Kevin D. McCann on the Hurst Mansion …
A visit to the deteriorating home of Colonel Fielding Hurst in Purdy, Tennessee…
I first saw the home of Colonel Fielding Hurst while working on my family history about 17 years ago. I believe the Dodd sisters were still living there at that time and it seemed to be a well-kept home despite being almost 140 years old. It was all that was left of what was once the thriving town of Purdy, Tennessee, the county seat of McNairy County.
Fast forward 16 years later to early November 2006. I returned to take pictures of the house for inclusion in Hurst’s Wurst and was surprised to see what terrible shape it was in. The front door had been broken and was halfway open. I couldn’t help but peek inside to see the home of Colonel Hurst.
The house was a mansion when it was first built, yet in modern times it seems rather small. There was trash, broken appliances, and other household items scattered about the first floor and a large, ominous hole in the floor between the foyer and kitchen that dropped down to the cellar. Many of the windows in the front of the home had also been broken.
The one thing I wanted to find was on the staircase, a mark that according to legend was made when an enemy fired at Hurst as he ran upstairs and the bullet track etched into the wood. It was still there.
I took two or three steps up the foyer staircase, then decided against the notion of walking around upstairs and possibly falling through the floor.
Instead I walked around the house to see the back of it.
After spending a few more minutes walking around the perimeter back to the front, I left the old house that saw so much of McNairy County’s history sadder than when I first arrived.
There was talk two years ago about it being restored for a county museum, which I thought would be a great way to utilize what is probably McNairy County’s oldest structure. But from what I gather talking with a former county commissioner and a few residents, the county wasn’t able (or perhaps willing) to match the state grant funds and get the job done. Now the historic home sits and deteriorates, exposed to the elements through rotting wood, busted glass windows, disintegrating shingles, and a large hole at the center of the house.
There may be a potential owner that will restore the home for private use. Ideally it would be better that it be open to the public, but at this point it may be the only option left.
I’m sure there are many people in the county less than enthusiastic about restoring the home of one of the most hated men in its history. Regardless, it is still part of McNairy County’s history and it deserves to be restored for future generations before it’s too late.
But is it already too late?
Link: Hurst Home in Sad Shape
Filed under: Hurst Mansion
My 3rd great-grandfather, Levi Hurst, was born (probably in Cumberland Co, KY) about 1809 and died between 1870 and 1880 in McNairy Co. I am told he was a Captain with Co D (or B) of Fielding Hurst’s command. I do not know the relationship, and although quite unlikely, question if there is a relationship at all..by blood that is. Levi’s son John B. Hurst was a Private in that command. He is my ancestor as well, and the source of my middle name…some tinkering has been done to produce Hurston.
There were several other sons of Levi (older and younger) but I do not know if they were involved. Like many others, most of my ancestors were CSA, since all my roots (about which I can find information) trace to VA before the 18th century. I strongly suspect that this Hurst is somehow related to the branch that is often referred to as Mill Creek Hurst’s descendants, but I think I can find them in Cumberland Co, Ky (father Jesse Hurst…or Jesse Husk) in 1810. Then they move to Wayne Co, TN. Then to McNairy. May be no relation at all, but I think they might have been a large part of the Hurst Nation. They definitely lived there just before, during, and after Lincoln’s Invasion.
I want to get any information I can, including the pamphlet-Hurst’s Wurst (I think I have it somewhere, but not sure.) that would help me to clarify the members of this branch of Hursts who may or may not be related.
Mr. Anderson,
I’ve been in contact with one of two people who are researching Levi Hurst and his family. From what I understand, Levi may not have been related to Fielding. But I can put you in touch with them if you send me your e-mail address. Mine is kdmccann27@comcast.net
I, too, am a descendant of Levi Hurst. One of his sons, Doctor Reader Hurst was my GGreat grand father. My grand father was, also, a Levi Hurst.
Indeed the first Levi was a captain in Company D., and D.R. Hurst was a commissary sargent for that same company. William, Elihu, and John (Johnathan) were all in Company D.
This line of the Hurst family was divided by the war. 2 sons, Jesse Purkins Hurst (Lt. 4th Alabama Cavalry) and Samuel Kelsey Hurst (private 32 Mississippi Infantry) fought for the confederacy. Both died of disease.
There are several of us “cousins” that communicate via e-mail on a frequent, but irregular basis.
Please, feel free to e-mail me at sim1369@bellsouth.net.
Bill Simpson
Hi, I am a member of the Hurst family. I just ordered 4 of your books for myself and my sisters.
COL Fielding Hurst was my great grandfather. COL Hurst fathered 2 children by Lucy Hurst (my great grandmother), his slave. Their names were William Lee Hurst and Wiley Hurst.
I am just wondering if you can direct me where to go to find more info on his slaves? I have conducted family research for 25+ years. However, when dealing with slave ancestry, research can be a real challenge.
Any help or guidance you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Merry Christmas.