Message | I have traced my parental lineage back to the first Pursel in America, Thomas Pursel, who sailed from London aboard the Constance in 1635. He is reputed to have been independently wealthy and, on arrival, purchased land in Long Island, NY.
If Thomas were descended from the Purcells of Loughmoe, I might be considered the 25th Baron of Loughmoe!
There have been many spellings of the name: Purcell, Purcel, Pursel, Pursell, the last of which was originated in my line by my great grandfather to distinguish his family from the hundreds of Pursels in the area of northern NJ where he farmed. Alas, there had already been changes to Pursell in the PA branches of the family and, together with the *cels and *cells, we fill many pages in local phone books.
It is actually far easier to trace ancient roots than to sort out all the modern progeny.
Please write if you can contribute to my genealogy. Thank you.
Jim Pursell |