I just came across your posting of August, 2001 on Listserve. I don't know if you are still         interested or not about the history of Purcell, Ladd & Co. If you are here goes. John B. Purcell was my great great grandfather.Purcell, Ladd & Co.Was a large 4 story building located at 5 Governor street in Richmond, Va. The store was sort of a Wal Marts of it's day. They mostly were known for selling drugs but they sold many other items. Mr. Purcell sr. was too old to serve in the Confederate Army so he sponsored a battery, known as the "Purcell Battery". The battery fought in many battles  during the war including Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg to name a few. The battery was finally overcome and captured at the end of the war at Petersburg. The "Purcell Battery Battle Flag " is archived in the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond. Mr. Purcell's son also John Purcell joined the Confederate at age 12. He fought in many battles around Richmond. His first "Yankee" kill was actually a Canadian conscript. At the war's end he was a top sergeant. During the war his father provided much needed medicine for "The Cause". Purcell, Ladd & Co. was founded in 1840 and was bought out by Owens and Minor in the early 20th century.  The Purcells and Ladds are buried next to each other in the Hollywood cemetery in `Richmond. There are three John Barry Purcells living in Richmond, my brother, my nephew, and my grand nephew. There is a lot more but I will end it here. I hope this answers some of your question. 
Sincerely,
Lawrence C. Purcell

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