William Smith Purdy (August 28, 1822 – January 5, 1901) was an American farmer, judge, Republican politician, and Wisconsin pioneer.
In 1849, Purdy moved to what is now the town of Sterling, Vernon County, Wisconsin, and purchased a farm.
Purdy authored the petition which eventually led to the creation of the Sterling as an independent town government in 1857.
That year, he was elected Wisconsin circuit court clerk for Bad Ax County, running on the Republican Party ticket.
[1] During 1863, his name was placed in nomination for state bank comptroller, which was then a state-wide elected office, but the convention renominated the incumbent William Ramsey.
[1] Following the resignation of incumbent state senator Norman S. Cate, a special election was scheduled for Fall 1862 to fill the remaining year of his term.
Purdy's house was completely destroyed, the only fatality in his household was a servant girl who worked for the family at their home.
[1] His wife and children survived by running into the parlor and lying on the ground as the house was lifted from its foundation.
Purdy then named 100 voters who claimed to have been induced to change their votes by Newell's promise.
[7] William S. Purdy married Jane Elizabeth Lemen in 1846 at Knox County, Indiana.