The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1882-09-02
a Busy Life, and Its Close.


ToBI AS PURCELL, whose death is else
where announced in this issue, had a
large circle of friends and acquain-
tances in this and adjoining parishes
and we feel that his life and character
deserve something more than passing
notice.
Mr.. Purcell was born in ireland,
about 1924, and belonged to family
which has had many distinguished re-
presentatives both in the Navy and in
the Army of Great Britain.
Admiral Edward Purcell, was an
uncle of his. In early life, Mr.. Par
cell for q time attended Dublin Uni
versity which he left, however, at the
age of sixteen. He had an accurate
knowledge of the classical languages,
was we'll read i'll history and literature
and had vast fund of general
information. After leaving school,
he turned his attention to the
business of an accountant and was for
some years employed as clerk in var
ious banks at Dundalk, and other
places until 1S49, when he immigrated
to Canada. Thence he made his way
overland and with many privations
leans, where he obtained employment.
Shortly afterwards he settled in Rod
ney, Mississippi, where he carried on a
very lucrative mercantile business un-
til the spring of 1864, when he moved
to Illinois, where he engaged for the
next six years in stock farming, of
which he was very fond. In 1860, he
again moved and settled in Hammon-
ton, New Jersey, whittier he was at.
tracted by extravagant reports of the
profits in raising cramberries and the
great value of what were called "cra IL
berry lands.'' Being disappointed in
this venture, Mr.. Purcell in 1866, came
back to Rodney, Miss, and again en-
gagged in mercantile business there
during several disastrous years. In the
year 1869, he came to Monroe, as the
agent of Penn, Pace & Simmons of
New Orleans, to settle up the business
of Shields & Odell. Subsequently he
was book-keeper, number of years,
for Henry Gerson, Jr., which position
he quit few years ago to become a
merchant on his own account.
AS business man, Mr.. Purcell was
noted for his courtesy, his energy, tire
less activity, and the perfect good faith
and fairness of all his dealings. His
credit in this city and in New Orleans
and, indeed, wherever he was known,
was of the highest character. His
great energy and love of activity lead
him to engage in a multitude of pur-
suits and enterprises, so that he was al
ways noted as the busiest man in Mon
roe, and the immense strain which lie
imposed on his mind and body nc
doubt shortened his life. His walk
was always hurried-his application
constant and intense. When some one
said to DR.. Franklin in his old age
that it was time for him to rest, he re.
piled that he would get plenty of rest
in his grave. Poor Purcell has had
more rest since he died than he eve,
allowed himself in this life.
AS a business man, Mr.. Purcell de
serves to be commended and recollect
ed for identifying himself closely with
the Interests of Monroe, spending and
investing all his money here and do
ing all in his power to improve and
enhance the value Of his property. He
never wasted, boarded, or kept dol
lar unemployed. Such man is a val
liable citizen anywhere and he is tho
exact opposite of the boarding miscr
although he may, for the sake of his
business, stint himself to the last ex
tremity.
In social life, Mr.. Purcell was anna
Bile, obliging, and very entertaining
He was full of anecdotes, had Il kccr
sense of humor, loved company an,
was every way happily fitted to make
him an enjoyable companion for eithc
ladies or gentlemen, and he numbere,
many warm admirers and friends il
both sexes. He had no seif-assertiot
about his manners. He was mcelS-al
most humble--and seemed to accep
attention and favor from others rs
though he felt himself unworthy of it
1t is said that on his death bed he fire.