Brother Isaac went to Texas and established Hurst Texas. Elijah father of Fielding remained in McNairy County when the exodus north occurred.
my name is alicia anderson im 22 and when i was 18 i lived in selmer tenn. and on the 28th of october year 2006 i visited purdy graveyard…..i have been able to see and feel and hear spirits since i was 13 it is a gift that is prominate among the women in my family for many generations im not sure how far back it goes……but my point is that just because you yourself didnt feel or see anything at purdy graveyard doesn’t mean there arent spirits wondering the grounds…..I myself have heard many things while I was there including the sounds of a carriage and horses i also heard the sounds of a baby screaming and i am not the only woman in my family that has felt or seen or even heard something there my nieces and a few friends also heard the horses and the baby screaming…..whether u want to believe me or not i dont care but maybe u shouldnt judge things if u dont have the gift to see them there is alot of pain and anger in that graveyard and people like me and others i know have felt it
I have experienced things in several places, but never in the Purdy Cemetery. This is my personal experience. Never once in this post did I pass judgment. I stated fact. I have never experienced anything at Purdy Cemetery. I have experienced things around the slave quarters across from the Hurst House.
Perhaps you shouldn’t be so hasty to pass judgment on me without knowing more about me personally. You are rather quick to think people won’t believe you. I understand that you have probably had many people make fun of you, but you’re not making it any better for yourself when you begin a conversation assuming someone will belittle you.
We’re starting off on the wrong foot here….
Thank you for sharing your experience at Purdy. Perhaps you have more to share about places in Tennessee. 🙂
Is the house still standing?
The house only received minor damage during the storms. It knocked a few bricks off the top of one of the chimneys. The house is still for sale. Contact Tim at nouglytrucks@yahoo.com and make an offer.
I highly doubt anyone will buy the house because of the rumors and history. I visited the grave yard and I had an awkward feeling of being watched it was strange . I saw the burnt tree near the center, tombs knocked over and dug up, the baby’s graves(since Perdy has been there for so long they didn’t have medicine like now) and my aunt saw on the fence a pair of gloves with the middle fingers sticking up (the bird). I have heard many of the same rumors. Except I heard at night you would could be parked anywhere. But most oral stories are changed and told different. I also heard of devil worshippers near the area. That might explain the tombs, the burnt tree, and the gloves. As I get older I really hope to hear more of these stories especially on Perdy!
Im 11 🙂 and from Jackson.
hi i live in selmer tn and have been goin out to the graveyards and the house for years (when my freinds famly owned the house). In one of your post you talked about hearing a scream and i can tell you that has to be the one thing that i myself and lots of other people hear and have heard several times. Also thare is a old piano in the front room myself and about four others walked in the back door and when we all got into the ketchen, we heard a few piano keys being struck two of us steped into the front room to see who was in thare as soon as the light hit that side of the room it stoped. and we left. Take it as you will just thought i would share a few of my storys, and to all planing to make a trip to purdy please have some respect for our history thank you.
I live in Selmer. I have lived here my whole life. I have been to Purdy quite a few times. I think people who don’t live here need to shut up. You don’t live here you don’t know all the facts about our town. You don’t go there every Halloween. Or any other regular day. I have and I can tell you I am always afraid when i go. Strange things happen. you see strange things.The house,well my friend was going to work at the house for the haunted thing they do near halloween and he quit because of stuff that was happening. atorturedsoul needs to go away. OK? ok c:
Your friend went there to work for Halloween? The house used to be owned by a friend of mine who tried to restore it as the locals who live there vandalized it over and over again. I’ve been to that house many, many times – day, night, Halloween, and every other day of the year. Do you live in the house? Have you been there working to clean it up? Nope. You’re here trying to be a smart ass on the Internet. It’s funny how those of us who don’t live there seem to care more about your history than those of you living there. Try and deny it, but we all know your county relinquished the house rather than restore it to preserve its history. Outsiders were trying to do more than residents ever did. Now, it’s turned into a circus, losing its significance because it’s being made into a sideshow attraction.I feel confident in saying I know more about the history of that area than many people who live there, as most of you only know the legends. Go away? You’re confused. This site belongs to me.
As the G4 Granddaughter of Fielding Hurst, I think it is very interesting that so many people are taking an interest in Purdy & The Col. As a child I spent most every summer in Purdy & doing the good southern things like “cleaning off they graves @ the grave yard”, being told about the ghosts of my ancestors. I suppose that what my grandmother told me was true: 1 – if they don’t know you, why would they harm you & 2 – they are your family & the Hurst’s stick together. Be careful when you shake the family tree…you never know what fruit it may bare. HURST & PROUD OF IT!
