GILBERT L. PURL was born in Wayne county, Ind., on the 18th of Nov., 1856, and is a son of Thomas and Violet (Jones) Purl, his father a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother of Indiana. His parents came to Greene county in the year 1858, and located in Carrollton, where his father still resides. Gilbert L. was reared to farm life, and remained with his father until he reached the age of 19 years. He then removed to Kansas, where he was employed for about seven years on a farm which his father owned. He then returned to Greene county, and has since engaged in farming at home. He is now managing 105 acres of land, located about three miles north of Carrollton, which is owned by his father. Although quite young, Mr. Purl is an intelligent, enterprising gentleman, and these qualities united with those of industry and honesty are bound to meet with the success which they so truly deserve.