My Genealogy Hound

LAWRENCE S. MURPHY is a member of the firm of Bottom & Murphy, liverymen of Sparta, and is recognized as one of the progressive business men of the place, who well deserves representation in the history of Randolph, his native county. His father, Bryson Murphy, was born in Randolph County, and being left an orphan at an early age he was reared by the Rev. David McDill, with whom he remained until he had reached man’s estate. In the common schools he was educated, and at an early age was qualified to teach, which he did for a number of years as a means of livelihood. In the United Presbyterian Church he was an active worker.

In 1856, Mr. Murphy was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Maxwell, a native of Randolph County, and a daughter of John and Catherine (Clark) Maxwell, who were natives of New York. The former was born in 1790, and died in 1846. When a young man he came to Illinois, where he followed farming. He had but limited educational privileges, but was a man of good ability, of the strictest integrity, and was an excellent neighbor. His wife was an accomplished lady, well educated, and possessed noble qualities of womanhood.

To Mr. and Mrs. Murphy were born six children. Clemmie is now living in California; George died in his twenty-first year; Lawrence is the next younger; Hattie, who was formerly a teacher of recognized ability, is now the wife of Rev. J. W. Ashwood, pastor of a United Presbyterian Church of St. Louis; Charles, the youngest member of the family, died at the age of two years. The mother of these children makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Ashwood, of St. Louis.

Lawrence S. Murphy was born on the old homestead in Randolph County on Christmas Day of 1860. The father having lost his health when our subject was quite young, the responsibility of helping to provide for the necessities of the family fell upon Lawrence when he was a tender youth. In consequence, in the school of experience he has acquired the greater part of his knowledge. In 1887, he became associated with Mr. Bottom in the livery business. They are now equal owners in the business which they are successfully conducting, enjoying a fine trade.

Mr. Murphy is also interested in other enterprises. He owns some city property in Sparta and is a member of the building and loan association. He is still a young man, but is recognized as one of the representative citizens of the community and occupies a prominent place in business circles. He holds membership with the Knights of Pythias fraternity. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party.