Murphy, Dennis

MURPHY, JENNINGS, FITZPATRICK, OHARE, DUFFY, MCVEY, REILLY, MCCOY

Posted By: Janelle Martin (email)
Date: 4/3/2011 at 21:35:19

History of Hamilton County, Iowa, Vol. II, 1912, by J.W. Lee, p. 177.

In the history of the agricultural development of Hamilton county, mention should be made of Dennis Murphy, who has resided here for twenty-eight years and is numbered among the county's representative citizens and most capable business men. He was born in County Monaghan, Ireland, in May, 1847, and is a son of John and Anna (Jennings) Murphy, who were also natives of County Monaghan. The family emigrated to the United States in 1849, and in June of that year located on a farm in Lee county, Illinois. The father was a stone mason, and in connection with the cultivation of his fields, also followed his trade, and through his perseverance and unremitting diligence ultimately became one of the substantial agriculturists of the county. He came to America practically empty-handed but he possessed the energy and determination of spirit that form the most essential factor in the acquirement of success, and through his own endeavors attained a position that commanded the respect of his community. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Murphy : Michael, who is engaged in the cement business at Dixon, Illinois; Dennis, the subject of this review; John, deceased; and Bridget, who died in infancy. The two eldest were born in Ireland, and those last named in Lee county, Illinois. Both parents spent their later years in Lee county, where the father passed away in 1897.

Dennis Murphy was only a child of two years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to this country. He received a common-school education, and while still in his early boyhood began assisting his father with the farm work. He remained in Illinois until 1884, when he came to Hamilton county, which has ever since been his place of residence. Mr. Murphy possesses a wonderful capacity for work, which, together with his foresight and business sagacity, has been the secret of his unusual success. His homestead, containing six hundred acres, is located in Williams township, and is one of the best improved and most highly cultivated farms in the county. In addition to it he owns three hundred and sixty acres of land in Rose Grove township, having upon it two sets of improvements, and another tract of one hundred and seventy-six acres, ninety-three of which are in Hardin county and the remainder in Williams township, this county, fully improved. Mr. Murphy's home place is thoroughly modern and is equipped with everything deemed essential to the agriculturist and stockman of the present day. In connection with the cultivation of his fields he makes a specialty of raising stock, and has a fine herd of graded Aberdeen Angus cattle and some registered Percheron horses. He owns two stallions, Ipocuit, No. 79449, and Black Diamond II, No. 72941, and he formerly owned two full-blooded Percheron mares, Mona and Nina. He now has in his possession Flossy, No. 33125, and a young colt that is eligible to registration.

In November, 1869, Mr. Murphy was married to Miss Catharine Fitzpatrick, who was born in Lee county, Illinois, in August, 1851, and is a daughter of Richard and Annie (O'Hare) Fitzpatrick. The parents were both natives of Ireland but in early life they emigrated to the United States and for many years resided in Lee county, where the father passed away. The mother was residing in Dixon, Illinois at the time of her death. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Fitzpatrick numbered twelve: Margaret, the deceased wife of James Duffy; Mrs. Murphy; Julia, who married Thomas McVey, and resides in Bureau county, Illinois; Ella, the wife of Edward Reilly, of Dixon, Illinois; John, who died at the age of sixteen years; Carrie, who resides in Omaha, Nebraska ; Sadie, who is a resident of Chicago, Illinois ; Thomas, who resides in Indiana ; and four who have passed away.

Mr. and Mrs. Murphy are also the parents of twelve children : John, who is living in Williams township; Mary, the wife of Edward McCoy, of Rose Grove township; Dennis, of Williams township; Thomas, who lives in Hardin county; Edward and Philip, both of whom are deceased; Michael, who died at the age of eleven years; James, who is a resident of Rose Grove township; and Charlie, Frank, Leo and George, who are living at home.

The family are all communicants of the Roman Catholic church. Mr. Murphy is a stanch democrat in his political views and has for many years been a member of the school board, while he served as township trustee for nine years. He is public-spirited in matters of citizenship and takes an active and helpful interest in everything that will tend to promote the welfare of the community generally, and can be depended upon to give his support and cooperation to every
progressive movement. His career should prove an incentive to ambitious young men, as it clearly manifests what it is possible to achieve through the intelligent concentration of energy when directed toward a definite purpose. Mr. Murphy is a man of high principles and incorruptible integrity, and in the attainment of his ends has not found it necessary to sacrifice or betray his friends, his transactions being conducted in the most honorable and upright manner.