Patrick Murphy (1893 - 1938)

MURPHY, MANNING, HAWES, MULLARKEY, THORNTON, GILROY, CROWE

Posted By: M. J. Fitzgerald (email)
Date: 10/11/2009 at 17:32:08

Obituary for Patrick Murphy (1893 – 1938) from the September 7, 1938, Allamakee Journal newspaper reads:

Sudden Summons for Lafayette Twp. Farmer

The community was shocked and saddened Saturday afternoon by news of the death of Patrick Murphy, prominent Wexford farmer who died suddenly about 2:30 o’clock of a heart attack. He had just returned to the house after looking after some cattle, and rose from his chair, his wife and daughter holding him in their arms as death came without him saying a word. He had been in his usual health and his sudden passing in the prime of manhood well illustrates the uncertainty of life. However cruel though their bereavements, his wife and children have consolation in their faith of salvation, as well as the earthly heritage of a priceless good name which he left them. Of a quiet, industrious disposition, he was a true and loving husband and father, neighbor and friend. We doubt if he had a single enemy, and his death caused sorrow and grief to a wide circle of relatives and friends.

Patrick Murphy was born May 13, 1893, second youngest son of Catherine and Patrick Murphy, deceased. He was united in marriage to Anna Hawes Nov. 25, 1914, at Immaculate Conception church, Wexford by Rev. Father Laffan. To this union two children were born, Linus and Laurayne, both at home.

He leaves to mourn his loss his bereaved wife and two children., also three sisters, Mrs. M. J. Mullarkey, and Mrs. Margaret Thornton of Lansing, and Mrs. J. E. Gilroy of Bovil, Idaho; and three brothers, James, of Oelwein, and Thomas and Frank of Lansing. All were present at the funeral but Anna. Two sisters died in infancy and another, the late Mrs. Thos. Crowe, who passed away a couple months ago.

Deceased spent his entire life farming in Wexford and died on the present farm which he occupied for the past twenty years. He was a member of the Rosary Society and also Catholic Order of Foresters.

Requiem mass was celebrated at Wexford by the pastor, Rev. Father White., on Saturday Sept 3rd, who preached a most eloquent and consoling sermon, taking his text from Ec. 41st chapter, “Work your work before the time and God will give you your reward in His time”; paying tribute to his good life and exhorting his hearers to follow his example of true Christianity, a righteous life, and merit a reward in the world to come.

The casket bearers were Henry O’ Neill Wm. Curran, Frank Hurm, Joe Manning, Wm. Collins and Joe Joyce.

Out of town relatives and friends attending the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. James Murphy, Oelwein; Mr. and Mrs. Devallo Cassidy and son, and Mrs. James Manning and son Vincent, Waukon.

The funeral was the largest ever held in Wexford. He was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery beside his loved ones gone before.

May his soul rest in peace.