MURPHY, Joseph A. (1876-1947)

MURPHY

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 7/7/2024 at 21:43:26

Joseph A. Murphy
(March 13, 1876 – January 6, 1947)

Obituary
Joseph A. Murphy was born on a farm in Dubuque County, near Peosta and New Melleray, March 13, 1876 and died at his home in Ida Grove, Sunday evening, January 6. He had reached the age of 70 years, 10 months and 13 days. He moved with his parents to Sioux City, March 13, 1889 and lived on 13th Street for a number of years. He completed his grade and high school studies at St. Mary’s school and Bancroft public school, Sioux City and came to Ida Grove, September 13, 1894. He worked on farms and taught school for several years. In 1901 he was appointed deputy county recorder and in 1903 was elected as recorder for Ida County and served 12 years. In 1914 he having purchased from Koppenhaver and Frendendoll, the Ida County Abstract Company in 1905 specialized in abstracting and farm loans for many years and still conducted the business at the time of his death. In the meantime he studied law and began the practice of law in 1917, specializing in handling of probate work, estates and examination of titles. Mr. Murphy acquired his knowledge of law and titles the hard way by self study and long hours. In September 1909 he was married to Miss Marie Emig, who was instructor of music in the public schools here. She preceded him in death, May 24, 1945. Four children were born to them, all of whom survive, Mrs. Kathleen C. Kotz of Denver; Joseph Emmett, Ida Grove; Donald V. and William D. of Seattle, Wash. He is also survived by six grandchildren, four brothers, Wm. and Robert of Ida Grove, Emmett, Los Angeles, and Ray of Long Island, and one sister, Mrs. John Shea of Sioux City. Aside from his term as county recorder, Mr. Murphy served several terms on the local school board, but sought no other office. He was active in local clubs including, Kiwanis and Golf clubs and others, but devoted most of his time to his business. Mr. Murphy was a member of the Iowa Title Association and the American Title Association. He usually attended the meetings of the latter which were held annually in the larger cities of the United States. Mrs. Murphy usually accompanied him on these trips and they visited all of the states in the country except five or six and had a large list of friends and acquaintances from the various states they had visited. Funeral services will be held this (Thursday) at 10 a.m., at Sacred Heart Church and interment will be in the Catholic Cemetery. Source – Ida County Pioneer Record, Ida Grove, Iowa, Thurs., Jan. 30, 1947, p.3