Walter Murphy's obituary, Monroe, Monroe, Michigan

Copyright © 2000 by Bryan Taylor. This copy contributed for use in 
the MIGenWeb Archives.  

 

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Michigan Historical Society Records, Vol. 11


Mr. Murphy was born in Ernestown, Canada West, April 3, 1816, removing to 
Seneca county, N. Y., at an early age. He came to Monroe, Michigan, in 
1835, where he entered the United States land office as clerk. While there 
he began the study of law, and in the fall of 1837 removed to Jonesville, 
forming a partnership with William T. Howell and opening the first law 
office in Hillsdale county. He practiced law here until 1861, from 1848 
being associated with Hon. W. J. Baxter. He served one term as prosecutor 
of this county, and in 1844 he was elected representative in the Michigan 
legislature.


In 1861 he was appointed by President Lincoln to the position of consul 
general at Frankfort-on-the-Main, which position he held for nine years, 
and has since resided there the greater portion of the time, acting as the 
financial representative of several American railroad companies. The first 
bonds of the United States placed at Frankfort were sold through his 
influence.


He was a partner in the Exchange Bank of Grosvenor & Co., and in company of 
one or two others was the founder of this paper, it first being published 
by W. W. Murphy & Co., under the name of The Jonesville Telegraph. Since 
then he has always manifested a warm interest in the Independent, 
subscribing and paying for five or six copies every year, and in many ways 
manifesting his interest and good will.


He was one of the members of Grace Episcopal church, this place, at the 
time of its organization in 1838, was one of the first vestrymen, and has 
been a vestryman of that church for 39 years, and during 13 years of this 
time served as warden. He regularly contributed to the support of the 
church from the time of its organization to the day of his death.


For many years prior to the war Mr. Murphy was an active, prominent 
anti-slavery man, aiding at all times the slaves in their efforts to escape 
from bondage with counsel and with money, volunteering his services as a 
lawyer whenever occasion required. He was formerly a democrat but joined 
the free soil party in 1848, and the republican party at its formation. He 
was prominent in county and state politics, and never failed to attend a 
political convention when it was possible for him to do so.


In 1849 he was married to Ellen Beaumont, of Monroe, who survives him.


The news of Mr. Murphy's death is no surprise to his many friends. For many 
years he had been in failing health, and lately private advices have been 
very discouraging. He has long been afflicted with a bronchial affection 
which was undoubtedly the cause of his death.


Mr. Murphy, or as he was better known, "Walt," was a man of unusual 
kindness of heart and disposition. He was constantly doing acts of kindness 
to the poor and those in trouble, which acts were never divulged by 
himself. Although absent from Jonesville since 1861 and undoubtedly having 
formed new and strong ties in his German home, he always wanted to be 
counted in all charitable matters here, and was ever ready to respond to a 
proper demand. He was widely known throughout the state, everybody liked 
him, and we believe of him can it be truly said he leaves not a single 
enemy.--"Jonesville Independent."