In 2022, Virginia Tech will celebrate its 150th anniversary. What started as a fledgling school to promote agricultural, mechanical, and military education grew into a comprehensive research university with a global land grant mission. As part of the upcoming celebrations, "Virginia Tech: 150 Years in 150 Images" will provide a unique look at the history of Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University from its late nineteenth century origins up to the present day. The book includes 150 unique or rare photographs and other items from the Special Collections and University Archives at Virginia Tech. These iconic and less familiar historic photographs celebrate the milestones and lesser-known achievements of the past 150 years and point to the bright future of Virginia Tech.

Edward Purcell (1731-1783?) was born in Ireland and immigrated to the British Colonies. He married Ann Hampton, daughter of Noah and Alys Hampton, about 1753 in Virginia. They had three sons, Jonathan, Edward and William. The first son, Jonathan (1754-1813) married Catherin Douthit (1755-1799) about 1773. They came to Indiana and settled near Frichton, Indiana and had 10 children. His two brothers, Edward and William, also moved to the area. Descendants and relatives lived mainly in the Knox County, Indiana area. Includes Crews, Buck, Scomp and related families.