CHARLES T. MURPHY. - Charles T. Murphy, who has departed this life, but for a number of years was a resident of central Illinois, was born in the old town of Berlin, November 4, 1863, his parents being George and Permelia (Chapman) Murphy. The father was born in the state of New York and the mother in Indiana. In his boyhood days the former was left an orphan and when still a young lad came to Illinois. For many years of his life he engaged in dealing in stock and he became the owner of two good farms near Berlin. He made a specialty of the raising of fine cattle and his annual sales of stock brought him a splendid financial return. Both he and his wife were prominent and influential members of the Baptist church at Berlin, and in fact he was one of the founders of that church. His social relations were with the Masonic fraternity and his political allegiance was given to the Democracy. He died November 4, 1866, and his widow, long surviving him, passed away on the 19th of February, 1884. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Murphy were born five children: William, who married Laura E. Brock, but both are now deceased and are survived by three children; Mary A., the wife of R.L. Stubbs, a resident farmer of Curran township; George W., who married Jennie Spencer, of Auburn, and is engaged in dealing in poultry in Havana, Illinois; Charles; and one that died in infancy.

Charles T. Murphy pursued his education in the country schools at Berlin. He lost his father when but three years of age, and early in life he started out on his own account. In 1885 he took up his abode in Auburn township, and in connection with his brother-in-law rented a tract of land one mile north of Auburn. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss Norah A. Richardson, and their marriage was celebrated on the 4th of November, 1887. She is a daughter of L. B. And Sarah (Patterson) Richardson. Her father was a native of Adair county, Kentucky, and on leaving that state removed to Sangamon county, Illinois, where he remained until his death, which occurred December 16, 1887.

It was in 1887 that Mr. Murphy took up his abode in Auburn, and in 1890 he purchased of C. F. Wadsworth an interest in the Auburn Citizen. He afterward assumed full control and ownership of that paper, and thus continued his connection with the journalistic interests of the locality until his health failed, when he sold the paper to M. L. Gordon. He was appointed to fill out an unexpired term as supervisor, and afterward was elected to the same position, but in October, 1902, on account of his health, he gave over the duties of the office to Mr. Lorton. He was a member of the board of education for six years, acting as its clerk, and in matters of citizenship he took a deep and active interest, putting forth effective and earned effort in behalf of the general welfare.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Murphy was born one son, C. Lee, whose birth occurred on the 28th of July, 1888. In 1885 Mr. Murphy became a member of the Christian church at Auburn, and his widow is a member of the Presbyterian church. Earnest, consistent Christian people, they command the respect and good will of all who know them. Mr. Murphy also belonged to Auburn Lodge, No. 543, I.O.O.F., of Auburn, and his wife became a member of the Rebekah Chapter, the auxiliary of the Odd Fellows lodge. He held membership in Bad Ax Tribe, I.O.R.M., and was the first to hold the office of sachem. He was also identified with the Court of Honor at Auburn and enjoyed the high regard of his brethren of these fraternities. In politics he was a Democrat and served as village clerk for a number of years. He possessed excellent mechanical ability and was able to do anything with tools. His personal characteristics were such as endeared him to many friends, for he was ever loyal to all to whom he gave his friendship and regard. He was honorable and straightforward in business, never shirking the duties of citizenship, and was especially devoted to his family, putting for the very effort in his power in order to promote the happiness and enhance the welfare of his wife and son. He died March 28, 1903, his death being the occasion of deep regret throughout Auburn and in other parts of the county in which he was known.