Murphy, Joseph 1846-1907

MURPHY

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 10/26/2014 at 10:50:55

The Grinnell (IA) Herald
April 9, 1907

JOSEPH MURPHY--In the death of Joseph Murphy, or "Joe" as he was more familiarly known all over this part of the county, Malcom township lost one of its best known and most popular citizens. Grinnell joins our neighboring township in mourning his loss for he was a familiar figure on our streets and wherever he went he always carried a pleasant word and a touch of sunshine.

Joseph Murphy was born in St. Johns, New Brunswick, in 1846, and so was 61 years old when he passed away on March 29, 1907, after a short illness. When but eight years old he was taken by his parents to Bureau county, Ill. Four years later he moved to this county and here has made his home ever since.

During the past two years he has been in failing health and his friends and relatives have watched anxiously for the improvement which they hoped in vain to see come.

Mr. Murphy was one of those rugged characters whom it is a pleasure to meet and he had the universal respect of those who knew him. Of his character a friend writes:

"Mr. Murphy was a good man and a kind and loving neighbor. He was a man of clean character and possessed a very tender heart. He was quick to hear the cry of the needy and swift to relieve the distressed. He readily sacrificed personal comfort, ease and gain in order to take time and means to help the needy and the helpless."

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Malcom conducted by the Rev. D. Phillips, on April 1, and his remains interred there. The gathering of his neighbors, which was the largest ever seen in Malcom, testified to his wide acquaintance and popularity. His parents, two brothers and a sister preceded him to the other life, while three brothers and one sister of his immediate family survive him.

The Herald adds its expression of regret with the many others at the passing of so excellent a man as "Joe" Murphy.