Patrick Purcell, my second great grandfather, is believed to have been born in Killihara, County Tipperary in March 1920 with a possible baptism date of 14 March. This is speculative, but based on the best available information. Patrick married Mary Nesbit circa 1843 - a record of a marriage between a Patrick and Mary Purcell in Drom Parish on 30 Sep 1843 is suggested as being these ancestors. Mary was born circa 1817, possibly in Gurteen, County Tipperary.
Patrick and Mary emigrated in or before 1846, as their son, Edward, was born in Pottsville, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, USA on 4 Sep 1846. Edward is my great grandfather. Patrick, Mary, Edward, and a second son, John appear in the 1850 United States Census in Pottsville. No further record of Patrick is extant, but possible naturalization papers and Civil War registrations have been identified. A grave marker in Tremont, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania with only the surname Purcell inscribed, bears 3 Grand Army of the Republic stantions for holding American flags - no record of who is buried in the plot, not who the 3 flags are honoring.
It has been established that Edward Purcell was a member of Company A, Second Regiment of the New Jersey Cavalry, having enlisted on 29 Dec 1864 and being discharged on 1 Nov 1865. Possible service in the war by Patrick is found in the Civil War Draft Registration Records and the Pennsylvania Civil War Muster Rolls as an infantryman.
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1st Mar 1820 (circa) | VIEW SOURCE |
| Spouse (First Name/s and Maiden/Surname) | Mary Nesbit | |
| First Child | Edward Purcell, born 4 Sep 1846 in Pottsville, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, USA | |
