My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM H. MURPHEY, secretary of the board of township commissioners of Cheltenham, and ex-member of the house of representatives at Harrisburg, is one of the best known citizens of the lower section of Montgomery county. He is a native of the city of Philadelphia, where he was born November 15, 1848, in the old district of Northern Liberties. He is a son of Henry T. and Emeline (James) Murphey. His mother was a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth James, of Loudoun county, Virginia. Mr. Murphey’s paternal ancestors were of Irish origin, and in religion were Protestants. His grandparents were Francis and Mary E. Murphey, both of whom spent their entire lives in Ireland.

Henry T. Murphey, father, was born near Durimanway, county of Cork, Ireland, but came to this country in early life, locating in Philadelphia, and is still a resident of that city, being the oldest voter in the Twentieth ward. In early life he learned the trade of a blacksmith, and afterwards followed this occupation through the more active period of his life, although for the past quarter of a century he has not been engaged in any business. He married Emeline James, in Philadelphia. Their children: Thomas F., deceased; William H., subject of this sketch; Mary E., widow of Louis Phillips; Thomas F., second, residing in Philadelphia.

William H. Murphey acquired his education in the public schools of Philadelphia. After completing the ordinary course of study he learned the trade of carriage making, which occupation he followed very successfully for a number of years in the city of his birth. In the year 1871 he removed to Ashbourne, at that time a small village, but now a place of considerable importance in a beautiful neighborhood in Cheltenham township. Mr. Murphey has from his first vote, cast in 1890, been an active Republican worker, and he became at once interested in Montgomery county politics. In 1880 he was elected a member of the Cheltenham school board, and was re-elected at the end of his term of three years, serving in all six years with entire acceptability to the people of the township. In his action as a school director Mr. Murphey occupied the most advanced position, leaving nothing undone to keep the schools at the highest point as to efficiency and usefulness. The fine reputation achieved by the schools of the district is due largely to the progressive spirit displayed by men like Mr. Murphey who have filled the position of director in the past twenty years. In 1894 his name was prominently mentioned as the Republican nominee for recorder of deeds in Montgomery county. He did not obtain the nomination at that time, but he was named as deputy recorder by George W. Keys, the successful aspirant, and served three years in that position, At the end of Mr. Keys’ term as recorder of deeds, Mr. Murphey, who had made many new friends during his stay in the office as deputy recorder, was unanimously named by the Republican county convention for the succession to Nr. Keys, and was elected by a large majority at the end of a very effective canvass, in November, 1896. He faithfully performed the duties of the position, retiring at the end of three years, on the 31st of December, 1899, with the respect and confidence of all with whom he had come in contact during his term of office. In November, 1900, Mr. Murphey was elected a member of the house of representatives, and took an active part in the legislation of that session. While still a member of the legislature he was elected to his present position, and he has performed its duties with great ability and success. In political life Mr. Murphey has been remarkably fortunate, always attaining the object of his ambition, and making hosts of friends in the fulfillment of his duties.

Mr. Murphey married, in Philadelphia, Miss Sarah C., daughter of Henry L. and Joan Lutts. Their children: Catherine E., Harry L, and William M. Harry L. is purchasing agent for the Midvale Steel Works. He is married, and has two children, Margaret and Helen. William M. is now residing in Manila, in the Philippine Islands. He served an apprenticeship on the schoolship “Saratoga,” and on the breaking out of the Cuban war, was appointed as an officer on the steamship “Paris,” renamed by the United States government the “Yale.” After the close of the Spanish-American war, he proceeded to Manila as third officer of the transport “Meade,” and was subsequently appointed captain of a vessel in the coast-guard service which position he still fills.

Mr. Murphey’s daughter, Miss Catherine, is an assistant superintendent of music in the Philadelphia schools. Miss Murphey was the first graduate of the Ogontz High School, and is also a graduate of the State Normal School at West Chester. She is an able musician and an excellent teacher, and is well esteemed by her pupils.

Mr. Murphey is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of the Golden Eagle. In his political views he is an earnest supporter of the Republican party, its candidates and principles. He has been a delegate to many state and county conventions. As an official he is faithful and painstaking, thoroughly devoted to the interests of the public, and always attentive to the requirements of the position. He is actively interested in the welfare of the community in which he resides, and is universally respected.