Purman had a lengthy career in journalism, but he is best known for his work in the years from 1916 to 1918 when his sports column was syndicated in hundreds of newspapers and he selected an annual All-America football team for the Newspaper Enterprise Association.
Purman attended preparatory school in Annapolis, Maryland, and was appointed to the United States Naval Academy.
[3] However, he failed the physical examination "on account of an affliction of his eyes.
[6][7] Purman began his career in journalism with The Evening Herald in his hometown of Montpelier, Indiana.
[8] In November 1907, he moved to Danville, Illinois as a reporter for a newspaper there.