"Thomas Murphy is known as one of the substantial capitalists and representative farmers and stock growers of Lenawee County, where he has won success through his own well directed energies, and commands unequivocal confidence and esteem. Mr. Murphy is a native of Tullynuey, County Antrim, Ireland, where he was born August 15, 1843, and he is a son of John and Mary (Sample) Murphy, both of whom were likewise natives of Ireland, where the former was born in Tullynuey, County Antrim, July 16, 1817, and the latter in Camlea, June 15, 1819. John Murphy was the son of John and Elizabeth (Simpson) Murphy, of Tullynuey, County Antrim, Ireland, and the latter, who was the grandmother of our subject, was a very strict Covenanter, religiously, whose ancestors were natives of Scotland and fled to the North of Ireland to escape the religious persecutions in the seventeenth century. James and Mary (Cunning) Sample, grandparents of the subject of this review, were also natives of Camlea, County Antrim, Ireland, and were descendants of old Scotch Presbyterians, the grandfathers' people on both sides being farmers in a modest way.

"Thomas Murphy, at the age of twenty, in May, 1868, came to America, located in Lenawee County, and began work by the month, saving his earnings and sending money to his brothers  John, Andrew S., and William T., to enable them in coming to the "land of the free". He also assisted his parents in coming. The brothers, however, returned to him the money which he had advanced them, after they arrived here and secured work. 

"The parents came here to America in June, 1881, and took up their abode in Macon, Lenawee County, where the son, Thomas, had a house already furnished for them. There they lived twenty two years. They were residents of Clinton Township at the time of their deaths, as the sons had moved away from Macon, and they built a small house in Clinton Township, near to them. The mother passed away January 1, 190), and father passed away October 27, of the same year. They held membership in the Presbyterian church and were people of distinctive mentality and sterling attributes of character. They are survived by four sons and two daughters.

"Thomas Murphy was reared and educated in the fair Emerald Isle, where he attended the excellent Cloghwater National Schools, and he preceded his parents to America by several years, as stated before. Since becoming a resident of Lenawee County, in 1868, he has continued to make his home here and he has worked his way from obscurity to a position of no little prominence and of definite independence and prosperity. He began working by the month as a farm hand and was thus engaged for a period of time of ten years. The first year he worked for James B. Colvin, of Raisin, and in the ensuing three years for the late Edmund Hall, of Holloway. Then for six years he was in the employ of the late Judge C. A. Stacy, of Tecumseh, which employment he left on his wedding day. In all these years he lost no time, and has always hired out to his new employer before leaving his old one. He realized and observed the truth of Benjamin Franklin's statement that "sloth, like rust, consumes faster than labor wears", and thus he never lacked appreciation of the dignity and the value of honest toil, no matter in what the endeavor. He also had the vision and wisdom to carefully husband his resources during those early years of earnest application, and this was shown in the fact that within nine years he had saved from his earnings the noteworthy sum of $3000.

"In 1877, he purchased eighty acres of land in Macon Township, though he continued to work by the month about one year thereafter, in the meantime renting his newly acquired farm. He then purchased an additional forty acres, equipped with adequate buildings, and thereafter he long gave his l.ID divided time and attention to the work and improvement of his own farm property.

"In 1891 he purchased another forty acres adjoining and in the autumn of 1898 he purchased his present homestead farm of 130 acres, in Tecumseh Township. Still later he purchased forty acres in Clinton Township, so that his landed estate in Lenawee County now aggregates 330 acres. His energy during these long years has been unabating, and his progressive policy and able management of affairs have placed him among the leading farmers and stock growers of the County where he began his independent career as a farm hand. Such accomplishment means much and should bring a due measure of objective appreciation and admiration. Mr. Murphy is a stockholder in the Anthony Fence Co., manufacturer of wire, also a stockholder in the H. Brewer and Co., manufacturer of clay working machinery, and a director of the Farmer's Fire Insurance Company of Lenawee County. He has not failed to take a loyal interest in all that has tended to conserve the material and civic prosperity of his home count, and in politics he has ever given staunch support to the cause for which the Republican party stands sponsor. While a resident of Macon Township he served as school moderator and school assessor for years and township treasurer two terms, and in public office, as in private life, he has had the inviolable confidence and regard of those who know him.

"April 3, 1878, witnesses the marriage of Mr. Murphy to Jennie Anderson, who was born in the Craigs, County Antrim, Ireland, July )0, 1846, a daughter of William and Eliza (Getty) Anderson, who became residents of Lenawee County in 1865, and passed the remainder of their lives in Ridgeway Township.

