James E. Purcell

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

James E. Purcell

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

In James E. PURCELL, Mount Arlington, New Jersey, possesses a citizen of the best type, a type of which the Irish stock has produced so many examples throughout the country, a type skilled in the earliest of human occupations, save hunting and fishing, the occupation upon which the whole civilized industry rests as a pyramid upon its base. Mr. PURCELL possesses the characteristic qualities of the man whose work is to make the earth fruitful, directness, simplicity and strength, qualities from which our modern complexities have too far removed us, but which by a primitive necessity, still win their way to recognition through the most foreign and even antagonistic environment.

His parents were both natives of Ireland, the father, James PURCELL, having been born there in 1834, and the mother, Mary (DEGNAN) PURCELL, in 1838. They were both immigrants to America in early youth, Miss DEGNAN coming here with her parents and settling in New York City, while Mr. PURCELL went to Orange, Essex county, New Jersey The two were early married, and Mr. PURCELL, who was a gardener by vocation, removed to Succasunna, Morris county, New Jersey, where he died in 1901, aged sixty-seven years. His widow is sill living in Dover, Morris county, and is now seventy-five years of age. To them were born children as follows: Mary, now Mrs. John H. SMITH, of New York City; Susan, now Mrs. Thomas RYAN, of Burlington, Vermont; James E., of whom further; William F., married Margaret O’CONNOR, of Brooklyn, New York, and is now a machinist employed in Morristown, New Jersey; Isabella, now Mrs. John O’CONNOR, of Dover, New Jersey, whose husband is engaged in the plumbing business there; Ellen Serena, deceased: Isabella, deceased; Frederick John, deceased; John, deceased.

James E. PURCELL was born in Succasunna, Morris county, New Jersey, February 26, 1865. He obtained his education in his native town, attending the Alspaugh School of Succasunna, and after completing his course of studies there he began his work as a gardener in the same locality. He later removed to Mount Arlington, New Jersey, where he has made his residence for twenty-seven years. He at once became prominent in the affairs of the town and has been engaged in many important works there. With his father, he was engaged in laying out the grounds of the Hotel Breslin in Mount Arlington and has remained with Mrs. PATTEN twenty-three years, in charge of the property, the lawns, gardens, etc., and caring for the hotel during the season it is closed. Mr. PURCELL is not content, however, with devoting his time and attention exclusively to his personal affairs, but takes an active interest in the life of the community and has served in several offices in the gift of his fellow citizens. He has lived in Mount Arlington since its incorporation and has become well acquainted with the needs of the town and is eminently fitted to direct it affairs. For a number of years he has been a member of the board of education, an office he has filled to his own credit and the satisfaction of the community. He is a Republican in politics and has twice been elected on that ticket to the council, and is now serving his second term in the capacity of councillor.

Mr. PURCELL was married in October, 1899, to Catherine C. McNALLY, daughter of Michael and Ann McNALLY, natives of Ireland, who came to this country and settled in Mine Hill, where Mrs. PURCELL was born. Mr. McNALLY was employed for a time by P. C. BUCK in the Mine Hill Store and later engaged in the tea and coffee business for himself. Both he and Mrs. McNALLY are dead. To Mr. and Mrs. PURCELL was born one child, Catherine Mary, who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. PURCELL are members of the Roman Catholic Church and attend St. Mary’s Church, Dover, of that denomination, in the cemetery of which Mr. PURCELL Sr. lies buried.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)