David Purdon ( 1833 - 1871 )

David Purdon was born around 1833 and in the third quarter of 1862 married Harriet Wilson (born in Ellerker on 24th March 1842), the youngest daughter of George Wilson and Anne Daggett. David and Harriett had two children:
  • Annie Purdon, born in Bridlington in 1864
  • Frederick G Purdon, born in Bridlington in 1866
David lost his life in a rescue attempt during the Great Gale in Bridlington on 10th February 1871. Harriett died a few weeks later on 9th April 1871. Their Memorial Inscription on the Sailor's Monument, Priory Church and sailor's graves reads:
In memory of DAVID PURDON of Bridlington Quay who nobly sacrificed his life in attempting to save the crew of the brig Delta of Whitby February 10th 1871 Aged 38 years. Also Harriet, relict of the above named who died on April 9 1871 aged 29 years.
The incident was reported in the Bridlington Free Press, which said:
'... the crew of the lifeboats were so exhausted with their severe duties that it was impossible to obtain men, until Mr. David Purdon, a journeyman in his employ from Hornsey named James Clappison'.. and various other names .. 'nobly volunteered and in getting out of the Harbour were drifted along by the wind in the direction they were making for, when a brig was suddenly stranded and they at once made for her, rescued the crew of five, conveyed them to shore... etc. Eventually the lifeboat capsized and only three of the crew survived. These did not include David Purdon...
Their two small children, Annie and Frederick Purdon, were brought up by their aunt Charlotte and her husband Josephus Scholefield.

Sources:
  1. Bridlington Free Press February 18th 1871
  2. 1881 Census for Bridlington (RG 11/4799 folio 23)

This document is © Chris Newall 2003 and is freely available to members of the Purdon and Wilson families.
It is not for sale or general publication.
Author: Chris Newall
File created : 19th February 2000
Last modified : 26th July 2003