BP
U.S. Army · United States 
Bartholomew Purdy
1875
Bartholomew B. Purdy served the U.S. Army.
How He Died
Manner
Natural
Cause
Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
Mechanism
Fire and heat
What Happened
Deputy Keeper Bartholomew Purdy suffered a fatal heart attack after responding to a fire that had intentionally been set by a female inmate inside her cell at the Harlem 5th District Prison.
The inmate had previously attempted to commit suicide by hanging and had been placed inside a secure cell as a result. She was somehow able to light a fire, which engulfed her cell and her clothing. As Keeper Purdy attempted to open the door he collapsed.
Another inmate used Keeper Purdy's keys to let himself out of the jail and he ran to the nearby police station to alert authorities.
Deputy Keeper Purdy was a U.S. Army veteran of the Civil War and had served as a deputy keeper at the prison for two years.
The inmate had previously attempted to commit suicide by hanging and had been placed inside a secure cell as a result. She was somehow able to light a fire, which engulfed her cell and her clothing. As Keeper Purdy attempted to open the door he collapsed.
Another inmate used Keeper Purdy's keys to let himself out of the jail and he ran to the nearby police station to alert authorities.
Deputy Keeper Purdy was a U.S. Army veteran of the Civil War and had served as a deputy keeper at the prison for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and eight children.
Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
New York City Department of Correction
Deputy Keeper
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtntvyr4rw452hn2z5cy4
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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