Henry Ferguson Murphy/Murphey (1822-1885)

MURPHY, MURPHEY

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 11/26/2015 at 18:34:46

From Nevada Representative December 2, 1885

H. F. Murphy

Died at his home in Nevada, Iowa Nov. 29th, 1885, after a comparatively brief sickness, H. F. Murphy, aged a little over 63 years.

We make record of the above sad event with sincere sorrow. Mr. Murphy has gone in and out before the people of Nevada and Story county for thirty years, and to say that he was done this in a way to win the good will and high respect of his fellow citizens of all classes is simply to state the facts in the case. We have heard occasional criticisms upon some of his public and official acts, but we have never heard, during our eight years residence in Nevada his motives impugned or the kindness of his spirit questioned; and during our own past intimate relations in educational work, we never had occasion to distrust the worthiness of his purpose or to value lightly his judgment and counsel. He has held and repeatedly, honorable positions in the government of county and city, in the management of the schools, in the conduct of agricultural society, and in most local associations, that have made for the development and protection of the community, and always with becoming modesty and unquestioned efficiency. He has not been noisy in the proclamation of the political or religious faith but the essence of true patriotism and religion undefiled has permeated, in a marked degree his whole business, public and home life. His obsequies were observed yesterday afternoon under the general direction of the Masonic brethren, and were throughout deeply impressive. The presence of the Craftsmen from all parts of the county, the large attendance of neighbors and acquaintances, the general suspension of business, the closing of the school, and the general expression of regret resting on all, testified in an exceptional manner to the general sorrow. His family, in their great and sore bereavement, have the sincere condolence of the entire community.

The funeral address was given at the Lutheran church by Rev. Mr. Ziegler, the closing portion of which has been kindly furnished as for publication.

MR. ZIEGLER'S REMARKS.

Mr. Henry F. Murphy was born in Kentucky, July 31st, 1822, A. D.; he died Nov. 29th, 1885, being 63 yrs. 3 mos and 28 days of age. In his early life he united with the Christian Cambellite Church, though since coming to Iowa he was not formally connected with any denomination. I could wish that his whole life had been earnestly devoted to the interests of the Church of Christ. But I am not here to day to upbraid, neither to eulogize; his spirit is now in the hands of a just and loving God.

Mr. Murphy has lived in your midst for 30 years, coming to Iowa in 1855. During these years you his friends and neighbors have known him but to esteem him. Coming as he did to a new country in his young manhood, he had to meet the many discouragements and hardships incident to frontier life, but he had succeeded through his diligence in business and strict business integrity by making for himself and family a comfortable living.

Though not a perfect man (for this side the grave none reach this enviable attainment) yet the common verdict is that he was a man among men. In his business affairs and social relations and public life a spirit of justice, that is commendable, characterized his actions. He frequently held positions of trust and responsibility in the town and country, being for years a member of the school Board and at his death its honored President. Education always had in him a warm supporter, and in his death we, the citizens of Nevada and Story County, have met with an irreparable loss. Mr. Murphy was the teacher's friend to him they could go and feel that they would be listened to kindly yet justly. Yet though we feel our loss to day, we know that our heavenly Father rules over all and pray that we may be able to appreciate the words of the master when he says, "What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter." In Mr. Murphy's death not only has the community lost a valued citizen, but we a neighbor and a friend. I can say personally, since I have came to know him better, especially during the past year, that he has shown his kindness and encouragement to me in ways that I shall ever cherish with delight. He has thus shown to me that he was my neighbor. And many of you can claim him too as a friend neighbor. We all shall know better what a loss we have sustained, when in after days, we miss his encouraging words and substantial aid, and see his face no more where it used to be seen at his place of business. But his home has been deeply bereft. A father has gone; a husband is taken away. Of his home life you, his family know better than I. Certainly he has with love provided for your comfort. To day you mourn his loss. Your hearts are tender with a sense of your loneliness. Without bidding you dry your tears I would lead you to the encouraging words of Him who has promised to be a "Father to the fatherless and the widow's God." It is comfort and support you need; look not for them in the cold world; find them alone in the tender love of our Heavenly Father of whom it is said: "God is Love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him," and in the gracious sympathy of our Redeemer, who says, "Come unto me all that labor and are heavy laden, and I shall give you rest."

May the God of love, and peace, comfort and keep you all, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.