Michael J. & Francis M. Murphy

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

Among the most progressive and representative men of Stirling, Morris county, New Jersey, are Michael J. and Francis M. MURPHY, father and son. They have shown their ability among business and industrial lines, and have exerted a potent influence in the community in many directions.

James MURPHY, father and grandfather of the above mentioned, was born in county Sligo, Ireland, in 1830, and, died in New York City in 1877. He emigrated to the United States in 1850, and, being a machinist by trade, found employment as an iron worker in the Delameter Iron Works. He married Mary McCARRICK, who died in 1901 at the age of sixty-three years. They had children: Michael J., of further mention; Joseph, who died in infancy. Mr. MURPHY was in this country but a short time when he identified himself with its interests, and at the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in Company F, Sixty-ninth Regiment, State of New York, and served with bravery.

Michael J. MURPHY, son of James, was born in New York City, August 22, 1854. He attended public and parochial schools in his native city until 1870, when he served an apprenticeship as a machinist with the Delameter Iron Works, and also became an engineer. He left this concern in the early part of 1876, and having taken out his license as an engineer, became associated in that capacity with Moore & Warren, of No. 60 Liberty street, with whom he remained for six years. Seven years were then spent as an engineer with the Henry HEIDE plant, which manufacture candy, and three as engineer for the RHINELANDER estate. His next position was with John N. STEARNS, and in 1898 Mr. MURPHY removed to Stirling, New Jersey, where he entered the employ of the Stirling Silk Company, remained with them ten years, and then retired from active work. He has, however, since that time, devoted his attention to various enterprises of a less strenuous nature. He is a Republican in political matters, and a devout member of the Roman Catholic church. Mr. MURPHY married, in 1880, Julia A., born in West Point, New York, a daughter of Anton OSBORN, and they have had children: Joseph J., as resident of Plainfield, New Jersey, is in the employ of the Stirling Silk Mills, married Mamie BORER, has children: Frank M., Ralph J., and Lillian; Lillian I, is private secretary to a real estate promoter of New York City; Francis M., of further mention; Grace A., is engaged in the silk industry.

Francis M. MURPHY, son of Michael J., was born in the City of New York, June 24, 1884. He was educated in the public schools of New York City, and upon completion of his education found employment with the New York Telephone Company, a connection which he continued for a period of seven years. He then held a position for a time with the Stirling post office, and having prepared himself by assiduous study to pass the civil service examination, he was found duly qualified, and was appointed postmaster of Stirling, September 9, 1913. Mr. MURPHY is an ambitious, energetic young man, of systematic habits, and his conduct of the responsible duties he is called upon to discharge has won commendation from his superiors in office. He is a communicant of the Roman Catholic church, and his political affiliations are with the Democratic party. Mr. MURPHY is unmarried.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)