"The following is a brief record concerning the children of Mr. and Mrs. Murphy: James A. was born January 8, 1879, and is now bookkeeper in the offices of Ohio Savings Bank and Trust at Toledo, Ohio. He was graduated in the Ridgeway High School and also Cleary Business College at Ypsilanti, Michigan, taking both the business and shorthand courses. On June 9, 190), he was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Russell, and they have one son Russell Anderson, born in 1907. Lizzie May, the second child was born April 12, 1881, and was graduated in both the Ridgeway and Tecumseh High Schools, after which she was a popular teacher in the public schools of the county until her marriage, March 25, 190), when she became the wife of Louis R. Feldman of Maybee Township, Monroe, Michigan, and they have one son Clare Merton, born May 4, 1906. Anna Florence, who was born September 20, 188), was graduated at the Tecumseh High School and from the Michigan State Normal School at Ypsilanti, Michigan, and is now a successful teacher in the Elsie High School in Clinton County, Michigan. Thomas Earl Murphy, who was born March 7, 1889, is assisting his father in the management of the home farm. He has been through the Tecumseh High School and is preparing to enter the Detroit Business College. Ella Agnes was born September 30, 1894, and is attending the public schools of Tecumseh (1909), in the immediate vicinity of which village the family hoe is located. 

"In June, 1907, Mr. and Mrs. Murphy and their daughter, Ella, made a trip to the native land of their parents and visited Ballymena, County Antrim, Ireland. They also visited the Irish International Exhibitions in Dublin, the city of Belfast, Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, and all the large cities. They enjoyed the trip very much. Mr. Murphy hardly knew his old home, or the people, as everything had changed for the better in the thirty nine years since he had left his native hearth. The return trip to America was made in the month of September."

Taken from a Biographical Album of Lenawee County, Michigan, published 1888.

"THOMAS MURPHY, CITIZENSHIP PAPERS  Came to America in 1867 and according to statutory requirements of continuous residence of at least five years in the United States (and one year in the State of Michigan) a native of Great Britain, he made application on February 15th., 187), to become a citizen of the United States of America, due testimony and proof being finished by Walter C. Burridge and E. G. Wilson. Certificate of Citizenship was approved and signed by the Hon. Victor H. Lane, Circuit Judge, and attested by Edwin L. Mills, Clerk of Lenawee County, Michigan, on October 28th., 1895."

Their Children:

• James Alonzo Murphy was born at Lake Ridge, Michigan, on January 8, 1879. He married Miss Josephine Russell on June 9, 190), and Grace Hoagland on March 18, 1926.
   

• Lizzie May Murphy was born at Lake Ridge, Michigan, on April 12, 1881. She married Louis R. Feldman on March 25, 190).
   

• Anna Florence Murphy was born at Lake Ridge, Michigan on September 20, 188). She married Alexander Gibson on November 14, 191).
   

• Thomas Earl Murphy was born at Lake Ridge, Michigan, on March 7, 1889. He married Carrie Palmer on June 12, 191).
   

• Ella Agnes Murphy was born at Lake Ridge, Michigan, on September JO, 1894. She married Percy Boyd on September 10, 1917.

Thomas Murphy was born at Tullynuey, County Antrim, Ireland, on August 21, 1847. He came to America in 1867, and died at Britton, Michigan, on July 18, 19)7, aged 89 years, 10 mos., 27 days.

Jennie Anderson Murphy was born at "The Craigs" in County Antrim, Ireland, on July )0, 1846; came to America in 1865, and died at Tecumseh, Michigan, on January 16, 1928, aged 81 years, 5 mos., and 16 days.

The said Family Bible and Certificate of Citizenship from which the above information was obtained are in the possession of James A. Murphy.

"MURPHY-FELDMAN

Miss Lizzie Murphy and Lewis R. Feldman, of Exeter, March 1903

Were United in Marriage Wednesday Evening at the Home of the Bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Murphy 

A quiet home wedding occurred Wednesday evening at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Murphy, one mile north of the village, when their daughter, Miss Elizabeth May, was united in holy wedlock to Mr. Lewis R. Feldman, of Exeter. The impressive words were spoken by Rev. W. F. Jones in the presence of only immediate relatives. After the happy couple had received congratulations, an elaborate supper was served. Miss Murphy is well and favorably known in Tecumseh and Mr. Feldman is to be congratulated on winning her as his life partner. They will make their future home in Exeter."

William and Eliza Anderson's fourth child, Mary, was born in 18.50. She came to the United States with her parents in 1865, and married Thomas Elliott of Tecumseh in about 1874.

Thomas Elliott was born in Clogh, County Antrim, Ireland, on April 1, 1850. He came to America in 1873. Thomas was the son of James and Maria Miller Elliott. His brother, James, preceded him to Michigan in 1871, and had married Adelaide Rainey of Homer in 1876. James Elliott died in 1938. A sister, Margaret, and another brother, Robert, also emigrated to America. Margaret married David McWilliams on March 24, 1885. David, a son of John and Mary (Jennings) McWilliams, was born in County Antrim, August 5, 1800.

Thomas and his brother, James, both were excellent tradesmen, and they set up blacksmith shops in the village of Tecumseh.