As the G4 Granddaughter of Fielding Hurst, I think it is very interesting that so many people are taking an interest in Purdy & The Col. As a child I spent most every summer in Purdy & doing the good southern things like “cleaning off the graves @ the grave yard”, being told about the ghosts of my ancestors. I suppose that what my grandmother told me was true: 1 – if they don’t know you, why would they harm you & 2 – they are your family & the Hurst’s stick together. Be careful when you shake the family tree…you never know what fruit it may bare. HURST & PROUD OF IT!
Hey my name is Maverick. I can officially say that PURDY CEMETARY IS HAUNTED!!!!!! I have had some personal experiences there myself. Ive also took some snapshots years ago at random of the cemetary with the owners permission. There was a ghostly mist in one of the photos that couldnt be explained it wasnt there when i took the photo and i made sure no one was smoking when i took it. Years before that me and some friends visited the cemetary after hearing legend after legend of the place. We went to the cemetary around midnight and just turned the car off and sit there seeing if we could see or hear anything. It was extremely dark so dark u couldnt even see youre hand in front of youre face!!! Anyway after sitting in complete silence and darkness for about 5 min i decided to smoke a ciggarette. I couldnt find my lighter. So i put the ciggarette in my mouth while me and three other people were looking for a lighter when my ciggarette literally lit on its own!!!!!! With no flame and without any warning it just lit its self while in my mouth!!!!! Needless to say we left and did so with haste. That personal experience is what got me to go back years later and take the pictures. And like i said there is a ghostly white mist in one photo. I also had several orbs show up in the others. I am currently tryn to get together the proper equipment to do a much better and thorough investigation. Either that or turn it over to a professional paranormal team such as Zack Baggans and his team.
Oh and i am currently looking for the photographs i took. I have moved and have to go through my stuff to find them as soon as i do i will happily pst them here for all to see.
Hey forgot to mention i did take pictures of the house to. Nothing showed up in a single picture of the house. I was given a tour of the house and never got any strange feelings or anything like that there. Ironicaly enough the cemetary photos was where all the strange things showed up at. I would love to see that house completely restored though just because of its history if nothing else. Maybe if i can get Zack and his team to do an investigation on the cemetary after it airs on tv maybe some money could be raised for that very reason. I hate seeing a beautiful historical place like that just go to waste.
Wondering is the house still up for sale?
Went by there today and it is still standing. I love old houses and this is a interesting place.It sort of reminds me of the old Hamilton House and it was in Savannah,Tn. Charley and Betsy Hamilton place ,So interesting……
Hello we just stayed the night in the hurst mansion friday night and sat. The new owner gave us permission for a price. We toke many pics. And had 8 cameras set up to capture anything that might have went own. We also spent time in both garveyards. It was kind if spokie but havent been threw all the fottage yet hope to find something to share. Did have a few ghostly faces in the windows and the barn. Some one with us was awoken around 4am to foot steps in fieldings room they sleep the rest of the night in the car. As for me spent alot of time alone and never realy was scared at all. We are planning another trip to whaverly hill Sanitarium 8n july to stay the night there.
atorturedsoul, you are so right, the house is in worse shape than ever, some said money from the haunted house was to go to fix it up ! what a laugh ! they have made a mockery of our history. its a disgrace. if the house was in any other county , they wouldn’t let foolishness like that happen ! such a shame,
I agree wholeheartedly. The new owners have decided to use the legends and history of the house to turn a profit. It’s shameful. It deeply saddens me to know the history of this house will likely be lost over the course of a generation or two. The oldest house in the county, with the most history, has been turned into a joke.
Great news ! I’ve finally purchased the 1830 ” Pepperbox Pistol” that Mr. Cub West found in the Hurst Mansion in 1979 while doing electrical work for Miss Bessie Dodds. It stayed in the Gillis Wallace Collection (selmer service station) for years. Last few years it has been in The Bobby Barnes Collection ( Chester co. Historian) It’s a possibility that it could have been used or owned by Fielding Hurst, the dates match up. It was made by Gunsmith – Ethan Allen Co. Its in good condition and I’ve known of the gun for years! Blessed to have it !
Wonderful news, Frankie! I am still amazed by how much history you have in your possession. I would love to see your collection someday. Did any of your pieces go on display in the community center?
