He had been jobless for several weeks at the time of his death. He had been living in a boarding house at 7 Charlotte Quay while seeking work; he had stayed at that address ‘from time to time for the last five years’. He had previously resided at Holy Cross in County Tipperary and at Dromcolliher in County Limerick. (I cannot coroborate this)
It is not clear if his name was "William B" or "James" both are given in press. And only person to identify him was his landlady, who may or may not have been sure of his name. It is curious that the "B" is included, which should be a clue , but does not lead anywhere.
1911 Census There are no "William B Purcell" in a census which one expects to list full names
1921 May 7. shot Cork
IRA Witness statement On 9th May 1921, a civilian named Purcell was shot for spying. He was traced through letters captured by our lads in the mails.
