Person:John Murphy (146)

Name	John 'William' Murphy
Gender	Male
Birth^[1]^[2]^[3]^[4]	29 Jul 1848	Canada
Marriage	25 Sep 1876	Echo, Antrim, Michigan, United Statesto Margaret Ann 'Maggie' Hosler
Death^[5]^[3]^[6]	24 Oct 1925	Echo, Antrim, Michigan, United States
Burial^[3]^[6]	26 Oct 1925	Morehouse Cemetery, Echo (township), Antrim, Michigan, United States

He fought in the Civil War, Co. G, 14th NY Heavy Artillery, and enlisted November 1863 under the name of William J. Cole, lying about his age (he was 14 years old). He was captured at Petersburg, Virginia, March 25, 1865 and was mustered out June 7, 1825. Source: Maurice Murphy and National Archives file.

In 1868 he left New York with the Hoslers for Michigan. In 1880, 1900, 1910 & 1920 he was a farmer. For more information see Grace Hooper's Pioneer Notes. Pg 295.

JOHN W. MURPHY

It will always be a badge of honor in this country to have it known that a person's father, or even his uncle, enlisted in the service of the country when the great Rebellion broke out, to assist in saving the Union and to eradicate slavery from our soil. Just as to this day we boast that our grandfather or great-grandfather fought in the Revolution to gain independence or fought in the war of 1812 to protect our rights on the oceans, so the descendants of the gallant soldiers who fought during the Rebellion to save the Union will boast through the coming centuries of the bravery and self sacrifice of their fathers or other relatives. It is a pleasure to write of the subject of this sketch, who was one of the "boys in blue" that went forth to die on the field or in the no less dreadful fever camp, if need be, for the salvation of the country. The subject of this sketch is a native of Canada, where he was born July 29, 1849, and is the son of John and Charlotte (Tulip) Murphey. The subject's father was born in Dublin, Ireland, from whence he emigrated to this country and later to New York state, where his last days were spent. He was a butcher by trade and also spent some time in railroading. J. W. Murphey received his elementary education in the public schools of New York, but his studies were interrupted at the age of fourteen years by the sounds of the oncoming struggle. The southern states were in insurrection and the cloud of civil war lay over the land, arousing the spirit of patriotism in every lover of the old flag. Among those who went forth to do and die was Mr. Murphey, who enlisted in Company G, Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery, in 1863 and spent two years in the service of his country. He took part in a number of battles in which his command participated, being in seventeen battles and suffering captivity by the rebels at Petersburg, Virginia. He was faithful in the performance of his duties and achieved a splendid reputation for bravery and courage in the face of danger. At the close of the struggle he received his honorable discharge and returned to his farm home in New York. In 1869, Mr. Murphey came to Antrim county, Michigan, and homesteaded eighty acres of land in Echo township. He was engaged for some time in the lumber business, but at length devoted his entire attention to his own property and labored earnestly to the task of clearing the land and making it fit for cultivation. He now has one hundred and sixty and a quarter acres of land, of which one hundred are under cultivation and from which he obtains bountiful harvests in return for his labor. He gives attention to stock raising to a limited extent and is progressive and enterprising in his operations.

 Mr. Murphey is an earnest and uncompromising Republican and is a staunch advocate of party measures, though he has not ambition for office holding.  In 1877 Mr. Murphey was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Hosler, sister of John Hosler, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.
 In all of his work Mr. Murphey has been practical, accurate and honorable and his business reputation is unassailable.  He is thoroughly familiar with the mysteries of successful agriculture and the appearance of his homestead indicates the careful and painstaking man that he is.  What he has achieved in life proves the force of his character and illustrates his steadfastness of purpose.
 Mr. And Mrs. Murphey have had ten children born to their union, namely: Mary Ann, born February 22, 1878, is married; Ralph, born March 12, 1880, is at home with his father; William, born December 2, 1882; Hattie, born June 8 1886; May, born March 2, 1887;  Sarah born June 5, 1891; Charlotte, born April 26, 1893; John Erwin, born August 21, 1897; Belle, born September 28, 1900, and one that died in infancy.
  Source:   Biographical History of Northern Michigan  B.F. Bowen & Co.,1905, pp 304-306.

Obituary

JOHN WM. MURPHY CIVIL WAR VETERAN PASSES AWAY

  John William Murphy passed away at his home in Echo township, Antrim County, last Saturday morning, Oct. 24, at the age of 77 years, 1 month 26 days.
   Mr. Murphy was born in Johnston, Canada, in 1848.  at the age of 14 years (in 1862) he enlisted in company G, 14th New York Heavy Artillery and served his adopted country for three years during the Civil War strife.  He was active in 17 battles and suffered captivity by the rebels at Petersburg, Virginia.  At the close of the war he was honorably discharged, and returned to his home in New York.
  In 1869 he came to Michigan and homesteaded 80 acres in Echo township, Antrim County.
   On Sept. 25, 1877, he was united in marriage to Margaret Ann Hosler.  He is survived by the bereaved wife and the following sons and daughters: -- Mary Ann Spence of Ridgetown, Canada; Ralph Roy Murphy of East Jordan; William Murphy at the parental home; Hattie Towsley of Charlevoix; May Kidder of Echo township; Sarah Staley of Eveline township; Charlotte Saddler of Alanson; Erwin Murphy of East Jordan, Belle Sweet and Raymond Murphy at the parental home.  He is also survived by twenty grand-children and one great grand-son.
   Funeral services were held from his late home Monday afternoon, Oct. 26th, conducted by Rev. Henry Hiies, pastor of the East Jordan M.E. church.  Interment at the Moorehouse Cemetery. 
 Source: Charlevoix County Herald Fri., Oct. 30, 1925, pg 1.

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