Purceys of Michigan and their English rootsOverviewThe purpose of these pages is to inform family researchers of the origins of the Purcey family who came from Surrey, now part of Greater London, to Michigan USA. The family arived with a least three sons and one daughter; they now have many descendants. Some of the places they settled were Grand Rapids, MI, Bonne Terre, MI and St Louis, MO. I have lots of other information and source material - I am happy to share this information - please email me. The beginning of the Purcey lineJohn Purcey was born in Fletching, Sussex in 1796. Not long after, his parents were living in Edenbridge, Kent and two more sons were born, Edward and James. The family had the surname Purser. For reasons unknown John's surname changed to Pursey/Purcey at about the same time that he settled in Bramley, Kent. John married and had two sons and a daughter. One of the sons, John, married Harriet Jelley and they had four sons and two daughters. The family, including (at least) sons William John Purcey, Charles Purcey and Walter Steven Purcey and daughter Ann Purcey went to Michigan around 1870 to start the American branch of the family. I do not know whether there are any descendants of John in the UK today. Present day familyEdward went to Australia as a soldier in 1832. When the regiment was transferred to India in 1835 he decided to leave the army and remain in New South Wales. Had six children and has many descendants, many still in the area of Sydney where he was granted 35 acres. James, his wife and children went to Ontario, Canada in 1848/9. There are many descendants in Canada, many still in Ontario. Although the traditional genealogy paper trail is good a descendant of James from Ontario, Canada and a descendant of Edward from Sydney, Australia each took a 25 marker DNA test - they matched in all 25 markers! The principal occupationIf further proof were needed of the connection between the far-flung branches of the family just look at their principal occupation. Tannin must flow in their veins! Here is the list.
Further informationIf you are interested in the family history and would like to know more or have information to contribute feel free to email me.
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Last updated 7 Dec 2018
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