Well, I was planning on getting some things together but just hadn’t done it yet and I really haven’t talked to any of the Purdy folk in a while, but its on my list ! I’ve really been ”PURDY COLLECTING” Crazy here lately, added a bunch to my collection. Even got a bunch of old paper items, Dew Wisdom legal documents, warrants, all signed and written in the 1860’s and 1870’s been vaulted in Jackson for the past 140 years . . . . really awesome ! your welcome to see it anytime !
I would be interested in what you found of Dew Wisdom. He is my gg grandfather, and I am writing a book about him.
Dew Wisdom was a very interesting and important person, Colonel CSA under Gen. Forrest , Administrator over Indian Affairs under President Cleveland, lawyer at Purdy, circuit court clerk in madison co. and the list goes on and on ! I have nearly a hundred original hand written warrants and documents signed by him and 1860’s – 70’s sheriffs from McNairy and Madison co. I’m sure you are proud to have such an awesome and historical figure for a gg grandfather ! He played a huge part in local and American history.
I have collected much information on Dew Wisdom too. But not like you have. I have begun writing a book on him. I would be very interested in getting copies of what you have. You have done a lot of work. I would be happy to pay you. Are you in the McNairy area. I am actually coming there in a week. Could we talk.
yes , that would be fine. Just give me a call when you.re in town 731- 610 -0640
To atorturedsoul , Hello again ! I’ve just put some pics on Facebook of some of the ”PURDY COLLECTABLES” Check them out when you get a chance, I think you will really like them ! The pistol found in the Hurst Mansion is on there too ! It is a possibility that this gun was owned by Col. Fielding Himself ! Its an 1830 Ethan Allen model ” Pepperbox” AND. . . . . . Some confederate vet. lost their UCV Reunion Medallion from 1924 there at the mansion too, it was found approx. 60 years later by caretaker and neighbor to the ”Dodds sisters”, Mr. Reeves. The mansion was one of the stops made by the UCV Reunion held in memphis in 1924 which was one of the last Confederate Reunions held local .I will post a pic of it later. Its in great shape, with over 95 % of the enameled flag visible, Its awesome ! ! Take care
I visited purdy cemetery last night & took a picture of the Hurst house as I went by. I caught a orb on the bottom right of my photo & witnessed seeing a face in the upstairs window. I captured several orbs while exploring the cemetery. I wasn’t even thinking about it, I was just going to take some pictures of the historical graves!!
I lived in a house by purdy store in front of the road that leads to the old cemetery. I knew not a thing of the haunting a or fielding etc. I was walking with my two kids ages 1 month and 2 years at the time to the cemetery’s just to look at history. Oh I got a taste alright!!! There was this huge vault, a square giant box thing. I went to see and my two year old kept saying “ouch! Momma something’s hitting me!” I at first figured it would be sticks or something smacking him as it is an old grave yard! I looked over it. So then around 5 pm I heard a reaking scream. I was getting a bit freaked out. Then as I look below in the stroller my 1 month old was almost upside down in his stroller!!! I said it’s enough and as we were walking out of the grave yard I turned and looked behind me and it was as appeared to be a ghostly figure of a woman with a bonnet on her head and white gown. She was peaking around the trees and watching us. I grabbed my two kids and ran!!!! We got home up the road and I gave them a bath, I noticed my two year old had random bruises where he was feeling hit. And scratch marks kept randomly appearing. He is half black so I was wondering if it’s a hate towards him because the slaves etc. well then as I was laying to sleep it felt like I was being bit by a mosquito or something I look down and I was now beginning to get random scratch marks and whelp marks! Later that night it felt like somebody was playing with my hair and tugging it a bit. And I felt watched like I was followed home. I then looked up history on purdy and how it had a witch of some sort who likes long hair, scratched people and children with pins and more stuff I was feeling a bit sick to my stomach so deep I felt sick in my gut. We moved and I havnt been back since
The vault you saw was probably that of Melocky Hurst ( Fielding’s wife) back in the late 70’s grave robbers dug up her grave looking for jewelry
Years ago my daughters place a voice activated tape in the house feint back the day it was very scary what we heard on the tape
I visited the cemetery tonight as well as the house (outside. I did not break into the home) and i captured several amazing photos, but one that me and my two friends found very astonishing. I’m disappointed that I cannot post it here.
William Blackwell lived on Tanyard Creek, died in 1855/56. Should have been buried in Purdy Cemetery. Any help? I met the Dodd sisters in the early 1970’s