Posted on: SanJoaquin County Obituaries Reply Here: http://genconnect.rootsweb.com/gc/USA/Ca/SanJoaquinObits/10667 Surname: Purcell, Calice ------------------------- JOHN PURCELL DEAD. - -- The Well-Known Former Street Commissioner Expires at Stockton. - -- Ex-Street Commissioner John Purcell died in Stockton Thursday evening of inflammation of the bowels, the news having been received by friends and relatives in this city yesterday morning. Mr. Purcell was ill but a short time and death came very unexpectedly. His wife was at his bedside at the time of death, she having been summoned to Stockton a few days ago. Deceased was born in Michigan in 1840 and came to San Jose at a very early age, having resided in this city since the early fifties. He was for several years driver of the Torrent engine and gave up his position when elected Street Commissioner in 1886, which office he held for two-terms. About two and a half years ago Mr. Purcell went to Stockton and there engaged in contracting. For over a year he was in business for himself, but about a year and a half ago went into partnership with Thomas Brookbanks. The firm was engaged largely in city contracting in Stockton at the time of Purcell's death, laying streets and sewers, being highly successful in bidding and doing satisfactory work. Deceased leaves besides his widow, two sons and four daughters, all of whom reside in this city. One of the daughters is the wife of Joseph Calice, head salesman for J.A. Belloli. The remains have been forwarded to this city and the funeral will take place from the family residence, corner of Tenth and Jackson streets, at 2 o'clock to-morrow afternoon. San Jose Daily Mercury, November 18, 1893 **** PURCELL - In Stockton, November 16, 1893, John Purcell, beloved husband of Delia T. Purcell, father of Mrs. J. Calice, Anna, Edward, William, Naomi, and Gertrude Purcell, aged 59 years, 7 months and 24 days. Funeral TO-MORROW (Sunday), at 2 P.M., from his family residence, corner of Tenth and Jackson streets, San Jose. San Jose Daily Mercury, November 18, 1893, Saturday **** Funeral Notice - Members of San Jose Fire Department and Exempt Firemen are requested to meet at Torrent Engine House, Old City Hall, TO-DAY (Sunday), at 1 p.m., for the purpose of attending the funeral of John Purcell. J.F. Dwyer Chief of Department San Jose Daily Mercury, November 19, 1893 ++++++++ JOHN PURCELL'S DEATH The Well-Known Contractor Passes Away After a Brief Illness John Purcell, the contractor, died at 11:20 last night at the Commercial hotel. Mr. Purcell had only been ill a few days and the announcement of his death will be a shock to his many friends. He had been engaged in city work in Stockton a couple of years as a member of the firm of Purcell & Brookbank. He had made many friends in this city by his sound sense and genial disposition and his death will be greatly regretted. Mr. Purcell was a native of Massachusetts, 60 years of age and came to California in 1848. He resided most of his time in San Jose, where he was street commissioner three consecutive terms. He leaves a widow and six children the youngest of whom is only 8 years old. His ailment was inflammation of the bowels and he was carefully attended by his wife, son and son-in-law, who came when apprised of his illness. The remains will be taken to San Jose on the noon train to-day and will be there interred in Oak Hill cemetery. Stockton Daily Independent, Friday Morning, November 17, 1898