Purdy University opened it first session of school in January 17, 1859 in the town of Purdy, McNairy County, Tennessee.
Some who attended the school included, T. B. Larimore, R. P. Meeks, Henry Meeks, Judge A. W. Stevall, and Thomas H. Spight.
W. S. Wisdom, who served as President of the Trustees, was a member of the Christian Church.
Old Purdy, J. Louis Adams