Murphy, M.

MURPHY

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 11/11/2007 at 23:04:55

Jackson Sentinel
October 14, 1869

MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. – Our unusually quiet city was considerably exercised last week over the mysterious disappearance of Mr. M. Murphy, of the firm of Murphy & Shattuck, and also City Treasurer. On Sabbath morning, the 3d inst., Mr. Murphy hired a livery team with the avowed purpose of going to Andrew to arrange some business affairs in that town. Nothing more was thought of the matter until Wednesday, when it was discovered that he had not been to Andrew at all. As it was known that he had a considerable sum of money with him, grave fears were entertained that he had been foully dealt with, which were only dispelled by the discovery that he had been seen passing through Fulton and Iron Hill, on his way northward. Upon receipt of this information, inquiries were at once made as to the condition of the city funds, when it was discovered that he had drawn out every dollar in the treasury. Friday evening a letter was received from him stating that he never intended returning to Maquoketa, that he had left property enough in Maquoketa to meet all his liabilities, and if there was not, he had the money with him to supply the deficiency; also, that he had left the team at Galena. Mr. Murphy had become somewhat embarrassed in his business affairs recently, and probably lacked the moral courage to face the music. At any rate this is the only hypotheses upon which this strange freak can be accounted for at present.
The city is amply secured, and consequently will incur no loss.