h Carolina University, where he remained until the
Spring of 1877, when the act of the Legislature of the State
went into effect again drawing the color line, so he with
the other Colored boys had to leave.

Mr. Purcell returned home, and under his father's
instructions learned the carpenter's trade. He went to
Palatka, Fla., in 1885, where he studied law, and was
admitted to practice law in the Circuit and inferior courts
October 8, 1889, and at once commenced the active work of
his chosen profession at Palatka, Fla.

At the first term of the Circuit Court after his admittance
he represented plaintiffs in several large damage suits, two
against the city of Palatka; in both he got verdict for his
clients; one was appealed to the Supreme Court. He was
admitted to the State Supreme Court January 19, 1891, where
he has successfully represented many cases. January 19,
1897, he was admitted to the United States Circuit and
District Courts, and November 8, 1901, was duly admitted to
the Supreme Court of the United States. He has represented
some of the most important cases coming before the courts of
his State. He came to Pensacola, his present home, in
February, 1899, and has by his energy and ability built up a
fine and growing business.

In politics he is a Republican, and has attended as a
delegate every State, congressional and county convention
since coming to the State, several times presided over State
and congressional conventions, was for twelve years chairman
of the Republican Executive Committee of his county, Putnam.
For many years an alderman of the city of Palatka, Fla. In
1895 he was elected as a delegate to the Republican National
Convention which convened in St. Louis, 1896. He has never
held any office of profit, always honest and fearless in his
opinions and his advocacy of right.

His private life has always been consistent; while not a
member of any religious denomination, always attends the
services of the Episcopal Church; is a temperate man; is
generous and kind in disposition; was married October 24,
1895, to Miss E. L. Andrews, of Orangeburg, S. C.

First: What constitutes a court? In the South as in the North and
other parts of the country, to constitute a court, there must be a
judge, whose duty it is to pre