George W. Purcell
George W. Purcell, manufacturer, P. O., Union. His father, Thomas, was a native of Prince William Co., Va., and was united in marriage with Anna R. Young. Eight children were born to bless this union, four sons and four daughters. James and George W. are living at the time of this writing.
Thomas emigrated to Ohio in 1852, locating in Morrow County, where he remained until his death in 1857. George W., the subject of this sketch, obtained a fair education, and assisted his father with the duties of the farm until he arrived at the age of 19 years. In 1861 he answered the call of Lincoln for 75,000 men and enlisted in the 20th Regiment Ohio V. I. in the three months service. At the expiration of this term of service, he re-enlisted in the 43d Regiment Ohio V. I., and was promoted to the position of Corporal and subsequently to the position of Duty Sergeant, Orderly Sergeant and Sergeant Major, after which he was commissioned Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant; from that to Captain in command of his company. During his term of service he was engaged in the battles at New Madrid, Shiloh, Corinth, Island No. 10 and Resaca, and was with Sherman in his march to the sea. In 1864 he was appointed Hospital Commissary by Gen. McPherson, where he remained until he received his discharge, after which he came to Union, Montgomery Co., and associated himself with Dr. S. Hawkins and commenced the manufacturing of tile. He took for wife Anna Hawkins, daughter of Dr. S. Hawkins, and celebrated their marriage in 1865, and as a result of this union had four children, viz: Samuel B., Charles F., George V., Albert H. As an evidence of the popularity and esteem with which he was held in the community where he lived, he was elected a member of the School Board in a special district, and was elected Treasurer of the Board. He filled that position to the satisfaction of all concerned for a term comprising a period of six years, after which he was elected Assessor of his township. In 1878 he was elected Commissioner of Montgomery County, and discharged the duties of that office to the public acceptance and credit to himself for one term.
From The History of Montgomery County, Ohio, W.H. Beers & Co., 1882