Neeley Murphy (1927)

MURPHY

Posted By: Ida Morse (email)
Date: 12/16/2010 at 18:08:20

Winterset Madisonian, Winterset, Iowa
November 17, 1927, Pg. 6 Col. 2

Death of Neeley Murphy
Bevington, November 15, Special

Neeley Murphy, an eccentric old man, who had lived as a recluse in a ten by twelve foot shack on the river bank south of Martensdale was burned to death Tuesday morning, November 8. He was a victim of asthma and had slept in a chair many years. A. Dunn discovered the fire and through the blaze could see the man sitting in his chair. The sheriff and coroner of Indianola were notified, but the body could not be recovered.

The hut was filled with magazines and newspapers which added fuel to the flames.

A brother, Wm., who lived with him, died about two years ago. No relatives are known. The dismembered parts of the body were removed for burial. Mr. Murphy was an accomplished telegraph operator and a violinist.

It is thought that the fire was started by an overheated stove.