YELL COUNTY, AR - WILLIAM E. MURDOCK - Bio

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Western Arkansas. 
Chicago: Goodspeed Publishers, 1891.

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William E. Murdock, farmer, Gravelly Hill, Ark. Among all classes 
and in every condition of life where the struggle for a livelihood 
is going on, where can we find independence more forcibly 
illustrated than in the life of the industrious, enterprising 
farmer. Mr. Murdock, one of the foremost tillers of the soil in this 
locality, was born in Walker County, Ga., July 18, 1855, and he was 
early trained to the duties of the farm. 

His educational advantages during youth were not of the best, but 
this he has improved very materially since growing up, and is to-day 
a well-informed man. His father, Daniel Murdock, died about 1861, 
and left a widow and four small children-two sons and two daughters-
of whom our subject was the eldest. The father was killed in the 
battle of Chickamauga. About six years later the mother removed from 
there, and four years later removed with her family to this county. 
At that time William E. was about seventeen years of age and he 
started out to fight the battle of life for himself, as a hired 
hand. While serving in that capacity he made arrangements to attend 
school during the winter, and worked on the farm during the summer 
season. This he continued for four years. From there he went to work 
for H. C. Haney, with whom he remained one year. 

August 25, 1878, he married Miss Martha C. Haney, daughter of J. J. 
Haney, who was killed while in the army. Mrs. Murdock was born near 
Danville, this county, January 9, 1862. After his marriage Mr. 
Murdock bought [p.173] the place where he now lives, and now has 
eighty acres under cultivation. He erected a good house, barns and 
other outbuildings, and is prosperous and successful. His farm 
consisted of 160 acres, and in 1887 he bought another tract of forty 
acres, which is valuable for its timber. His principal crops are 
corn and cotton. 

To his marriage have been born five children, all sons: Jordan E., 
Luther N., Grover C., Herbert O. and Chester S. Mr. Murdock is a 
Democrat. He has been elected justice of the peace for five 
successive terms, giving the best of satisfaction. He has also been 
elected school director for two successive terms, and takes a deep 
interest in educational matters. He is guardian of the estate of 
Albert S. Haney, son of H. C. Haney (deceased). Though he has lived 
in the county most of his life, he has never been sick, and has 
never found it necessary to have a physician in his house.