Murphy, Arran R. 1829-1899

MURPHY, DUNLOP

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 6/25/2010 at 14:40:02

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
October 19, 1899

A SUDDEN SUMMONS
A. R. Murphy Found Dead in his Room; Sitting in a Chair, Fully Dressed at an
Early Hour.

A.R. Murphy, of the Fairmount Nurseries, was found dead in his room at eight
o’clock Tuesday morning by his grandson, Grover Bechtle.

Mr. Murphy roomed at the C. H. Campbell residence on Eagle street and ate
his meals at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Pierce Bechtle, on Clark street.
He had been ailing a little of late and on occasions when he did not come to
the Bechtle home for breakfast, Mrs. Bechtle would send him over his meal by
one of the children. She sent the boy over Tuesday morning a few minutes
before eight o’clock and he came back breathless and frightened announcing
“that grandfather was cold and white.” Mrs. Bechtle went over to the room
and found her father cold and stiff in death. He was sitting in a rocking
chair, in front of the window which was open, fully dressed. His head
reclined on the back of the chair, and his hands were clasped in front of
him. Dr. Richey was immediately telephoned for and on arrival could only
confirm the sad truth that he was dead. The doctor stated that he had been
dead about an hour and a half or two hours, and said that the cause was
undoubtedly heart disease. It is probable that Mr. Murphy arose about
daylight as the lamp was burning, and six o’clock was his usual hour of
getting up when he was feeling well.

Arran Raper Murphy was born at Troy, Ohio, on December 8, 1829, and was
married at the same place on April 12, 1855, to Margaret Dunlop, who died in
this city some five years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy resided on a farm near
Troy for many years and then came west and settled at Brooklyn, S.D., where
they remained until 1886, when they came to LeMars which has since been
their home. Mr. Murphy engaged in the nursery business with his son-in-law,
Pierce Bechtle, after coming to this place. He leaves two sons and two
daughters to mourn the loss of a kind father. They are: _____ M. Murphy,
Troy, O.; Jas. E. of Fort Wayne, Ind; Mrs. C. A. S______, Brookings, S.D. ;
and Mrs. Pierce Bechtle, of LeMars.

Mr. Murphy was upright, honorable and conscientious, a splendid _____ and a
pleasant, companionable man, who gained very many friends during his
residence in LeMars in business associations and daily life.

He was within a few days of reaching the span allotted by the Psalmist to
man on earth and his long and honorable life was closed by a peaceful
ending. He died firm in the conviction of a future and better life. He was a
member of the Christian church during his life.

The funeral arrangements have not as yet been made. Mr. Bechtle is absent in
Fort Dodge and was informed this morning of the news of his father-in-law’s
death and is expected home on the evening train.