Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1857-03-07
2iograpbjtal.
From Life Illustrated
BIOGRAPHY OF DOCTOR HARVEY
PURDELL.

Or. Harvey Burdell is now a historical
character and if there is moral in his hte
or death, it is sufficiently pointed to drive
home the barb Of conviction without any
comment from US. We therefore merely give
the following well authenticated aud out too
notorious facts III his history aud character.
The late DR.. Harvey Burdeli was born in
Herkinler county, in or near ilerkimer village,
New York, in ISL. His father died before
he knew hi,n !: while he was yet child his
mother moved to Sacketts Ha,bJr, New
Y ork.-With her he resided till he was
thirteen years old. His mother then turned
him into the street, and forbade him ever TO
return to the house. The boy thus turned
forth upon the world at so early an age. felt
the throb OF ambition, and was determined,
according to his own words to rise, to become
great, to gain gold. Without II profession.
education, or means, he looked around him to
see what course he should take to achieve
his desired success. The press held ont the
tempting bait, and consequently he went to a
neighborlng country town and engaged him
self as a compOsitor.-lle remained there for
some years, but before his seventeenth yenr
we find him studying dentistry in his bro
ther Johns office. which was then located on
the corner OfChambers street and Broadway,
where Stewarts store now stands he was OF
studous habits, and made good use of his
time. lie went to Philadelphia when about
twenty-one years old, and pursued Il regular
course Of study in the Philadelphia Medical
College. lie partially supported himself
during his studies by the practice of Dentist,
ry, and was partially maintained By his bro
ther, John Burdell, Of this city. Having
graduated in the college at Philadelphia, be
| % ,;. MD a L.
office, learning and practicing dentistry during
the day, and practicing medicine at night
| lie expressed himself ready to do anything
or practice any profession to make money
j ohm Burdell soon after marrying, Harvey
lived in the house with him as a member o.
his family.
Harvey Burdell, after bengin his brother:
Office short time, opened an Office for him
| seli.-He was man Of strong feelings and
passions; he frequently quarreled with his
brother; was very penurious in ms transac
| tlons, and economical in his dress and habits
| with these traits strongly marked, he begar
to manifest very licentious and loose char
acter. At last he had quarrel with hi!
brother during which they had O severe
hight, John alleging that Harvey was toe
Intimate with his wife. Previous to this
there was a quarrel between Mr.. and Mrs
John Burdell, the latter applying TO the pro
per authorities for q divorce.
Harvey took an active part in this quarre
in favor OF Mrs. John Burdell, and against
his brother. Mrs. BurdeIl succeeded in OBJ
tanning partial divorce from her husband
they were separated, alimouy was given Il
her, but she was not permitted to MARI,
again. While Harvey Burdel was pursuing
this course in relation to Mrs. John Burdell
he succeeded in getting his brother TO max.
over all his property to him by a mortgage
at the same time returning no equivalent 70
II, andFrepresehting TO bis brother John tina
the property would be safe in his hands tina
thereby Mrs Burdell, who had suit agains
nim and another party who had all attach
J "snt against him would be prevented from