Columbia in Marion County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)

Hanging of Will Purvis

Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, March 22, 2018

1. Hanging of Will Purvis Marker

Inscription.
On February 7, 1894, crowds gathered near this site to witness the hanging of Will Purvis, who had been convicted of the murder of local farmer Will Buckley. When the trap door was released Purvis fell straight through to the ground, the noose having slipped and spared his life. Purvis was given a full pardon in 1898, and his innocence was proven by the deathbed Confession of an eyewitness in 1917. In 1920 Will Purvis was awarded $5,000 in restitution by the Mississippi Legislature for his wrongful conviction.

Erected 2014 by Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Mississippi State Historical Marker Program series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 7, 1894.

Location. 31° 15.044′ N, 89° 50.097′ W. Marker is in Columbia, Mississippi, in Marion County. Marker is on Broad Street near Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 250 Broad Street, Columbia MS 39429, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Marion County War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Temporary State Capital (within shouting distance of this marker); 720 Main Street (about

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700 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Baptist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Lampton-Thompson-Bourne House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Birthplace of Mississippi Rodeo (approx. 0.8 miles away); Gov. Hugh L. White Mansion (approx. 1.2 miles away); Ford House (approx. 2.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.

More about this marker. Located on eastern side of Marion County Courthouse.

Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, March 22, 2018

2. Hanging of Will Purvis Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 593 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 25, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. 2. submitted on March 25, 2018.