Thomas and Mary Elliott had four children: James (1875  1938), William (1877  1930), Ernest (1879  1937) and Thomas, Jr. (1889  1937). Young Tom worked in the post office in Tecumseh for many years.

Mary Anderson Elliott died on June 10, 1926, and Thomas died on October 11, 1932, at the age of 82.

Samuel J. Anderson was born near Cullybackey, County Antrim, Ireland, and came to Michigan with his parents and four sisters in 1865. On Thursday, December ), 1885, at his mother's home in Macon Township, he was married to Maria Jane Wallace by Rev. Charles S. Dutton, pastor of the Reformed Church. Maria Jane was born' December 27, 18.54. She was the oldest of eight children of John and Jane Wallace.

They lived in the Ridgeway Macon area, first in a small house on Milwaukee Road  the house is no longer there, but it was near a creek that crossed Milwaukee Road. Later they lived closer to Ridgeway on Milwaukee Road (the Raymond Bird farm), and then on Ridge Highway

just north of Ridgeway (the old Rappeleye farm, more recently Milburn Baker's home). They were members of the Methodist Church in Ridgeway. Samuel and his neighbor to the east, Joseph Wiggins, donated one of the stained glass windows in the church.

In 1908 the family left the Ridgeway area and moved to a farm one mile north and 1t miles east of North Adams. They had two children,' William Wallace, born December 18, '1887: and Anna Lavina, born July 12, 1890.

"In October of 1982, he was diagnosed as having Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease) and was forced to go on sick leave in March 1983. He finally retired September 23, 1983, and was able to attend an open house in his honor. Al though mentally alert, he was in a wheelchair and unable to speak. On October 4, eleven days later, he succumbed to the ravages of this neuromuscular disease. He was buried in Northlawn Cemetery near North Adams alongside his grandparents, Samuel and Maria Anderson.

"Ronald's oldest son, William, was graduated from the Alpena High School in 1960. He worked for the Kroger Company in Bay City until 1962 at which time he enlisted in the Air Force. He was stationed in Athens, Greece, for several years and married Hrissoula (Christina) Magdou in Athens in 1965. Subsequent assignments have been Texas; Germany; Dayton, Ohio; one year in Thailand while retaining his base in Dayton; Sacramento, California, and Japan. After returning from Japan in 1980, he was stationed in Dayton, Ohio, for a few months and then was transferred to San Bernadino, California, where he is at present. He and Chris have one daughter, Rhonda Marie, born June 3, 1978, in Japan.

"John, the second son, graduated from Bay City High School in 1968. He worked for the Kroger Company, where he had worked most of the time since age 14, until his death on July 8, 1980. He married Andrea Kay Welch in 1970 and they had two children, Michael John, born October 6, 1972, and Amy Noel, born December 31, 1973. John died from complications from chicken pox in the lungs. After his death, Andrea returned to college and nurses training and expects to graduate in December 1984.

"Renee graduated from Charlotte High School in 1980. She married Dennis Durwood Zank of Charlotte on July 9, 1983. She is day supervisor at The Parlour restaurant in Charlotte. Dennis works for Eaton County Transportation.

"Wilma was born on the farm near North Adams, attended the country school for eight years and graduated from North Adams High School in 1938. She attended Cleary College in Ypsilanti, Michigan, completing a one year secretarial course in 1939. She worked in Hillsdale for five years for the Federal Farm Loan and the Agricultural Adjustment Administration (Federal Farm Program).

"In August of 1944 she moved to Jackson and commenced work as a secretary for Consumers Power Company and has continued there until the present time (40 years), working in the same department for 31 years and for the same man for 29 years. She never married. She has traveled quite extensively, having traveled in Europe and the British Isles, the Holy Land, Hawaii and in 47 of the 50 states. In Northern Ireland she visited Wallace relatives and saw the girlhood home of Maria Wallace Anderson as well as the Cullybackey cemetery where many of the Wallaces were buried. Vacation time for the past few years has been spent, for the most part, near Tarpon Springs, Florida, where she has a travel trailer."

Taken from an account by Wilma Anderson

"Last Wednesday at 'Pleasant View' the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. J. Anderson, Russell Meredith Smith of Britton, was united in holy wedlock to Anna Lavina Anderson, in the presence of the immediate families. The impressive ring ceremony was used. Rev. R. W. Merrill officiating. The bride was attired in a beautiful gown of old rose silk foulard; the groom wore the conventional black. In the three years Mrs. Smith has lived here she has endeared herself to a host of friends. She was active in church work and will be greatly missed. Mr. Smith is a popular young fanner of Britton, and of excellent character. The happy couple left for a short wedding trip to Detroit, after which they will begin housekeeping in Britton. Among the many useful presents received was a check of four pounds from the bride's grandparents in northern Ireland. Their many friends unite in extending congratulations. "