Purdom, William, 1880-1921.

William Purdom was born in Heversham, Westmoreland, England on April 10, 1880. His early horticultural training began at Brathay Hall Gardens, Ambleside, Cumbria, England where his father, William, held the position of head gardener. Charles Sprague Sargent (1841-1927), the Director of the Arnold Arboretum, was intent on having as many plant collectors as possible engaged in exploring China's flora and hired William Purdom shortly after meeting him in early 1909. Purdom embarked on his first plant expedition for the Arboretum in February of that year. At the conclusion of the expedition in 1912, he remained in China. Following a minor operation, Purdom died at the French hospital in Beijing on November 7, 1921.