My Genealogy Hound

NEWTON MURPHY was formerly one of the thrifty and enterprising farmers of Johnson County, owning a well improved estate of eighty acres in township 45, range 25. He was born in Geauga County, Ohio, July 22, 1822, and was the son of Thomas and Ruby Murphy. The father was born in Berkshire County, Mass., while the mother was a native of Tolland County, Conn. They were married September 13, 1813, and many years thereafter removed to Geauga County, Ohio, where they were engaged in farming for the remaining years of the father’s life. Mrs. Murphy died in Trumbull County, that state. To Thomas and Ruby Murphy there were born six children, viz.: John, Williston, Clarinda, Newton, Flora and Ella. The second son is the only member of the family now living, and he makes his home in the Buckeye State.

Newton Murphy lived with his parents in his native county until his marriage, which took place when he was twenty-six years old, the lady of his choice being Miss Elizabeth Mallory, also a native of that county. They continued to live in Geauga County for some time, when they moved to Port Huron, Mich., where Newton obtained employment in the shipyard. After a residence there of about four years he returned to his native place bereft of his wife, who had died in the Wolverine State. To them was born a son, Elbert, who departed this life at the age of six years.

After the death of his wife Mr. Murphy lived for a time in Geauga County, engaged in farming, but as he desired to make a change, removed to Ashtabula County, that state, which was his place of residence for several years. We next find him farming on a quarter-section of land in Jewell County, Kan., which he improved and lived upon for six years. While there he was married to Mrs. E. M. Murphy, the widow of James Murphy. She was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, February 22, 1836, and was the daughter of Allen and Nancy (Glancy) Ames, the former born in New York State and the latter in Pennsylvania. Mr. Ames was a carpenter, following that trade all his active life. He lived in Ashtabula County, Ohio, many years, but on attaining his sixty-eighth year removed with his wife to Allegan County, Mich., where he lived retired for some time prior to his death. Mrs. Ames also died in that state.

The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Murphy were eight in number, and of them we make the following mention: Lucinda married Varanes Cole, and upon his demise she became the wife of George Freeman; both are now deceased. Jesse married Mary Ann West, and they are also deceased. Madison and his wife, formerly Miss Dexter Starkey, have passed from the scenes of earth. Thankful married Crandall Hopkins, and they make their home on a farm in Antelope County, Neb. John died at the age of twenty-two years. Selden married Sophia Havens, and their home is in Ft. Collins, Colo. Willard is living with his wife, formerly Mary Carnes, in Van Buren County, Mich. Fiesco was killed in battle during the late war.

The wife of our subject was married, in 1849, to James Murphy, who although bearing the same name was not a relation. He was a native of New York State, and after removing to Ashtabula County, Ohio, made his home there until his decease. To them were born three children. Ida, who married Charles Forbes, is living in San Jose, Cal.; Ardell married Dora Reed, and they live in Perry, Lake County, Ohio; James Clayton was born October 6, 1860. He has never married, and continues to make his home with his mother. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Murphy came to Warrensburg, Mo., near which city they purchased a farm of eighty acres. The estate is stocked with a good grade of animals and is so managed as to produce a goodly amount of grain each year. Mrs. Murphy continues to live on this farm, which she cultivates with the aid of her son. Our subject was a Republican in politics, greatly interested in the success of the party, although he always preferred attending to his private interests rather than holding office. His death occurred August 25, 1893, at which time the community lost one of its most valued citizens. Mrs. Murphy is a member of the Christian Church, having joined that denomination in Ohio.