MAGLHPurkitt
HENRY PURKITT 1755 - 1846
Junior Grand Warden, 1828
BIOGRAPHY
From Moore's Freemason's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XVIII, No. 12, October, 1859; Page 364.
Col. Henry Purkitt was a native of Boston, born in the year 1755, received his education at the public schools of his native town, and served an apprenticeship to the trade of cooper. His master was one of the Sons of Liberty, and took an active part in the destruction of the tea in Boston harbor, on the 16th of December, 1773. Although young Purkitt, with his fellow apprentices, were commanded to remain at home during the evening, he disobeyed the order, and was present, as a spectator, at the execution of this bold and daring act. When the war broke out he enlisted as a soldier in the revolutionary army, and served until the peace. He was in the battles of Trenton and Brandywine. Returning from the camp he set up his trade in Boston, and carried it on successfully for many years.
In 1803 he was appointed by the Governor of the Commonwealth Inspector-General of Pickled Fish. He discharged the duties of this office thirty five years, with distinguished ability. His taste for a military life did not forsake him when he left the army. He soon after joined a company of cavalry, and passed through all the grades of office, until he rose to the rank of Colonel. He was many years a member of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association, and a trustee in that institution. Ever active in promoting the interests of the society, he was regarded with respect and veneration by his associates. He died at his residence in Boston, March 3, 1846, at the advanced age of ninety one years.
"Uprightness and exactness were prominent attributes of his character, and universal love and charity for all mankind were sincerely exhibited in his social intercourse. He had troops of friends, but it is not known that he ever had an enemy." He died as he had lived, in peace with all mankind.
