Background
Purcell, William E. was born on August 3, 1856 in Flemington, New Jersey, United States. Son of Joseph and Johanna (Duggan) Purcell.
Purcell, William E. was born on August 3, 1856 in Flemington, New Jersey, United States. Son of Joseph and Johanna (Duggan) Purcell.
Public school education.
Admitted to New Jersey bar, 1880. Moved to Dakota, 1881; now senior member Purcell & Divet. State's attorney, Richland Company, North Dakota, 1889-1891.
United State Attorneys, Ty. of North Dakota, 1887-1889.
Resigned to become member North Dakota Constitutional Convention. Appointed by that convention a member joint commission created by enabling act between states of North. and South Dakot to divide the property, apportion the indebtedness and settle all questions of dispute arising on account of division of the territory.
1st member Democratic National Committee from North Dakota. Member North Dakota Senate, 1906-1910.
Appointed United States senator from North Dakota, February 1, 1910, for unexpired term (1910-1915), succeeding F. L. Thompson, resigned.
Member Purcell & Divet. Member North Dakota Constitutional Member joint commn; member Democratic
Member North Dakota Senate, 1906-1910.
Married Myra East. Stevens, April.