My Genealogy Hound

JOHN MURPHY. In every state in the Union, Irish-American citizens are to be found, making their way steadily onward in the accumulation of property, and securing their means by honest industry and untiring zeal. In Randolph County a good position among the farmers and land-owners is held by Mr. Murphy, who is a native of Ireland, born in County Antrim in April, 1823. He grew to manhood in the Old Country, and there received a good education.

In the spring of 1849, when determining to try his fortunes in the New World, our subject boarded a sailing-vessel, and after a tedious voyage landed on American shores. Spending six months in New York City, young Murphy came further west and purchased a farm located a short distance from his present estate. This he later sold for $17,000, and invested that money in section 3, township 4, range 5, which he immediately set about clearing and improving, and where he still makes his home.

The lady whom our subject married in 1853 was also a native of County Antrim, Ireland, and bore the maiden name of Marv Smith. They have seven children now living, who bear the respective names of John, Annie, Mary, Jane, Thomas, Robert and Gracie. They have all been given good educations, and Annie is married and resides in Nebraska. John makes his home at Oakdale, Washington County, Ill., and Robert is at Monmouth College.

In 1864 Mr. Murphy enlisted his services in the Union army, joining Company F, Twenty-eighth Illinois Infantry. After joining his regiment at Memphis, Tenn., he participated in the battles of Mobile and Whistler. He was in the service for twelve months, and during that period was neither wounded nor taken prisoner.

Receiving his honorable discharge October 19, 1865, at Brownsville, Tex., Mr. Murphy returned home, and has ever since given his time and attention to farm pursuits. In addition to raising the various cereals he makes a specialty of breeding fine draft horses, and has a number of splendid animals on his place. With his wife he is a member of the United Presbyterian Church at Tilden. As might be expected, he is a Grand Army man, holding membership with Post No. 209, at Coulterville. He is a worthy representative of the Republican party, has taken an active part in local affairs, and has been called upon by his fellow-citizens to serve as a member of the School Board, which office he has filled with entire satisfaction.