MURPHY, Robert John 1891-1927

MURPHY, BIRNEY

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 2/28/2012 at 14:18:20

MURPHY FUNERAL HELD FRIDAY
AT NORA SPRINGS

Nora Springs, Sept. 26, 1927 — Numerous telegrams from all parts of the United States were received by Mrs. E E. Birney, who was mother to "Bob" Murphy, past national commander to the Forty and Eight, from the time his mother died at the time he was born. All expressed sympathy for Mrs. Birney in the loss of her son and praised highly the kindness and thoughtfulness of Murphy.

Among those from whom telegrams were received are: Howard Savage, past national commander of the American Legion, for the Legion, G. F. Plant, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; J. C. Guitner, Milwaukee; Harvey A. Bernard, Rock Island, Grand chief de gare passe; C. W. Andry, correspondent national; W. E. Wyman, Ottumwa commander Forty and Eight; voiture national, Indianapolis, Indiana; Charles A. Mills, Chef de chemin de fer, Indianapolis.

Obituary

Robert John Murphy was born at New haven, Iowa, June 1, 1891. He died September 10, 1927, at his home at Nora Springs, following a short illness.

Robert's mother died when he and his twin sister, Mary, were born. When Robert was three days old, he was taken into the home of his uncle and aunt, Dr. and Mrs. E. E. Birney, where he was brought up as an own son might have been.

Mr. Murphy attended the public schools of Nora Springs and graduated from the Nora Springs Seminary. He attended Amherst College, from which he graduated with the class of 1914. He then returned to Nora Springs, where he remained until he was called for service in the World War.

Mr. Murphy served as a first lieutenant of Infantry during the war. After the war, he took a prominent part in American Legion activities and was commander of the Forty and Eight, a secret organization of the Legion.

Robert is survived by his foster parents, Dr. and Mrs. Birney, his father, Robert J. Murphy, his stepmother, Mrs. Murphy, and one sister, Leah, Riceville, and his twin sister, Mrs. Frank Wilmot, Hartford, Connecticut.

Mr. Murphy was a member of the Congregational Church. He was a member of the Masonic lodge, having reached the Knights Templar degree.

Funeral services were held at the Birney home. Father C. F. Hinton, St. John's Episcopal Church, Mason City, officiated. Burial was made in the cemetery at Osage, full military honors marking the last march of the Forty and Eighter. Members of the H. D. S. post of the Legion assisted in the ceremonies.

Nora Springs stores were closed during the funeral. Many were present from out-of-town, among them being his father, stepmother and sister; Dr. and Mrs. V. C. Birney, of Greene; Dr. and Mrs. Clinton Birney and son, Estherville; an aunt from Minneapolis; James Hamilton, Des Moines; Mr. and Mrs. Lever, Osage; Mr. and Mrs. Kellogg, Charles City.

[Iowa Recorder, Greene, Iowa, Wednesday, September 28, 1927]
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NOTES:
The listing for Osage City Cem. on IaGenWeb.org shows:

MURPHY, ROBERT JOHN (death/burial) 23 SEP 1927 (loc.) 0374 11 50