Stephen Murphy 1823-1904

MURPHY, SCAUNLAN

Posted By: Cathy Joynt Labath (email)
Date: 11/11/2006 at 17:20:12

Emmetsburg Democrat; Emmetsburg, Palo Alto, Iowa; Wednesday, June 22, 1904

Stephen Murphy is Dead.

Mr. Stephen Murphy, father of Michael Murphy, died at the home of the latter Monday night shortly before twelve. He had not been well for a couple of weeks, having been troubled with an attack of pneumonia. Still, no one considered his condition serious. Monday morning he was about but was not strong. His death, under the circumstances, was, of course, considerable of a surprise to his people. The funeral will be held today. The procession will leave the house at 9:30. Services will be conducted at Assumption church. The interment will be in St. John’s cemetery.

The deceased was born in the County of Kerry, Ireland, in 1823, making his age 81. He was married, in his native country, to Ellen Scaunlan, in 1847. In 1848 they ame to the United States and settled at Lowell, Massachusetts, remaining at that place for two years. From there they moved to Hillsboro, Ohio, and later to Juneau county, Wisconsin, where they spent 14 years. In 1871 they became residents of Emmet county, Iowa. Their home was in the present neighborhood of Armstrong. In 1876 they came to Emmetsburg. Their place was in the southwest part of town and is at present owned by Jerry Flynn and others living on the same block. Mrs. Murphy died eight years ago. After that Mr. Murphy lived with his son Michael a short distance southeast of town. The latter is the only surviving member of the family except perhaps, another son- Bartholomew, the location of the latter being unknown. A son and a daughter died many years ago.

Mr. Murphy was an unassuming quiet, honest old gentleman. He led a most exemplary life and his motives and his conduct were always above reproach. He would not knowingly harm any one. He was pleasant, agreeable and ever ready to do a neighborly act. His fellow citizens and friends respected him because of his sincerity and under all circumstances to do what was right between man and man. Such a life is a blessing to the community in which its influence is felt and its passing is mourned by all who recognize the value of true manhood and upright citizenship.