David Purviance facts for kids
David Purviance (born November 14, 1766 – died August 19, 1847) was an important American leader. He served in the government in both Kentucky and Ohio. He was also a key figure in a religious movement called the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement. David Purviance helped start Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and often acted as its temporary president.
Contents
David Purviance's Life
Early Life and Family
David Purviance was born on November 14, 1766, in Rowan County, North Carolina. This area was a common stopping point for pioneers moving west. His family came from a Scots-Irish background. In 1791, his family moved to Sumner County, Tennessee. They helped establish the old Shiloh Presbyterian Church there.
In 1792, David's brother, John Purviance III, was killed by Native Americans. This made the family feel unsafe in Sumner County. They then moved to Bourbon County, Kentucky, near Paris, Kentucky. This area was known as the bluegrass area. David Purviance's parents were John Purviance and Mary Jane Wasson. His father served in the Revolutionary War.
A Leader in the Christian Church
The early 1800s saw a lot of religious excitement in the western United States. A major event was a series of large outdoor meetings called camp meetings. These happened from 1801 to 1804 at Cane Ridge Meeting House in Kentucky.
David Purviance, who was a farmer at first, became very involved in these religious discussions. He debated with John C. Breckinridge about how the church and government should relate to each other. David Purviance eventually left the Presbyterian church. He convinced many Presbyterians and Baptists to join the new Christian Church movement.
Standing Up Against Slavery
Around 1807, David Purviance moved from Kentucky to "New Paris" in Preble County, Ohio. He moved for two main reasons. First, he wanted to help spread the new Christian Church movement from its Kentucky beginnings. Second, he was an abolitionist. This means he was against slavery. At that time, many people in Kentucky supported slavery.
A Key Document: The Last Will
David Purviance was a witness to an important document called the Last Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery. This document officially ended the presbytery, which had left the Presbyterian Synod of Kentucky. This "Last Will and Testament" was a founding document for the Restoration Movement. It marked the start of the Christian Church in the West.
Later Life
David Purviance died on August 19, 1847. He was buried in the Old North New Paris Cemetery in New Paris, Ohio.
