[5] One of their sons, Neil Landles Purse (1911–1942), was killed in action serving with the Second AIF on 26 October 1942.

[6][7] Recruited from Brighton in the Metropolitan Junior Football Association, Purse made his VFL debut for St Kilda against Geelong in round 17 of the 1898 VFL season, at Corio Oval.

He transferred to Melbourne in 1900 and in his first season became a premiership player, playing in the 1900 VFL Grand Final at centre half-back.

He has been given the Melbourne Heritage Number of 77, based on the order of his debut for the club.

He died at his home in Boyup Brook, Western Australia on 2 March 1953.