Nevada
County
Biographies
PETER PURCELL
Peter Purcell, deceased, was the
proprietor of the Fashion Livery Stable of Grass Valley, and carried on
business here for many years. A native
of the Emerald Isle, he was born in Kings County on the 2nd of July,
1833, and was a son of Peter and Mary (Colgan)
Purcell, who also were natives of Ireland.
His father was a merchant tailor by occupation, and died in 1884, while
his mother passed away in 1880. The
family is noted for longevity.
Peter Purcell, the fourth in order
of birth in their family of five children, spent his boyhood days at his
parental home, and in the schools of the neighborhood acquired his
education. In his youth he also learned the
trade of merchant tailoring, which he followed until coming to America. In the year 1861 he determined to seek his
home beyond the Atlantic, and after reaching the new world took up his abode in
Peru, Indiana, where he remained for two years, after which he came to California,
locating in Sweetland, Nevada County. There he engaged in mining for a short time,
and in 1872 came to Grass Valley. From
1872 onward he conducted a livery business, having well equipped barns on Main
Street, adjacent to the Holbrook House, and where he had hansoms and carriages
and other stylish turnouts which he furnished to the public at reasonable
rates. He received a liberal share of
the public patronage, and his business brought to him a comfortable competence.
In July, 1873, occurred the marriage
of Mr. Purcell and Miss Margaret Moroney, a lady of Irish birth. They had eight children, namely: Thomas J., Mary, Peter F., Joseph, Margaret,
Catherine, William and Theresa. They
also lost three children.
Mr. Purcell was a Democrat in his
political views and kept well informed on the issues of the day and did
whatever he could to promote the success and welfare of his party. For seven years he was connected with the
Grass Valley fire department, being a member of Hose Company No. 2. He was deeply interested in everything
pertaining to the welfare of his adopted city and withheld his support from no
measure which he believed would prove of general good. His hope of bettering his financial condition
in America was realized, and he not only won here a good business, but also
gained many warm friends. March 17,
1900, he was kicked by a horse, injuring him to such an extent that he passed
away April 2, 1900. His loss to the
community is a painful one, as he was a valuable citizen.
Transcribed by
Gerald Iaquinta.
Source:
“A Volume of Memoirs and Genealogy of Representative Citizens of Northern
California”, Pages 374-375. Chicago Standard Genealogical Publishing Co. 1901.
© 2010
Gerald Iaquinta.
Golden Nugget Library's Nevada County Biographies