Background
Purnell, William Henry was born on February 3, 1826 in Worcester County, Maryland, United States. Son of Moses and Maria (Bowen) Purnell.
college president state official
Purnell, William Henry was born on February 3, 1826 in Worcester County, Maryland, United States. Son of Moses and Maria (Bowen) Purnell.
Graduate Delaware College (now U. Delaware), 1846. Read law with Judge John R. Franklin.
Admitted to Maryland. bar, 1848. Prosecuting attorney Worcester County (Maryland.). 1850-1853; deputy attorney general Maryland., 1853-1855.
Comptroller Maryland.
Treasury, 1855-1861; deputy postmaster Baltimore, 1861. Organized “Purnell Legion,” 1861, commissioned colonel, resigned command, 1862.
President Delaware College, 1870-1875, instructor elocution and oratory, 1897-1902. Principal Frederick Female Seminary, 1885.
Married Margaret Neill Martin, June 13, 1849, 5 children including Caroline.