1880s Negro League Baseball Benjamin Mary Purnell House Of David Founders Cdv’s For Sale

1880’s Benjamin and Mary Purnell cdv lot. Published by McMillan of Detroit. Photographer is shown on city directories at this address in the 1880’s. The orangish style cdv mat was popular early to mid 1880’s. These cdv’s were purchased from a seller near the VW dealership in NSW. Walking distance. The past prior to 1902 of the Purnell’s is claimed to be hazy by most historians and former House of David members. There have been recorded hints of the Purnell’s travels prior to their time in Detroit in 1892 and Fostoria in 1902. The Purnell’s are said to have lived the life of evangelist after the birth of their son Coy. There are records of places they stopped. It is known they joined the Christian Israelite colony in Detroit by way of Richmond Indiana. It does seem to be questionable whether there was a group of Christian’s Israelites in Richmond or a colony. If there are records of a Christian Israelite colony in Richmond in the 1880’s or 1890’s, I haven’t been able to find it. It was previously thought 1902 was the entrance of the Purnell’s in Fostoria Ohio. Information shows those assumptions are untrue. Fostoria lifetime resident and original H of D member Clara Boley Elder stated that the Purnell’s had a previous more successful time in town. That information was published in 1923 and is featured in the documentary “Life Everlasting.” It is unknown when exactly the Purnell’s fully converted to the Christian Israelite faith. Sometime before Detroit in 1892. James Jezreel toured the US in the early 1880’s. A Christian Israelite prophecy said “a star will be born in Michigan.” Jezreel based his US tour out of Michigan. Some of his early supporters lived in Fowlerville and Grand Rapids. Safe to say Jezreel’s Michigan visit was inspired by the “star” prophecy. So when did the Purnell’s hear of Jezreel? They likely didn’t witness any of his tour stops. I’m sure that info would have been shared. Tom Dewhirst did a Sports Illustrated interview in the 1970’s. He was asked about the whereabouts of the Purnell’s prior to the formation of the colony. Dewhirst said on record that they evangelizing in the Great Lakes region. Written records show the Purnell’s in northern Indiana and Ohio and southern Michigan. The motivations will also likely never be known why the Purnell’s history prior to the House of David is “hazy.” These photo carry historical significance to say the least. The colony in NSW was formed by John Wroe. He made the star of Michigan prophecy. The NSW colony was waiting for their Michigan star. It was a custom in those days when visiting to leave your cdv or cabinet card. I think it’s safe to say the Purnell’s left images in NSW during their mission. The Purnell’s were in their forties when they went on the NSW missions. I think it more appropriate to leave images that will have a look of vitality or better yet immortality. I don’t think it likely the images they would leave would say Paducah, Fostoria or Richmond to say the least. Detroit has a global presence. Detroit Israelites were a known colony. The Detroit Israelite colony was formed in the 1880’s before Michael Mills leadership. Benton Harbor’s colony was just forming at the time of the Purnell’s NSW missions. Cdv’s measure about 2 by 4 inch. Different degrees of stains, toning and wear. Feel free to ask questions.