Background
Purnell, Thomas Richard was born in 1847 in Wilmington, North Carolina, United States. Son of Thomas R. and Eliza A. (Dudley) Purnell.
Purnell, Thomas Richard was born in 1847 in Wilmington, North Carolina, United States. Son of Thomas R. and Eliza A. (Dudley) Purnell.
Entered C.S.A. at 16 years of age. Surrendered and paroled, Greensboro, 1865. Graduate Trinity College, June 1869.
On coming of age engaged in practice of law.
Republican. Has served in both branches State legislature. Has been State librarian. Candidate for attorney general of North Carolina, 1892.
United States judge, Eastern district North Carolina, May 5, 1897—1908. Home: Raleigh, North Carolina.
Married Adelia E. Zevely, November 16, 1870.