Former FBI agent. In 1933 he became famous for leading the group that gunned down John Dillinger in Chicago. In 1934 he made headlines again by leading the group that gunned down Pretty Boy Floyd in an Ohio farm field. J. Edgar Hoover did not like FBI agents to receive so much fame and he eventually drove Purvis out of the agency and put up roadblocks as Purvis sought other employment. Purvis’ death remains a mystery. He was found dead at the top of a staircase in his home with a bullet through his head. It was ruled a suicide, but many facts would suggest otherwise. His epitaph reads “Saepe Timui Sed Numquam Curri/ Always Afraid, Never Run”.  Family links:  Parents:  Melvin Horace Purvis (1869 – 1938)  Janie Elizabeth Mims Purvis (1874 – 1927)  Spouse:  Marie Rosanne Willcox Purvis (1908 – 1977)  Children:  Melvin Horace Purvis (1939 – 1986)*  Christopher Perreneau Purvis (1950 – 1984)*  Siblings:  Nell Eulalia Purvis Davidson (1895 – 1979)*  Kessie Purvis Swofford (1901 – 1985)*  Melvin Horace Purvis (1903 – 1960) *Calculated relationship