H. O. Pursell was reared upon a farm and attended the public schools, and in the meanwhile learning the trade of blacksmith, at which he worked until he came to Mason valley and took up two hundred acres of land. From the wild tract he received from the state he has made one of the finest farms in the county, on which he raises barley, wheat and potatoes. His orchard is an excellent one, and in addition to that he raises a variety of small fruits. Mr. Pursell also keeps a herd of fifty cattle, and sends the milk to the creamery in the vicinity. He has always been a Democrat, but has never sought or accepted office, except that of school trustee.

On July 6, 1858, he was happily married to Miss Harriet Simpson. Thirteen children have been born to them, eight of whom are living, namely: Rosetta married Richard Simmons and lives in California; Sarah Alice is Mrs. Hogan, of Colorado: Samuel is married and resides with his father; Melvin is also married and lives with his father; Willie married and resides in Mason valley; Emma married Homer Stanley and resides in Mason valley; Laura married D. J. Butler and lives in Mason valley; Grace A. married Matthew Penrose. There are twenty-two grandchildren in the family. Mrs. Pursell also survives and takes great pride in her fine family. Both these most excellent people are very highly esteemed throughout the neighborhood where they have lived for so many years, and where they have been so closely identified with the development of the state.

Source:
A History of the State of Nevada: Its Resources and People
By Thomas Wren, Lewis Publishing Company
Published by The Lewis publishing company, 1904