 |
| Alonzo "LON" Pursley |
| Lon Pursley was a very good man who earned a very bad reputation, with people who didn't know him personally. He also had a talent for being at the wrong place at the wrong time (or I suppose the right place, depending on how you look at it). In July 1894, Charley "long-legs" Parrish, held Lon's younger brother Jenks, while another man stabbed him lightly. The fight moved on to another place where Charley shot and killed the teenage Jenks. Lon retalliated by taking his wagon into town, pulling up in front of Pedigo Stables in Glasgow and shooting Parrish in cold blood. He then turned himself in to the sherrif. No charges were brought. Less than 2 weeks later, the brothers of Charley set a trap for Lon at the old Depot Cafe. Lon was warned and went anyway. In just a short while, another lay dead. Again, he went straight to the sherrif's office. Self defense, no charges. Then, in April of 1933, there was a property dispute over a line between Lon and his neighbor. The sherrif was called out, only to find the man laying dead on his side of the fence, with his gun by his side. The sherrif decided that 3 men were 1 too many for anyone to kill. When he started to press charges, Lon's son took the rap. He was a decorated War hero from WWI, and knew he could get off. Charges were pressed, but never carried through. The sherrif knew he couldn't make it stick. So, a happy ending ...well, not exactly. In the meantime, Lon's wife Maggie, couldn't bear the thought of losing either her husband or son, so she walked out in front of an oncomming train at Stovall's Crossing on August 2, 1933, and committed suicide. The newspaper stated that she must have not heard the train, having been depressed for some time. Yea, right. The moral of this story? If a Pursley threatens something, believe it! It doesn't really matter WHO the gun is pointed at! Now on the some of the calmer part of the family... |
| BACK To Previous Page |
| STOP TOUR Back To Start |
| CONTINUE Virtual Tour |
 |
 |
 |